In a candid reflection on the roots of heavy metal, Metallica’s lead guitarist Kirk Hammett has paid homage to the genre’s pioneers, stating, “Heavy metal didn’t start with Metallica, it started with Judas Priest.” While Metallica is often credited with shaping the modern landscape of heavy metal, Hammett was quick to acknowledge the influence of earlier bands like Judas Priest, who laid the foundation for the genre long before Metallica’s rise to fame.
Hammett explained that Judas Priest’s sound, style, and attitude were crucial in defining what heavy metal would become. “They were doing things with twin guitar harmonies, fast riffs, and powerful vocals that no one else was doing at the time,” he said. “When we were coming up, Judas Priest was already a force, and their music inspired us to push our boundaries as musicians.”
Judas Priest, known for albums like *British Steel* and *Sad Wings of Destiny*, played a pivotal role in establishing the signature elements of heavy metal: aggressive guitar work, operatic vocals, and a rebellious spirit. Hammett credits their innovation and energy for helping shape Metallica’s early sound and, more broadly, the development of thrash metal. “Without bands like Priest, there wouldn’t be bands like Metallica,” Hammett emphasized.
Despite Metallica’s massive success and their role in transforming heavy metal into a global phenomenon, Hammett remains humble about the band’s place in history, always pointing back to the trailblazers like Judas Priest who made it all possible. His comments serve as a reminder of the genre’s deep roots and the intergenerational influence that continues to drive the evolution of heavy metal today.
As Hammett continues to play to sold-out crowds around the world, his respect for the past and acknowledgement of heavy metal’s origins with Judas Priest further cements his reputation not only as a metal icon but also as a student of the genre’s history.
