That was the true Metallica, James had an amazing agressive vocals in that moment.

“Master of Puppets,” released on July 2, 1986, stands as one of Metallica’s most iconic tracks and a defining piece in the thrash metal genre. Serving as the title track of their third studio album, it showcases the band’s musical prowess and thematic depth.

The song was recorded between October and December 1985 at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the production of Flemming Rasmussen. This period marked a time when Metallica was honing their sound, moving towards more complex compositions and refined production techniques.

Lyrically, “Master of Puppets” delves into the harrowing theme of drug addiction. James Hetfield, the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, explained that the song addresses how drugs can take control over an individual, shifting the power dynamic from the user being in control to being controlled by the substance.

Musically, the track is notable for its intricate structure, featuring multiple tempo changes and a prominent instrumental section. The song’s composition includes extensive downpicking and showcases the band’s technical skills, contributing to its status as a thrash metal masterpiece.

“Master of Puppets” was bassist Cliff Burton’s favorite track on the album. Tragically, it was also the last album he recorded with Metallica before his untimely death in a bus accident in September 1986 during the album’s promotional tour.

The song made its live debut on December 31, 1985, at San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, performed to an audience of 7,000. Since then, it has become a staple in Metallica’s live performances, being the band’s most-played song with over 1,700 performances to date.

The cover art for the “Master of Puppets” album, designed by Metallica and Peter Mensch and painted by Don Brautigam, depicts a cemetery of white crosses manipulated by strings from a pair of hands in a blood-red sky. This imagery reflects the album’s themes of control and manipulation.

Over the years, “Master of Puppets” has received critical acclaim and is often cited as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time. Its influence extends beyond the genre, impacting various artists and being featured in multiple media forms.

In 2022, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the television series “Stranger Things,” introducing it to a new generation of listeners and leading to its re-entry into music charts worldwide.

“Master of Puppets” remains a testament to Metallica’s enduring legacy, exemplifying their ability to blend complex musical arrangements with profound lyrical content, solidifying their place in music history.