Watch Metallica Talk Awkward First Encounter in ‘Early Years’ Trailer
The formative years of Metallica will be the focus of an upcoming four-part Spotify series titled Landmark – Metallica: The Early Years, which focuses on the legendary heavy-metal band’s history from their 1981 formation through 1984’s Ride the Lightning. The documentary, Spotify’s first, premieres on the streaming service on August 18th.
Each chapter of The Early Years – Metal Militia, Metal Up Your Ass, Sophistication and Brutality, and Armageddon’s Here – will feature exclusive interviews with James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Lars Ulrich plus rare archival footage, new animation by Anthony Schepperd and a themed companion playlist.
“When I met Lars, he was pretty much a stinky European kid,” Hetfield says in the trailer. “He introduced me to a whole other world of music.” Ulrich, recalling meeting Hetfield for the first time, says of the singer, “He was really awkward.” The story of Hetfield and Ulrich’s encounter forms the centerpiece of Chapter One: Metal Militia.
Chapter Two: Metal Up Your Ass sees the recruitment of Hammett as well as the making of the band’s debut album. Chapter Three: Sophistication and Brutality revolves around the contributions of late bassist Cliff Burton, while Chapter Four: Armageddon’s Here features Metallica’s ascent from dive bars to packed stadiums.
“I certainly had that moment thinking, ‘Our friends are going to be one of the biggest bands in the world,'” Anthrax’s Scott Ian says in the trailer.
All four chapters of Landmark – Metallica: The Early Years will be released simultaneously on August 18th.
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