Metallica is America’s most iconic metal band. They put “metal” in their name. Many metal bands find inspiration from heavy topics such as death, war, and religion. James Hetfield, the primary lyricist of the band, finds some songs to be very personal. It is easy to forget that James Hetfield admires many of the artists of the outlaw country movement from the 60s and 1970s.
Heavy metal and country western music are often viewed as being at opposite ends of the spectrum. Country music relies more on fast shredding and heavy chords, while heavy metal is more traditional and focuses on storytelling. Many country musicians have amazing stories. There is a lot of overlap in the themes of heavy metal and country music’s subject matter.
These were outcasts who were often abused drugs and alcohol, and they were fearful of the musical and social establishment. It’s…
