10 Things Metallica Need To Get Right On The New Album

3. Let James Hetfield Solo More

Obviously if you're following the songwriting staples of old, you most likely adhere to the band-member-designations of old as well. With Metallica being a four-piece, Hammett is given the bulk of the soloing duties. However, and lo I poke at the Controversy Beehive with a Stick of Revelation; Hetfield may be a better solo guitarist than Mr. Hammett. Although you cannot deny Hammett's older work, his Joe Satriani-tutored progressions on the likes of Ride the Lightning are sublime, and should be dissected and studied accordingly. As are every single one of his solos on the Black Album. However when you turn the spotlight over to Hetfield, you see something of a caged beast of a man, his modern pieces ebbing and flowing masterfully with immense power, riding a crescendo instead of lathering it in wah-pedal juice and hoping for the best. Have you ever looked at how he plays his section in Suicide & Redemption? His opening solo riff is one of the sweetest, most subtly brilliant licks he's ever laid down. Add in the timeless Nothing Else Matters solo, and his contribution to the Ennio Morricone tribute album in The Ecstasy of Gold's solo, and I think you'll agree we're actually still yet to see the best Hetfield has to offer when he's given the time to fully shine on lead guitar.