Metallica

In September 1985, when Metallica took the stage at the Metal Hammer Fest in Germany, they were riding high on the wave of their acclaimed album *Ride the Lightning*, which had been released just a year earlier. *Ride the Lightning* showcased Metallica's evolution, blending thrash riffs with more complex song structures and thought-provoking lyrics, setting the stage for what would become their signature sound. This live performance featured classics like “Creeping Death” and “Fade to Black,” signaling the band’s burgeoning confidence and rising popularity in the metal scene. Interestingly, they were not just a band but a fierce force, hammering out their identity, which included themes of loss and battle, evident in tracks like “Disposable Heroes.” The electric energy in their live shows around this time hinted at the tremendous influence they would soon wield in heavy metal, making performances like this one not just concerts but pivotal moments in rock history.

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