Thrash Metal

Metallica is a four-piece heavy metal band from Los Angeles who were a key part of the 80's thrash metal scene. The band formed in 1981 when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement for musicians to set up a band with him.

He was joined by James Hetfield on rhythm guitar and vocals, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar and Cliff Burton on bass guitar. The band briefly had Dave Mustaine on guitar, but he was ejected from the group and later formed the band Megadeth. After Cliff Burton died in a road accident, he was replaced by Jason Newsted. Newsted left the band in 2001 - after a tenure lasting 14 years - prior to recording St Anger after four studio albums with the band. The current bassist for Metallica is Robert Trujillo.