James Hetfield has and is the most iconic voice of metal! He started out just screaming into the mic in his early yrs from Kill'em All, to listening his voice mature into the the Amd Justice For All album and finally finding his own style in the Black Album and then experimenting his voice on Reload and beyond. For 40 plus years, Hetfields voice is recognized by any metal fan. From Thrash vocals, Metal vocals, Blues vocals, country vocals, melodic vocals, Hetfield can do it all! 100% Vocal,and Rhythm guitarist, Down picking Riff Master, true living Legend!!
The funny thing about James’ vocals is once you get used to it, you start to understand the different layers and the senses behind. And, from time to time, you’ll just feel the need to hear THIS type of growl :) Great reactions, keep it up! Thanks!
This is a simple but beautiful piece of music. Love James's solo at the end. On a side note, I like the plants in the jars on the wall- never seen that before.
Yes they are, but that doesn't make them good. James isn't a good singer. He said in an interview that he didn't know how to sing at all (he said he was basically yelling) and actually learned how to for this song.
@@xLoganWasTaken Wow, man, everybody chill out... If Hetfield himself admitted he was no singer, why do the fanboys gotta get all butt hurt? Jeez. James is first and foremost a rock/metal VOCALIST, not necessarily a singer. There IS a difference. Hell, the term "vocalist" may have come about out of necessity to describe the hard rockers cos what they do is NOT exactly singing, if we're to be honest about it. I mean, you got your Rob Halfords and Floor Jansens who (as I understand it) have classical voice training, and that's all well and good, but that does not have to take anything away from the growlers, screamers, and barkers. Hetfield's voice is good enough to do rock/metal records, but he's probably not gonna get any invites to do a duet album with the likes of Pavarotti or Bocelli any time soon, right? And THAT IS OKAY!! No shade on James. Unclench, y'all. Frickin fanboys ruin everything.
@@shawnduncan7846 A good singer has good range and James just doesn't. That isn't to say he sounds bad singing Metallica songs and he has become a much better singer over the years. I think he fits perfectly for them, but there are a lot of good/better singers that can and do sing in thrash metal bands. Take a listen to Jinjer's singer Tatiana. She has a very beautiful voice with incredible range and has one of the best 'growls' I've ever heard.
Thanks Kathryn, for listening to these old songs and enticing the young ones with your enchanting eyes (let's not lie here) to keep them appreciating real music.
He does when he's singing metal songs, but the early ballads aren't the strongest vocally. It wasn't until this album that he finally started taking singing lessons because he knew his voice wasn't all it could be, and his singing definitely improved afterwards (James has said that for the first few albums he even considered himself a temporary vocalist and was only singing until the band found a proper singer, but luckily they never did. It was only with Justice or the Black album that he realised he would always be the vocalist and decided to try and improve his craft).
I adore watching your reactions because your true emotions come through as you're watching and listening to the music .. you're real, and that's simply awesome!
My all time favorite song. My wife calls this my theme song. When my dad passed in Jan 2024 this song and Stairway to Heaven got me through the rough days.
James' vocals grew over time. He was very "metal" early on as expected. But as they entered the late eighties/early nineties, James started working on his skills and vocal maintenance with coaches. His vocals on older songs are performed different nowadays as a combination of the grit and more-skilled singing. His range on their most recent singles is even surprising.
In 1995, I was a senior in high school and this was one of my favorite songs as I was in a deep depression and this song expressed my feelings perfectly. Of course my deep depression was caused by a break up.
Brings back memories. I often think of loved ones whenever I hear this song. I have family in another part of the country (thankfully only a three hour train ride) that I don't see as often as I like
In 1996 reading uk live these guys had so much skill. Plus energy. At clubs i didn't think to much of them. These guys are s tier. Not my bag in genre but still amazing. That's a good bar.
