Metallica, one of heavy metal’s most influential bands, has often been accused of “selling out” by purists. Here’s a timeline of notable moments when the band incensed traditionalists:
**1981: “Play music get rich”**
– Before even starting, James Hetfield’s high school yearbook quote, “Play music get rich,” sparked claims that the band was always in it for the money.
**Ride The Lightning (1984)**
– Some fans were upset by the use of acoustic guitar in “Fade to Black,” claiming it was a departure from pure metal.
**The Black Album (1991)**
– The commercial success and more polished production led to accusations of abandoning their thrash roots for mainstream appeal.
**Load and Reload (1996-1997)**
– Metallica’s experimentation with blues, rock, and alternative styles in these albums caused a significant backlash. The band’s change in image, including haircuts and more contemporary fashion, further fueled criticism.
S&M (1999)
– Collaborating with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra was seen by some as another betrayal of their heavy metal identity.
**St. Anger (2003)**
– The raw, unpolished sound and the absence of guitar solos divided fans and critics alike.
Despite these controversies, Metallica has remained one of the biggest and most influential bands in heavy metal, continuously evolving and expanding their musical boundaries.
