Guitar Hero: Metallica stands out as a titan in the rhythm game genre, celebrated for its brutal difficulty and a tracklist that’s a love letter to Metallica and their influences. For fans seeking the ultimate test of their plastic guitar skills and a deep dive into the world of thrash metal, this game remains a must-play. Let’s dive into the definitive list of songs that make Guitar Hero: Metallica an unforgettable experience for any aspiring guitar hero.
Metallica’s Domination of the Setlist
The heart of Guitar Hero: Metallica is, unsurprisingly, a massive collection of songs from the legendary band themselves. Spanning their groundbreaking career, the game delivers a setlist that challenges players with intricate guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and powerful bass lines that are hallmarks of Metallica’s iconic sound. Here are all the Metallica tracks you can shred to:
- “All Nightmare Long”
- “Battery”
- “Creeping Death”
- “Disposable Heroes”
- “Dyers Eve”
- “Enter Sandman”
- “Fade to Black”
- “Fight Fire with Fire”
- “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
- “Frantic”
- “Fuel”
- “Hit the Lights”
- “King Nothing”
- “Master of Puppets”
- “Mercyful Fate” (Medley)
- “No Leaf Clover”
- “Nothing Else Matters”
- “One”
- “Orion”
- “Sad but True”
- “Seek and Destroy”
- “The Memory Remains”
- “The Shortest Straw”
- “The Thing That Should Not Be”
- “The Unforgiven”
- “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
- “Wherever I May Roam”
- “Whiplash”
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This extensive selection ensures that fans can experience Metallica’s evolution, from the raw energy of their early thrash anthems like “Hit the Lights” and “Whiplash” to the epic compositions of “Master of Puppets” and the stadium-filling power of “Enter Sandman.” The inclusion of deeper cuts like “Dyers Eve” and “Orion” caters to even the most hardcore Metallica enthusiasts.
Beyond Metallica: Influences and Inspired Artists
Guitar Hero: Metallica doesn’t just stop at the band’s own discography. It expands the musical landscape by including a curated selection of artists that either paved the way for Metallica or were inspired by their monumental impact on music. This broader tracklist adds depth and context to Metallica’s musical heritage. Here are the other artists and songs featured in the game:
- Alice In Chains – “No Excuses”
- Bob Seger – “Turn the Page”
- Corrosion of Conformity – “Albatross”
- Diamond Head – “Am I Evil?”
- Foo Fighters – “Stacked Actors”
- Judas Priest – “Hell Bent for Leather”
- Kyuss – “Demon Cleaner”
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Tuesday’s Gone”
- Machine Head – “Beautiful Mourning”
- Mastodon – “Blood and Thunder”
- Mercyful Fate – “Evil”
- Michael Schenker Group – “Armed and Ready”
- Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”
- Queen – “Stone Cold Crazy”
- Samhain – “Mother of Mercy”
- Slayer – “War Ensemble”
- Social Distortion – “Mommy’s Little Monster”
- Suicidal Tendencies – “War Inside My Head”
- System of a Down – “Toxicity”
- The Sword – “Black River”
- Thin Lizzy – “The Boys Are Back in Town”
From the NWOBHM pioneers Diamond Head and Judas Priest (whose “Am I Evil?” Metallica famously covered) to hard rock icons like Queen and Thin Lizzy, the game showcases the roots of Metallica’s sound. It also features bands that emerged later but share a similar intensity or were directly influenced by Metallica, such as Slayer, Machine Head, and System of a Down. This diverse mix provides a rich tapestry of rock and metal history for players to explore.
DLC and Guitar Hero Live Compatibility: What You Need to Know
For those wondering about downloadable content, Guitar Hero: Metallica offered compatibility with the “Death Magnetic” album tracks if you had previously downloaded them for Guitar Hero 3 or Guitar Hero: World Tour. However, no other DLC is compatible, and there are no plans for future downloadable content for this title.
It’s also important to note that Guitar Hero: Metallica songs are not compatible with Guitar Hero Live. Guitar Hero Live introduced a new six-button controller and gameplay style, making older DLC and game discs incompatible with the newer system. Therefore, to experience the iconic Guitar Hero: Metallica tracklist, you’ll need to play it on its original platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Wii.
The Legacy of Guitar Hero: Metallica Songs
Guitar Hero: Metallica remains a high point for both rhythm game enthusiasts and Metallica fans. Its challenging gameplay, combined with a meticulously curated setlist of Metallica classics and influential tracks, provides an unparalleled virtual guitar experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Guitar Hero veteran or a Metallica die-hard, diving into the song list of Guitar Hero: Metallica is a journey through the history of thrash metal and a true test of your musical gaming prowess.
