Thrashcast Episode 64: Metallica's "Kill ’Em All" album
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Thrashcast is the place to find riveting discussions on classic thrash albums, news and reviews. Your hosts are three thrash loving maniacs who grew up during the golden age of the genre. Kenneth, Billy and Jim will get together weekly to bring you a deep dive on some of your favourite thrash records.
Show Notes:
Episode Sixty Four: Is a chance to return to the roots of thrash metal, as we discuss the electrifying debut from San Francisco's Metallica. Kill' Em All was released July 25th, 1983 on Megaforce Records thanks to John Zazula. He recognized the band's prolific abilities after the release of their No Life Till Leather demo and provided them a budget of $15,000 to record the debut with producer Paul Curcio.
Kill 'Em All is considered the album that ignited the thrash metal movement and helped launch the careers of these four hungry musicians. At one point Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine was a member of the band, but subsequently was kicked out and replaced by Kirk Hammett (formerly of Exodus). The group also left LA and moved to San Francisco to join bassist Cliff Burton; beginning their dominance in the Bay area music scene soon after.
The album features intricate riffing that was played at high velocity; coupled by the ferociousness of Kirk Hammett's lead work. Cliff Burton's smooth-sounding bass and Hetfield's precision picking; ensured the band's legacy was cemented right from the get go. Songs like "Hit the Lights", "The Four Horsemen", "Jump In The Fire" and Pulling Teeth" proved the band could bring heavy and melodic songs to the masses. They toured all throughout the States building a reputation that helped create the thrash metal genre and movement.
Fun Facts: The band originally wanted to call the album Metal Up Your Ass and had planned a cover image of a knife-wielding hand coming out of a toilet, however label boss John Zazula felt the image might cause some issues. Instead the group opted for a slicker image created by Gary L. Heard that featured a hammer supplied by bassist Burton. Rumour has it Burton carried the hammer around while touring.
Kenneth Gallant, HMS
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