Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. Formed when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement in a local newspaper, Metallica's original line-up consisted of Ulrich, rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and bassist Ron McGovney. McGovney and Mustaine were later kicked out of the band, and guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Cliff Burton replaced them. In 1986 Metallica's tour bus skidded out of control, and Burton was crushed under the bus and was killed. Jason Newsted replaced him, although he left the band in 2001 and was replaced by Robert Trujillo in 2003.

Metallica rose to fame with its 1991 Metallica album, and critics say the 1986 release Master of Puppets is one of the most influential and "heaviest" thrash metal albums. The band has released eight studio albums, two live albums, two EPs, nine videos, and is working on a ninth studio album. Metallica is credited as one of the "big four" thrash metal bands, along with Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth. A lawsuit in 2001 was filed against Napster for sharing the band's copyrighted material for free without the members' consent. A settlement was reached, and Napster became a pay-to-use service.

Metallica recorded its second studio album, Ride the Lightning, at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. Released in August 1984, a Europe printing press mistakenly printed green covers for the album, which are now considered collectors' items. "Fade to Black", is said to be inspired by the theft of the band's equipment earlier in the year. Other songs on the album include "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Creeping Death", and the nine-minute instrumental, "The Call of Ktulu".