I rather like James's vocals on this. Of course, I prefer his raw thrash metal vocals compared to his more trained & refined current vocals, but I grew up with old Metallica, I have a connection to their older stuff and that's what I like. Thrash metal is supposed to be raw and wild, not reigned in and clean. I've always loved their song "The Four Horsemen" (which Dave Mustaine originally wrote) and has a different version of (the original version) but I prefer this one". I got into a lot of bands in the 90's that people rarely react to compared to the likes of Metallica or ACDC or Iron Maiden etc... When you talk about musicianship, I can give you some examples that are all very different, and I'll give you songs to check out as well. Dream Theater (progressive rock) they're musicianship is unmatched; they've extremely talented and it's different in ways you can't fathom. One of the songs that got me into them was "Metropolis Pt 1" another song years later to check out might be "The Count of Tuscany". Of course you have Dragonforce too which is equally unrivaled in their technicality and speed, but Dream theater has more rhythm, song's you can get into. With Dragonforce you just stare blankly at their stratospheric skill and technical prowess. Their most famous song, you may have heard in passing, it's called: "Through the Fire and Flames" but their entire catalogue is similar. "Fury of the Storm" is a bit of unblinking insanity as well. Then there's more extreme metal like Cradle of Filth. When I first heard them, I hated the lead singers voice, but the music is like a lullaby the way it sways and grooves, despite its heaviness and speed, it's melodically serenading. Over time, I grew to like his vocals, for two reasons, he's an incredible lyricist and I think of his voice more like an accompanying instrument (which all vocals technically are) but it sets a tone, adds depth like no instrument can do, it's all very atmospheric. The song that got me into them, which is still my favorite is: "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids" and even their ballads are dark and atmospheric, such as: "Nymphetamine" but they're catchy as hell and the band just grows on you if you give them a chance. I could go on and on, but the last band I'll mention really altered my perception of where music, particularly metal could go. Therion, this is a band that shamefully no one reacts to and their absolutely incredible! They started out as Death metal, but when I first heard them in 1997, they were heavily incorporating orchestra and operatic singers. That was completely new to me. When I heard the first note of their song "To Mega Therion" I was instantly a fan! I don't recommend the music video, but they have a great live version of it at Wacken in 2001. And speaking of that concert and the same album as the previous song is another favorite "In the Desert of Set". They're just amazingly epic, you'll be exhausted by the time they end in the best way possible, hooked and a fan for life! Note: You'll get a ton of requests for "Nightwish" (and rightfully so) but don't sleep on "Within Temptation" a very similar band, their singer can actually bring me to tears with one particular song "Our Farewell". I don't know what it is to be honest, her voice maybe? It's angelic, but it gets me in the feels every time. Enjoy your musical journey!
As usual, a really nice reaction! If you are digging Metallica and don’t have a Metal background, I think you will like Nightwish. It’s a different sub genre, Symphonic Metal. Try to react to the video “Ghost Love Score - Live at Wacken 2013”. I bet you will love it.
And Nightwish would never have happened if it wasn't for Metallica. 1992 Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City where Tuomas saw Metallica Guns N Roses Body Count and I believe Queensryche as a Foreign Exchange student. Tuomas was a clasical studies student and was blown away. AS a side note Larrs introduced me to Nightwish a dozen years ago.
Here I didn't see this song on your Metallica reactions playlist earlier today and asked you to react to this song, but you already did, a month ago, LOL 😂😂😂. Was pretty close to the reaction I was expecting, it's a very deep, slow and melodic song, and as you said BEAUTIFUL Not hating on you or upset, but how can you say that about the vocals. On the Howard Stern Show the band performed this song with Mylee Cyrus, and James was so scared to even make this song because he didn't want to show his softer, more vulnerable to anyone because it might ruin the tough guy macho rocker image. But he did it anyways and poured out his heart and soul into this song. Personally I thought his vocals were AMAZING, still brings tears to my eyes virtually every time I listen to it and I've probably heard it thousands of times. If it comes on the radio when I'm driving I have to change the station, otherwise I can't see the road. Like you said, it's just so beautiful. It's an absolute masterpiece of musical artwork.
