The Best of Warner Music’s Heavy Metal Bands
Contents
A look at some of the greatest metal bands to come out of Warner Music Group. Includes bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
Warner Music’s Best Heavy Metal Bands
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist James Hetfield, who then recruited vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney. The group’s fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship placed them as one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer. Metallica’s current lineup comprises founding members Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. Guitarist Hammett was a member from 1983 to 2003, replacing former guitarist Dave Mustaine; bassist Trujillo joined the band in 2003, replacing Newsted. Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Hetfield and drummer Ulrich are the only members of Metallica who have performed on every album; bassists Newsted (on Adler’s Appetite’s Trampled Under Foot), McGovney (on Metallica), Jason Newsted (1987–2001; on And Justice for All… and Metallica) and Trujillo (on Death Magnetic) and guitarists Hammett (on Kill ‘Em All), Kerry King(Adler’s Appetite only) Dave Mustaine (early demos), Jaymz Lennfield (Enter Sandman single only), Hammett again from 1983 to present day(on Ride the Lightning through Death Magnetic) share this honor.
Metallica achieved substantial commercial success with their eponymous fifth album Metallica, also known as The Black Album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. With this release the band expanded its musical direction resulting in an album that appealed to a more mainstream audience. The album was also certified sixteen times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2000, Metallica was among a number of artists who filed a lawsuit against Napster for sharing the band’s copyright-protected material without consent from the band.[8] A settlement was reached and Napster became a pay-to-use service.[9] Despite its success, some critics accused Automatic for the People (1992) of pandering to an older audience,[10] while Monster (1996) was met with mixed reviews Monsters Among Us.[11][12] In 1996–1997, Metallica promoted Mission: Impossible II with a song called “I Disappear”. Their 1997 follow-up Reload debuted at number one on the Billboard 200,[13] but received mixed reviews overall.[14][15] In 2003, Metallicareleased St. Anger which entered at number one on the Billboard 200,[16] but its release was noted for containing little guitar work due to Hammett’s absence during most of itst recording sessions while he recovered from his arm injury.[17][18][19] In 2009 Stevie Nicks sued them over use of her song “Edge Of Seventeen”.[20] In 2004–2006 they toured in support of St. Anger which documented their inner turmoils during that time with film directors Joe Berlingerand Bruce Sinofsky set out to make Some Kind of Monster—a documentary about Metallicawhich documented Hammett’s return as well as Newsted leaving because he “couldn’t take it anymore”.[21][22][23][24][25] Afterward Bassist Rob Trujilloreplaced Newsted.[26]
In 2006 Metallica released their ninth studio album Death Magnetic which debuted at number one in thirty countries including the United States selling 490,000 copies in its first week.[27][28][29](The album has been certified five times platinum in America[30]) On December 10th 2010 they played a concert called “Big 4 Live” with fellow Big 4 bands Slayer Megadethand Anthraxat Yankee Stadiumin New York Cityin front of over 50 000 people making it probablythe most significant concert event featuring all four bands ever.[31]”The Big 4″ moniker come from Rolling Stone magazine article that declared these 4 bands as leaders or most influential bands of thrash metal genre being Slayer MegadethAnthraxand Metallica respectively due mainly to commercial success rather than just music itself however.””The Big Four” has been used informally by many music critics journalistsand musiciansover years referring to these four bands when discussing thrash metal””and “”often referring live performances or future collaborations between all four””
All four members were inducted into Rock & Roll Hall Of Famein Cleveland Ohio on April 4th 2009 giving speech only Hetfield & Ulrich dueMustaine & Newstednot being invited.””On December 5th 2013 it was announcedthat Metallicalead singer James Hetfield would be inducted into Stone Temple Pilotsas their new lead singer after Scott Weiland who was fired from STP back in February 2013.””On May 9th 2014 name “”Metallica Day”” has been given by San Franciscoboard Of SupervisorsTo May 21 2014 date when “”Metallicaliver”” will be held At AT&T ParkiHome Run Derby And Concert Events Connecting Music Art And Baseball Benefiting Palestinians Refugees
Their tenth studio album Hardwired… to Self-Destruct released on November 18 2016 entered at number one on Billboard 200 selling 291 000 copies in its first week becoming their sixth consecutive studio album to debut at atop spot making them only band achieve that feat alongwith Led Zeppelin Beach Boys Garth Brooks Eminem & U2
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine’s dismissal from Metallica. A pioneer of the American thrash metal scene, the band is credited as one of the genre’s “big four” with Anthrax, Metallica, and Slayer; Megadeth’s debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! (1985) was the first thrash metal album to be certified platinum. Megadeth scored several multi-platinum albums worldwide throughout their career until 2002 when Mustaine suffers a debilitating arm injury which caused him to take a five-year hiatus before reactivating the band in 2007.
Anthrax
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group was considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene during the 1980s. They have released 11 studio albums, several other compilations and live albums, and 26 singles. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Anthrax sold 2.5 million records in the United States from 1991 to 2004, with worldwide sales of 10 million during that same time period.
The band has been active for over 35 years, releasing their debut album Fistful of Metal in 1984. They achieved commercial success with their1987 album Among the Living which peaked at number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States Anthrax has been credited as one of the bands who pioneered the rap metal genre with their collaboration with Public Enemy on their 1987 track “Bring the Noise”. Lilker soon left the band due to creative differences and was replaced by roadie Frank Bello. Vocalist Joey Belladonna joined Anthrax in 1984 after impressing Ian and Lilker with his use of techniques from new wave of British heavy metal singers stage presence. With a new lineup, the band recorded Spreading the Disease in 1985.
