Behind The Music Season 2 Episode 9 Metallica

In the ninth episode of season two of "Behind The Music," the focus is on one of the most legendary heavy metal bands of all time: Metallica. The episode provides an in-depth look at the history of the band, including their formation in 1981 through their rise to fame in the 1980s and 90s.

The episode opens with a brief overview of the band's early years, including their formation in Los Angeles, California, by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield. The show then delves into Metallica's first few albums, including their debut "Kill 'Em All" and their breakthrough LP "Master of Puppets," which is widely considered to be a seminal album in the heavy metal genre.

The episode then takes a closer look at the band's unique sound, which combined elements of punk, thrash, and heavy metal. Metallica's music was fast, raw, and aggressive, with lyrics that often dealt with darker themes like death, war, and anger. This distinctive sound helped the band gain a loyal following, and their live shows became legendary for their energy and intensity.

The episode also explores some of the challenges Metallica faced during their rise to fame. The band struggled with addiction and personal demons, which took a toll on their relationships and their music. In particular, guitarist Kirk Hammett struggled with addiction and anxiety, while bassist Cliff Burton tragically died in a bus accident in Sweden in 1986.

Despite these setbacks, Metallica continued to evolve their sound and gain new fans. The show highlights the band's move to a more commercially accessible sound on their self-titled "black album," which featured hits like "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters." While some fans accused the band of "selling out," Metallica insisted that they were simply exploring new sounds and staying true to their artistic vision.

The episode also touches on some of the controversies that surrounded the band, including their famous feud with Napster over online music piracy. The band sued Napster in 2000, arguing that the service was illegally distributing their music. While some fans accused Metallica of being greedy and out of touch, the band maintained that they were simply protecting their rights as artists.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at Metallica's creative process, including their songwriting techniques and the challenges of recording and touring. We see how the band members interact with each other and how they collaborate to create their music. We also hear from band members past and present, as well as industry experts and other musicians, who provide insights and perspectives on Metallica's impact on the music world.

Overall, the Metallica episode of "Behind The Music" is a fascinating look at one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. It provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the band's early years as well as their rise to fame and the challenges they faced along the way. For fans of Metallica or heavy metal in general, this episode is a must-watch.