Metallica

Ah, Metallica! At the time of this exhilarating live recording on June 6, 2004, the band was knee-deep into their heavy-hitting lineup, fresh off the release of their album "St. Anger," which had dropped just the year before in 2003. "St. Anger" marked a pivotal moment for the band, as they strayed from their polished production sound to embrace raw energy and an aggressive, unfiltered vibe. It was during this period that Metallica was shaking off past demons, quite literally, as they navigated personal struggles and lineup changes. Now, how cool is it that this performance featured Dave Lombardo, the legendary Slayer drummer? His addition brought an electrifying dynamic to Metallica's already powerful stage presence, especially during a track like “Battery”—a fan favorite that really turns up the adrenaline. The Download Festival in Castle Donington has a storied history, and with Metallica headlining, the energy was absolutely palpable, a perfect encapsulation of their relentless spirit in the mid-2000s. It’s moments like this that remind us why Metallica continues to reign supreme in the metal genre. What a ride!

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