Metallica

In July 1996, Metallica was in the thick of their "Load" era, having released the album just a month prior to their performance at Lollapalooza. "Load," which marked a significant shift in their sound, introduced elements of hard rock and alternative, challenging the thrash metal roots that had solidified their brutal reputation. Interestingly, this live recording showcases the band as they explored this new direction, featuring tracks from "Load" and reflecting their evolving style. Beyond the music, Lollapalooza itself was a melting pot of genres; Metallica shared the stage with bands like Soundgarden and iconic acts like the Ramones, a fact that added to the festival's eclectic vibe. It was a moment of bold transition for Metallica and a step into the mainstream spotlight, capturing their ambitious evolution during a period defined not just by heavy riffs but by wide-ranging musical influences.

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