In the summer of 1985, Metallica was riding high on the wave of success from their critically acclaimed album, "Ride the Lightning," released just a year prior. By this point, the band had already begun to carve out their place in the heavy metal scene, reshaping the genre with their intricate compositions and raw energy. Their performance at the "Day on the Green" festival in Oakland stands out as a pivotal moment, marking a high-energy appearance alongside iconic groups like Scorpions and Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force. This festival show was a showcase of their electrifying stage presence, a testament to their growth just as they were beginning to break into mainstream recognition. Interestingly, this was an era when thrash metal was gaining traction, and Metallica was right at the forefront, setting the stage for the evolution that would lead to their next album, "Master of Puppets," only a year later. It was a compelling snapshot of their journey from the underground to the spotlight!