Metallica: 10 Most Brutally Heavy Songs - Ranked

It was almost a habit for Metallica to have a sort of preamble before their heavier tracks. From the opening acoustic guitar intro of "Battery" to the clean guitars on "And Justice for All," these songs almost trick you into turning up the volume before blowing you away, with this song being no exception.

"Damage Inc." is the ideal closer on what may very well be Metallica's masterpiece. The entire intro is played by Cliff Burton using a volume swell on his bass guitar. After the classical-infused beginnings, the riff starts and proceeds to stomp out everything in his path. While other tracks on Master of Puppets dealt with drugs and warfare, this song tackles their old friend Death, with the band providing the sonic equivalent of a sledgehammer to the face.

To give the track an enhanced dynamic range, the song's highest peak is undercut by James Hetfield bringing the whole band to a halt for a slight whispering of the title. The track absolutely demolishes from beginning to end, leaving the listener musically bruised but in love with what they have just heard. And just like that, the album is over, with every metalhead itching to hit the replay button again and again.