Metallica Revives a Metal Classic with Full “Am I Evil?” Performance in Oslo

At Oslo’s Tons of Rock festival, Metallica tore into “Am I Evil?” in full for the first time on their M72 Tour—a moment that immediately became legendary among fans and critics alike.

The track is a cover of Diamond Head’s 1979 classic, a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Metallica originally released it as the B-side to “Creeping Death” in 1984 and later included it on Garage Inc. as a nod to their roots.

What made the Oslo version unforgettable was the surprise appearance of Diamond Head’s original guitarist, Brian Tatler. As Hetfield introduced him with, “Say ‘Hi’ to Brian, Oslo!” the audience erupted, and Tatler launched into the iconic riff that set the entire stadium on fire.

The crowd roared as the three-guitar assault kicked in—Hetfield, Hammett, and Tatler delivering each note with precision and ferocity. It was a masterclass in live performance, the culmination of decades of musical brotherhood and shared reverence.

Fans flooded social media immediately after. One post read, “Tatler’s first riff hit like a punch to the gut—pure nostalgia and fire.” It was clear that for many in the audience, this wasn’t just a song—it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Metallica’s performance harked back to their earliest days, when they would open for NWOBHM bands like Saxon, and fill their sets with Diamond Head, Blitzkrieg, and Holocaust covers. Oslo felt like a flashback, but with better sound and 50,000 voices backing them.

Technically, the performance was pristine. With Tatler leading the intro, Hammett’s lead guitar laced through perfectly, and Hetfield’s rhythm locked in tight. Each part of the song built toward the legendary solo section, delivered with roaring finesse.

Brian Tatler later called it one of the most meaningful moments of his career, saying that seeing Metallica honor the track this way reaffirmed its place in metal history. For him, “Am I Evil?” was more than a song—it was a bridge across generations.

For Metallica, bringing the song to life on such a massive stage was a show of confidence. The M72 Tour was designed to defy predictability, and playing this live in full, with the original guitarist, was a move only a band at the top of its game could pull off.

The synergy between the three guitarists under the Norwegian sky was electric. With every bend and harmonic, the crowd felt a deep sense of unity—this wasn’t just performance, it was legacy in motion.

“Am I Evil?” has long symbolized the power of cover songs to elevate and transform. Metallica’s original embrace of Diamond Head helped launch that band into wider recognition, and this performance cemented their lasting bond.

There was nothing dusty about the delivery. It was fresh, fiery, and filled with life. Every movement on stage—from Hetfield’s snarling vocals to Trujillo’s swinging basslines—radiated joy and commitment.

The crowd in Oslo didn’t experience it through their phone screens. Most fans sang every word back, hands raised, heads banging. The connection between band and audience was unfiltered and real.

Critics praised the solo as one of the greatest metal solos ever performed live. Tatler’s gritty style met Hammett’s finesse and Hetfield’s punch in a way that felt rehearsed by fate, not just by practice.

Oslo’s full-length “Am I Evil?” wasn’t just a setlist surprise—it was a living, roaring tribute to the roots of metal and the friendships that forged it. Metallica proved once again they’re not just preserving history—they’re still writing it.