Imagine being the drummer of one of the biggest metal bands in history, yet constantly battling the fear of messing up on stage. That’s the reality for Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, who, despite his legendary status, admits to struggling with one song in particular: ‘Blackened.’ But here’s where it gets controversial—while some fans see this as a sign of his limitations, others argue it’s a testament to the song’s complexity and Metallica’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Let’s dive into the story behind this iconic track and the man behind the drums.
For years, jokes have circulated about Lars Ulrich’s drumming prowess—or lack thereof. Critics and even fellow musicians have labeled his skills as subpar, and the band themselves once considered letting him go in the late 1980s. Yet, Ulrich has remained the heartbeat of Metallica, steering the band through decades of evolution. However, even he admits that ‘Blackened,’ a track from …And Justice for All, is a beast he still wrestles with live. ‘You have to really stay on top of all the starts and stops and tempo changes,’ Ulrich confessed. ‘Four bars away, I hope I don’t screw this up.’
But why is this song so challenging? Written as a tribute to their late bassist Cliff Burton, …And Justice for All marked a turning point for Metallica. The album leaned heavily into progressive metal, with songs like ‘Blackened’ pushing the boundaries of traditional thrash. Clocking in at over six minutes, the track is a labyrinth of time signature changes, intricate riffs, and relentless energy. And this is the part most people miss—the song’s complexity wasn’t an accident. The band intentionally pieced together riffs like a musical puzzle, creating a track that feels more like a medley than a single song.
Jason Newsted, who joined Metallica after Burton’s tragic death, played a pivotal role in shaping ‘Blackened.’ In an interview with Songfacts, he recalled the song’s origins: ‘We were in my one-bedroom apartment, jamming on our guitars. I played that ‘Blackened’ riff, and [James Hetfield] goes, ‘Dude, what is that?’ It was really pretty crazy. The original version was even faster and more intricate.’ Newsted’s contribution wasn’t just about riffs—it was about pushing the band into uncharted territory. ‘It was a big moment for me,’ he said. ‘Getting approved by James to have my composition on a Metallica record was huge.’
Yet, despite its brilliance, ‘Blackened’ remains a source of anxiety for Ulrich. The constant tempo shifts and technical demands make it a high-wire act every time it’s performed live. And let’s not forget the infamous production issues on the album, where Ulrich allegedly sabotaged Newsted’s bass parts, leading to Bob Rock’s involvement in their next record, The Black Album. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does Ulrich’s struggle with ‘Blackened’ diminish his legacy, or does it highlight the song’s genius and Metallica’s refusal to play it safe?
As fans, we often romanticize the idea of flawless performances, but Ulrich’s honesty about his challenges reminds us of the human element behind the music. So, the next time you hear ‘Blackened,’ think about the sweat, fear, and passion that go into every note. And now, we want to hear from you—do you see Ulrich’s struggle as a weakness or a badge of honor? Let the debate begin in the comments!
