The most influential Thrash Metal band of all time, Metallica was formed by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield back in 1981. Alongside guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassists such as Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted, and Rob Trujillo, they have sold millions of records worldwide and inspired countless bands throughout their career.
James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett have certainly created some of the greatest guitar riffs in the history of Heavy Metal, but the Metallica frontman believes there is one riff that might be the heaviest in the universe.
The song James Hetfield said could have the heaviest riff of all time
The song that James Hetfield once said has probably the heaviest riff in the universe is Black Sabbath‘s “Symptom of The Universe”, released on their praised 1975 album “Sabotage”. “A slightly fucking heavy – if not the heaviest – riff in the universe. That one sums up Black Sabbath for me,” he told Vic Garbrini in an interview with Guitar World magazine.
When that album was released Hetfield was only a 12 year-old kid but already was a huge fan of the band. He said a few times that if he needs to choose a band as his favorite of all time, his choice would be Black Sabbath. A full circle moment for him happened in 2006 when accompanied by his bandmate Lars Ulrich, he inducted the British Metal band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
During his speech, the musician recalled the impact of hearing their groundbreaking self-titled debut album for the first time. “Black Sabbath is mammoth riffs with menacing lyrics that made me oh so happy. That was gonna be my speech. Picture a nine-year-old boy. Quiet, well-behaved on the outside. But on the inside boiling and dying for a life to burst open with some sort of stimulation. The discovery of music was what was to burst it wide open.”
James Hetfield continued:
“But not just any music. This was more than just music. A powerful, loud, heavy sound that moved his soul. You see, this timid nine-year-old constantly raided his roommate-slash-older brother’s record collection. And going against his older brother’s wishes, played those off-limit records on the forbidden record player. Out of all the records he could have worn out, there was no other choice. The very moment he saw their earliest album cover, he knew they were going to offer him a different kind of ride. He was drawn to them like a magnet to metal.”
“That’s pretty lame, yes. OK, I’ll try again. More like a shy boy to his own loud voice. Those monstrous riffs lived inside him and spoke the feelings he could never put into words. Sending chills of inspiration through him, from those gloomy lyrics and outlaw chords and all. They helped crack the shell he was stuck in. Also, scaring his mom and sister was an extra bonus. Now, as the former nine-year-old speaks to you here, as an adult musician.”
“I know those two words really don’t go together. I realize that without their defining sound, as my friend Lars has said, there would be no Metallica, especially with one James Hetfield. Never have I known a more timeless and influential band. They have spread their wonderful disease through generations of musicians.”
He continued:
“They are always listed as an influence by heavy bands to this day. They are loved and highly respected as the fathers of heavy music. It truly is a dream come true and an extreme honor for me and the nine-year-old still inside of me to induct into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame such a significant group of musicians. And in the words of our fearless leader Ozzy Osbourne, ‘Let’s go fucking crazy!’” James Hetfield said.
During that ceremony James and Lars were joined by their bandmates Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo to play “Hole In The Sky” and “Iron Man”. Three years later, in 2009, it was Metallica’s turn to be inducted. It was the 25th anniversary of the Hall and many artists performed classic songs as a tribute. Metallica had the chance to play with Ozzy the Sabbath classics “Iron Man” and “Paranoid”.
Tony Iommi is his favorite guitarist in terms of riffs and rhythm
All the original members of Black Sabbath were fundamental for the band’s sound but without the incredible guitar riffs created by Tony Iommi the band would have never been the same. That’s why Hetfield praised the musician many times over the decades and even said he is his favorite guitar player in terms of riffs and rhythm.
“As far as being a riff and rhythm guy, my favorite guitarist is Tony Iommi, no doubt about that. He seemed like one of those quiet geniuses. At one time he was the frontman of the band and Ozzy was to one side. The riff was more important than the vocals. It was all in minor, it has that feel. He can go from the heaviest doom riff into a happy mode and it would still sound heavy. We can’t do happy, but Tony can pull it off. My favorite track is ‘Into The Void’,” James Hetfield told Classic Rock.
Besides “Symptom of the Universe”, James Hetfield already praised two other Black Sabbath songs. The first one is the title track of their debut album released in 1970, which is the name of the band. The intro with the rain, the thunder and the doomy Tony Iommi guitar riff “scared the shit out of me. It’s beyond heavy,” Hetfield told Rolling Stone back in 2004. The Metallica frontman also praised “Into The Void”, which was featured on their third album “Master of Reality” (1971).
