As the founder and frontman of Metallica, James Hetfield spearheaded the thrash metal revolution, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rhythm guitarists of all time.
Since the band’s formation in 1981, Hetfield’s riff-writing and downpicking speed has become the stuff of legend. It’s best showcased on landmark ’80s albums Master of Puppets and …And Justice for All, where it was complemented by lead guitarist Kirk Hammett’s frenetic solos.
As Metallica moved into the ’90s, the band made a swing for the mainstream with the Black Album. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time and cemented the group as the biggest metal band in the world.
Latest about James Hetfield
Les Claypool looks back on his disastrous Metallica audition
Following the death of the sorely missed Cliff Burton, James Hetfield and co. auditioned the bassist of the then-emerging band Primus
Metallica has rolled out something special to help celebrate 50 years of EMG
Updated sets for James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo will only be available in 2026
Billy Corgan on what drives guitar heroes to change their tone – and how it led him to package his sound in a pedal
The Smashing Pumpkins guitar icon reflects on a tonal journey four decades in the making, what pushes him to make signature gear like the new Laney Supergrace affordable, and why he’s the most excited he’s been to make a guitar album in 25 years
The heartwarming moment James Hetfield met a 10-year-old superfan
The Metallica icon spent time with the young fan, and had one important message for him
Dave Mustaine sets the record straight on why he and James Hetfield don’t talk anymore
The story goes way back to Metallica's legendary No Life 'Til Leather demo
“For James Hetfield fans, this guitar is a no-brainer”: Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG review
Epiphone's latest Explorer delivers the ultimate unofficial tribute for Metallica fans
Daron Malakian on the time he saved a Metallica gig – and ended up filling in for an injured James Hetfield
Malakian stepped up to sub for Hetfield at the last minute while on tour – and stuck around until he was fully recovered
Inspired by Kiss, Metallica and Dokken, DRAIN’s Cody Chavez is the hardcore hero who isn’t afraid to shred
The Jackson die-hard thought he’d never be good enough to solo – then he surprised himself. He explains how his playing on new album …IS YOUR FRIEND was influenced by Dimebag Darrell, James Hetfield – and one specific George Lynch guitar solo