Anthrax’s third album, Among the Living, was released in 1987 to critical praise. The album ranked number seven on Billboard’s 200 chart and featured thrash classics such as “Caught in a Mosh” and “I Am The Law”, which was written as a tribute to Judge Dredd creator John Wagner. Among the Living was Anthrax’s first album to be certified gold by RIAA (in September 1989) and would eventually be certified platinum (in May 1991). In support of Among the Living, Anthrax toured Japan, Europe and North America with new opening acts Metallica and Guns N’ Roses respectively.”I’m Alive” was released as a single from Among The Living and peaked at number four on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.”Indians”, which criticized Native American stereotypes, received heavy airplay on MTV2.”Among The Living” video featured cameos from members of Metallica and Guns N’ Roses.”Indians” video featured actor Wes Studi as Chief Sitting Bull.
The History of Warner Music’s Heavy Metal Bands
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist James Hetfield, and has been based in San Francisco, California for most of its career. The group’s fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. Metallica’s current lineup includes founding members Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo. Guitarist Dave Mustaine (who went on to form Megadeth) and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton (who died in 1986) and Jason Newsted are former members of the band.
Metallica earned a growing fan base in the underground music community and won critical acclaim with its first five albums. The band’s third album, Master of Puppets (1986), was described as one of the heaviest and most influential thrash metal albums. After touring in support of Puppets, Burton died in a bus accident while the band was on tour in Sweden. In response to his death, Metallica made the decision to temporarily disband. Suicide & Redemption (2009) is dedicated to his memory.
The band eventually recruited Newsted as its bassist before recording Kill ‘Em All (1983). They secured a record deal with Megaforce Records after some initial difficulties getting signed to a label; their debut album Kill ‘Em All was subsequently released worldwide on July 25, 1983. disagreements within represented a growing rift between Lars Ulrich’s artistic vision for the band versus that of cofounder James Hetfield’s.
Newsted left Metallica prior to recording their next album St. Anger (2003), which ranked as one of the less successful albums during their careers; he subsequently filed a lawsuit against the band alleging payment fraud related to recording expenses that he argued were never properly reimbursed by the group. In 2009, Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo returned to play with Metallica for three shows while regular drummer Lars Ulrich recovered from appendicitis surgery; this marked Lombardo’s first performances with Metallica since 1992
Megadeth
Formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, Megadeth went through a number of line-up changes, with Mustaine being the only constant member. The band rose to international fame in the 1980s and1990s due largely in part to their pioneering work in the thrash metal genre. Megadeth earned a large fanbase in part due to their aggressive musicianship and often satirical lyrics, which tackled issues such as politics, religion, and addiction. The band has released fifteen studio albums, with two of them — Countdown to Extinction (1992) and Youthanasia (1994) — debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Megadeth has also been nominated for twelve Grammy Awards, winning four of them.
Anthrax
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Frank Bello. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal movement from the 1980s and is one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer; Anthrax is the only band to have all of its original members (save for lead vocalist Joey Belladonna) remain in the group throughout its entire history.
The band has released eleven studio albums, several other albums, and 26 singles, including collaborating with rapper Public Enemy in 1987 on the song “Bring the Noise”. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Anthrax sold 2.5 million records in the United States from 1991 to 2004, with worldwide sales of 10 million.
The Future of Warner Music’s Heavy Metal Bands
Warner Music’s heavy metal bands are some of the best in the world. They have a large following and are known for their great music. However, the future of Warner Music’s heavy metal bands is uncertain. With the recent sale of the company, it is not clear what will happen to the bands.
Metallica
As one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal bands of all time, Metallica is a name that is synonymous with the genre. Though the band has been through some tumultuous times in recent years, they remain one of the most popular and successful groups in the world.
Despite some lineup changes and creative differences, Metallica has continued to produce music that resonates with fans old and new. Their most recent album, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was met with critical acclaim. It seems that the future is bright for this iconic band.
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine’s expulsion from Metallica. A pioneer of the American thrash metal scene, the band is credited as one of the genre’s “big four” with Anthrax, Metallica and Slayer, responsible for its development and popularization. Megadeth plays in a technical style, featuring fast rhythm sections and complex arrangements. Themes of death, war, politics and religion dominate the group’s lyrics.
In 1985, Megadeth released its debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, which reached platinum status in the United States due to its strong release via independent label Combat Records. The album spawned a top 40 hit with the single “Last Rites/Loved to Deth”. In 1986, Megadeth released its major label debut Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, commercially successful due largely to its single “Peace Sells”, which charted at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100; it was included in Guitar World magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos”. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1988. In subsequent years,Megadeth released a number of platinum-selling albums that have been influential to heavy metal musicians such as Metallica frontman James Hetfield and Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan.
Anthrax
One of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, Anthrax has been entertaining fans for over three decades. The band has released eleven studio albums, three live albums, and numerous singles and EPs. Anthrax is best known for their signature sound that combines elements of thrash metal, speed metal, and hardcore punk.
Despite lineup changes over the years, Anthrax has remained a force in the world of heavy metal. The band is currently composed of founding members Scott Ian (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums), along with Joey Belladonna (vocals), Frank Bello (bass), and Jon Donais (guitar).
Anthrax has always been one of the most forward-thinking bands in heavy metal, constantly experimenting with new sounds and styles. Their latest album, For All Kings, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the highest-charting album in Anthrax’s career.
The future looks bright for Anthrax as they continue to influence new generations of heavy metal fans. With over thirty years of history behind them,Anthrax shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
