My 5 different songs here are the songs that I believe opened Metallica up to a wider, more diverse audience. Metallica has had so many fans, from Germany to Canada, and these people probably discovered Metallica through one of these songs:

5 “Dyers Eve” – And Justice for All…

This is a lightning quick song that played to the thrash and speed metal fans. This song is so fast and intricate, Metallica has a hard time trying to play it now, like they did those 20 years ago. Though not often played live, it has been played a few times on select tours. This song, known for its speed, intense solos, and powerful chords, opened Metallica’s first fans (heavy metal, thrash metal, and speed metal fans) up to Metallica’s ability.

4 “Hero of the Day” – Load

This is one of Metallica’s slower paced songs. Though it does pick up the tempo in the middle (at 2:33), it was quickly rejected, along with the whole album, by Metallica’s fan-base for being too alternative rock. The Load album was their first of alternative rock experiment and many fans did not enjoy where they were going with it. However, it is true to say that many alternative rock fans loved this song and it is now known as one of Metallica’s most famous songs.

3 Until it Sleeps – Load

A new voice took the reins in the Load album, the secular voice. The song Until it Sleeps was written to tackle some of the popular religious beliefs that James was struggling with. James mother had just died after refusing life-saving medication because she thought that God would save her. James comments on the illogical and showcases the popular, conflicting arguments between science and religion. This song helped to get Metallica noticed by the atheistic community and the intellectuals who found the song to be an enriching caricature on the debate they were dealing with.

2 ” No Leaf Clover ” S & M

Over the years leading up to Metallica’s performance with the San Fransisco orchestra, James was playing around with a few new riffs he hadn’t fit into a song yet. When the album S & M started recording and Metallica was accompanied by a full orchestra, James new riffs found a home in No Leaf Clover. This song was created for the orchestra album and show. It helped showcase Metallica as not only metal-heads, but as intelligent artists who knew how to create brilliant songs.

1 Master of Puppets – Master of Puppets

The best Metallica song and best metal song by far. This song has it all and the album it is named after helped to skyrocket the group’s success. Who wouldn’t love the power chords, the masterful lyrics, or the slow, interesting middle section. The song topped the charts on the boards and the charts in the fans hearts.

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