Watch Metallica Deliver Punishing ‘Atlas, Rise! on ‘Kimmel’
Metallica unleashed an ear-splitting performance of their new song “Atlas, Rise!” on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday.
The metal heroes took over Kimmel‘s large outdoor stage and tore through the Hardwired… to Self-Destruct track, an epic ripper that reaches a classic Metallica apex with a James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett dueling guitar showdown.
Metallica also dusted off a fan favorite for the Kimmel crowd, stomping through a bombastic rendition of Ride the Lighting‘s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Hetfield and Hammett once again traded spitfire licks while drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo steadily thumped beneath them and the fans dutifully provided back-up vocals.
During an interview with host Jimmy Kimmel, the band spoke about being metal dads and indoctrinating their kids with good music. Both Hetfield and Ulrich advocated starting them at a young age and forcing them to listen to AC/DC, Guns ‘N Roses, the Ramones and Black Sabbath in the car where they have no choice. Hammett, however, admitted that his kids had no interest in guitar and currently played piano, cello and violin. “They’re on the good tip, but I’m just waiting for that moment where they just flip over and turn into full-on metal guys,” he said.
“Most parents don’t want that,” quipped Kimmel.