James Hetfield, the iconic frontman of Metallica, has identified two specific songs from the band’s discography that he finds particularly challenging to perform. As a band that has been a mainstay in the heavy metal scene for decades, Metallica continually seeks to push their musical boundaries. In a revealing interview with MusicRadar in 2021, Hetfield discussed how their 2008 album, Death Magnetic, exemplifies this commitment to artistic evolution and self-challenge.

Hetfield, who takes on the dual role of vocalist and rhythm guitarist, elaborated on the complexities he faces when attempting to deliver syncopated guitar riffs while simultaneously singing different melodic lines. He candidly admitted that mastering this technique was initially quite difficult for him and highlighted two particular tracks from Death Magnetic that present significant challenges during performances.

For instance, he pointed out the track “My Apocalypse” from Death Magnetic, noting that the guitar rhythm contrasts sharply with the vocal melody. He also mentioned another challenging song, “That Was Just Your Life,” where he experiences difficulty during the specific lyrical segment where he sings, ‘I close my eyes and find it all fit into place.’ During this part, he plays a counter rhythm on the guitar, which adds to the complexity and makes it a real challenge for him,” Hetfield explained.

Exploring the Complexity of Metallica’s ‘That Was Just Your Life’

Despite these challenges, Metallica has successfully incorporated both songs into their live performances on numerous occasions. According to Setlist.fm‘s Tour Statistics page, “My Apocalypse” has been performed live 37 times, with the most recent performance occurring in 2011. This demonstrates the band’s dedication to showcasing their more intricate material to fans.

On the other hand, “That Was Just Your Life” has been played live a remarkable total of 170 times, with the last performance noted in 2010. The frequency of these live performances highlights Metallica’s commitment to their musical craft and the willingness of Hetfield and the band to tackle these demanding pieces live on stage.

READ MORE: The Metallica Song That Made Kirk Hammett Cry

James Hetfield Reflects on ‘Death Magnetic’ as a Return to Roots

While Hetfield acknowledges that certain tracks on Death Magnetic may be more challenging than others in Metallica’s extensive catalog, he expressed in a 2008 issue of Guitar World that the album serves as a retrospective of their earlier musical style. He characterized it as a “look backward,” suggesting that it captures the essence and spirit of their formative years while leveraging their current musical abilities.

“I guess I would say that it’s a look backward – taking the essence of our earlier style and playing it with our current skills,” Hetfield articulated. He elaborated on the nostalgia involved in their creative process, stating, “It’s impossible to completely regain your innocence or virginity. When we recorded our first albums, we had no regard for authority or for the way things were supposed to be. We’d walk into a studio and we’d play what we knew and that was that. This artistic freedom is one of the reasons we chose Rick Rubin as the producer for the album; he excels at capturing the essence of the artists he collaborates with.”

Diving into Metallica’s ‘My Apocalypse’