We’re revisiting Metallica’s 1983 debut album, Kill ‘Em All in honour of the band’s legendary lead singer, James Hetfield who celebrates his 59th birthday this week. 

When Metallica released Kill ‘Em All, lead guitarist Dave Mustaine had just left to form his own band - hardly the ideal situation to launch a debut album. But replacement Kirk Hammett proved the final ingredient needed for the quartet to conquer the world. Tracks like Whiplash and Seek And Destroy showed that lead vocalist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich knew how to put songs together, and instro (Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth left little doubt that Cliff Burton was one of the best bassists around. One of the first true thrash metal sets, the collection went on to sell more than 3 million copies, and earned a place on Kerrang!'s list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time. Hetfield celebrates a birthday this week, so we'll cue up Kill ‘Em All to wish him a happy one.

Metallica | ‘Whiplash’ [Live - San Diego '92]

Metallica | ‘Seek & Destroy’ [Live - Quebec Magnetic]

Metallica | ‘Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’ [Live - Chicago ’83]

READ MORE: METALLICA ROCK OUT WITH ‘STRANGER THINGS’ ACTOR JOSEPH QUINN AT LOLLAPALOOZA

Listen to Metallica on Spotify:

Listen to Metallica on Apple Music: