10 Amazing Rock Songs With No Lyrics
5. The Call Of Ktulu - Metallica
When it comes to Metallica instrumentals, you've got two choices. There's Orion from Master of Puppets, which might usually get the nod, but then there's also this underrated closing track from their 1984 album Ride the Lightning.
Taking inspiration from the tentacled creation of H. P. Lovecraft, The Call of Ktulu (which was spelled differently to make it easier to pronounce) was one of the songs on Ride the Lightning co-credited to ex-Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine.
At nearly nine minutes long, it runs the risk of outstaying its welcome, but it instead takes listeners on a dark and twisted journey with Kirk Hammett's effortless shredding acting as your guide. The Call of Ktulu lives up to its epic length, constantly twisting and turning on its way to what sounds like the end, but is actually the precursor to a prolonged finale.
Orion is nice and all, but there's just something about this song that tips it over the edge. Maybe it's the acknowledgement that this is one of Metallica's best ever final tracks? Or maybe it's the fact that Cthulhu is just really cool?