1983 in rock: Metallica debut album released

1983 was the year that Metallica burst onto the scene with their debut album, 'Kill 'em All'. Formed by guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, and drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica were heavily influenced by the Heavy Metal scene in the UK of just a few years earlier (dubbed by the press as the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal'). Ulrich, hailing from a wealthy family (his father was a successful tennis professional) was in a privileged position to be able to import almost everything that came out of the scene, and he would cite the UK band Diamond Head as one of his primary influences for Metallica.

The line-up was completed by guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Cliff Burton. Hammett had only recently replaced previous axeman Dave Mustaine, and Mustaine's influence was still apparent on the finished record. He had co-writing credits on four of the songs, and Hammett's guitar solos were based on Mustaine's early contributions. Dave Mustaine had parted company with the band in somewhat acrimonious circumstances, and he subsequently founded Megadeth, achieving success on his own terms, although the press made much of the supposed 'rivalry' between the two camps in later years.

Released on the independent Megaforce label in the US, and on Music For Nations in the UK, the album became something of a template for the emerging 'thrash metal' scene. Countless bands who have come afterwards have cited Metallica as an influence, and although their later albums made them huge it is still 'Kill 'em All' which is most fondly remembered by their early fans.

Metallica went on to be signed up by Elektra records in the US for their second album 'Ride the Lightning', while remaining independent in the UK. It wasn't until their fourth album 'And Justice For All' that the group were picked up by Phonogram in Europe; by that time they'd experienced both major success and tragedy. Bassist Cliff Burton was killed while on tour with the band in September of 1986 following a crash of the band's tour bus. The band were quick to recruit new bassist Jason Newsted in his place who would hold down the position for the next 14 years, however Metallica have acknowledged that they should have allowed themselves more time after Burton's death, since the well-documented 'hazing' of Newsted throughout his time with Metallica had its roots in his not being Cliff Burton.

Metallica have gone on to become megastars and probably the very thing they set out not to become, when they released 'Kill 'em All' as feisty young Metalheads who looked a lot like the New Wave of British Heavy Metal acts they were trying to emulate. For those who think their career began with the Black Album, or even 'Load' - 'Kill 'em All' is an essential listen.

From a show in 1983 here is Metallica's bassist Cliff Burton performing his solo 'Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)' which leads into 'Whiplash':