This Is Metallica's Song That Damaged James Hetfield's Voice

James Hetfield (Instagram @metallica)

JAKARTA - Part of Metallica's charm comes from James Hetfield's anger. While he may not be the most operatic singer in the world, Hetfield's signature 'togong' in every Metallica project is loved by fans, being one of the foundations of their voices in songs such as Sad But True and Enter Sandman. During Metallica's commercial peak, it is likely that Hetfield will lose what it already has.

Throughout the beginning of the band's founding, Hetfield was initially not interested in becoming a vocalist. Compared to the poses he used to do every time he stepped onto stage, this vocalist was much more interested in becoming a guitarist for the game, never saying much in their early performances and letting guitarist Dave Mustaine speak for him.

When the band kicked Mustaine to the side of the road before their debut album Kill Em All, Hetfield quickly took on the role of vocalist, playing with the audience whenever he could on the sidelines of the song. Even though Hetfield continued to be the lead singer throughout the band's standing, he was still looking for anyone to replace him.

Although initially asked John Bush from the band Armored Saint to play with them, Hetfield's unique approach to vocals has nothing to do with it, almost using his voice like a rhythm instrument by throwing every word coming out of his mouth. Although the band likes to make modern epic work, the biggest damage Hetfield has ever experienced is the recording of So What's cover song. Initially a hit for the punk band Anti-Nowhere League, Hetfield cast his voice in the studio.

I really lost my voice while recording The Black Album. I was performing So What, the cover song. I forced too hard. That's what made me take part in vocal training and take part in the maintenance program," he recalled to Classic Albums.

In addition, it is not difficult to see why Hetfield lost his voice. Throughout And Justice For All's recording, he forced his vocals out of reach, which resulted in Metallica having to bring various takes together to make everything sound cohesive. Although it is necessary to return his voice to its original shape, Hetfield admitted that he was intimidated when he first found a vocal coach.

I went to a vocal coach who was a singer in a church or mine, and I was so scared. He took out his piano and said, 'OK, [sing time]', and I was like, 'Oh no', but I looked up and saw some of the blacklists from another band. He took me to a place where I could produce a tone again, and I didn't sound like an opera singer. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't do it. I'm still singing like a seafarer.

While Hetfield may still have some vocal defects occasionally, the difference between the band's thrash prime and The Black Album in terms of vocal performances such as day and night. Compared to the relentless anger in the band's first album, hearing Hetfield sing gently in songs like The Unforgiven and Nothing Else Matters is a breath of fresh air for Metallica fans, hearing people behind all that metallic anger. Hetfield may start with a loud metal and punk sound, but that maintenance opens new doors in vocal performances for him.