10 Heaviest Metallica Songs Ever Made

Despite its classic status these days, there was a lot riding on the album And Justice for All back in the day. Regardless of the overt lack of bass, this was the moment where Metallica would either sink or swim, having just hired Jason Newsted in substitute for their bass legend Cliff Burton. Even though their backs were against the wall, Blackened is a prime example of how to come back with a vengeance.

Opening with the subtle backwards strains of electric guitar, the opening lick hits you right over the head from the minute it starts. Written in an odd time signature, this also works as a litmus test for the rest of the record, exploring weird timings that venture on prog while staying raw as hell. Even though the subject matter of saving the environment is a little more tame than the usual war fodder, the brutal intensity of James' vocals make everything seem like Armageddon is right around the corner.

In fact, this is probably an indication of how to push your voice too far, with Hetfield having to recover after losing his voice when belting this song out during the Justice tour. As much as Blackened hits you right between the eyes, it's not worth sacrificing the bark of one of the greatest singers in the thrash scene.