East Carolinian

Issue date: 1/29/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff photo

When most bands start focusing on death, writing about "The End of the Line" or "My Apocalypse," it's generally not a good sign. When that follows a behind-the-scenes documentary that showed lots of infighting, seemingly unraveling to the point of breakup, there would normally be reason for worry.

Of course, Metallica isn't most bands. Death becomes them.

"Life is good for Metallica right now," said singer James Hetfield, with a smile. "A lot of good things are happening -- quite opposite of what they were in the 'St. Anger' time. All the work and effort that we've put into our relationship since then has brought a lot of fruits of labor -- this album, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammys, feeling good."

Also adding to the era of good feelings is their latest album, "Death Magnetic" (Warner Bros.), which is shaping up to be their most successful in more than a decade, ending 2008 as the seventh-biggest seller of the year and landing the band four Grammy nominations, and their current sold-out tour.

"There's been such a rebirth in this band on so many levels," said drummer Lars Ulrich. "Right now, we feel stronger than we ever have. We still feel like we have one foot in relevance and that we still have a lot to give, so we're continuing to focus on playing."

As the band's upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame confirms, Metallica thundered its way into rock royalty 25 years ago with its debut "Kill 'Em All" and, despite lots of high-profile ups and downs, hasn't relinquished its position since.

How do they stay relevant?

"When all else fails, call Rick Rubin," joked Ulrich, name-checking the producer of "Death Magnetic."

But Hetfield takes the question seriously, adding "making music that connects with people and then playing the songs live and not splitting it out, but making it a part of your live set, your work."

"We're road dogs," he said. "Live is our thing. We've gone on the road from the beginning and pounded and pounded A, B and C markets to get a huge following. It came from our underground tape-trading following. Going out there and bringing it to the people and bringing the new songs into the set, making the audience a part of the song is a big deal for us. The more they have to do with the song, the more of an evergreen I think it will stay."

Ulrich adds that enjoying playing together is also important.

Continued...

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