Metallica: 10 Best Songs AFTER St. Anger
9. The Unforgiven III
The Unforgiven III is perhaps a controversial entry on this list. It proves to be divisive among the Metallica fanbase. Musically it has little in common with the previous two entries, although the lyrical content matches the same overarching theme of forgiveness.
Despite any fair criticism it remains a wonderfully well-composed piece of music. The main guitar riff is one of the most memorable the band have produced this side of the millennium. The slow build in the second half of the song leads to a roaring vocal from James Hetfield, which acts as a powerful lead in to one of Kirk Hammett's absolute best guitar solos since the Load and Reload duo of albums.
The string arrangements heard throughout the piece are tasteful and add to the already-epic feel of the song. The lyrics cap off this trilogy of songs with Hetfield pondering if the protagonist can forgive themselves after many misdeeds. This raw song strongly stands up next to it's two predecessors.