You can chose what ever Metallica song is the best, heaviest, loudest, best riff, best story, or whatever. This song I would say is their most iconic or atleast one of their most iconic songs not because its played so much or listened to so much but how it sounds start to end just gives the mood like no other.
This was very close to being my wife and my first dance song.. instead,we went with Firehouse "Love of a Lifetime ".. 17.5 Years later,We're still in Love!! Great Reaction Beautiful young lady!! Great Tune!! I Totally Understand your comments on this song!! Metallica is a different animal when you expect Metal 😎🤘
When this came out, it was shocking. The first five albums had nothing like this on it. I hated it the first time I listened. I think it was brave for them to write it, and it’s a quality song. 🤷♂️
First off, one of the best pieces of music ever written. And yes, James isn't some otherworldly vocalist who keeps throwing curve balls at you at 200mph. He is very good at what he does though. He wasn't going to be the vocalist, but they hadn't found one and had a demo tape song to record and he just did it. The thing with Metallica is their honesty in their songs. They are not putting on some weird show but instead the music does the talking. If you ever have a chance to see them live, you need to be there. There is something magical happening at those and I still can't really explain that. Even after seeing them multiple times already.
I think you absolutely should react to their song To Live Is To Die, it's an emotional tribute to their original bassist Cliff Burton, who died 3 years into the band's career in 1986. Some interpret the song as the stages of grief over a lost friend, being that its mostly instrumental apart from a line of poetry read out by james at the end. It's my favorite metallica song
I hated Metallica's attempt at trash and heavy metal in the 90s. But certain songs stand out as being so unique and transcends genre. This song is definitely one of them. People argue with me but I think Cliff Burton would be proud of James for this song.
The strings section of *_Nothing Else Matters_** and *_Disarm°_* are the two songs that got me to love a strings section in Rock and all its sub-genres.🎻 *being Metallica, °being The Smashing Pumpkins
James originally wrote the song for his girlfriend. When the song was originally introduced, but James didn't like the song. Now the song is their most viewed song on RUclips with over 1 billion views. It is definitely a showcase of metallicas awsomeness!
This song was written by James Hetfield. Yes, Elton John praised Metalica on the Howard Stern Show that this was the best song ever written. James was clearly overwhelmed with emotion to receive such a huge compliments from a legend like Elton John . I wanted to clarify the exact details from what the previous commenter said. 😉
This song was indeed about a past love and fun fact is that this song wasn't meant to be released James had made it on his own and kept it to himself until one day he said fuck it and presented it to the band and they convinced him to release it on an album and so the black album it was 🫴
The meaning of this song from the band themselves is the connection with their fans, l had to look it up since I developed my own intuitive, vague idea of the song, and thought it was intended to be kind of a depressing, cynical concept. Didn’t miss the bullseye, missed the entire target, lol. A great song with a different message, (which is easy to understand), with respect to the relationship between performers and their fans is “Living in the Limelight” by Rush. One of many great songs by my favorite band, and imho, the greatest 3 piece band of all time. JP
Side note - To me the song is about to realize your dreams never give up because giveing anything in life your best makes you a winner no matter what the outcome...
You should hear the "Elevator Version" mix. It's primarily the same lead guitar backed by strings (cellos and violins and whatnot). It's too good to be reduced to a mere "elevator version"... Either way, it's a far cry from the old Metal Militia, Whiplash, Creeping Death, Fight Fire With Fire, Disposable Heroes, and Master Of Puppets days, lol. Well, unless you consider that middle section of Master, lol... foreshadowing?
This is the appropriate reaction to this song, not a lot of reaction, you just fall into this song, it is the one song from Metallica that stands out as a true ballad and it is a masterpiece, Elton John complimented James Hetfield as to say it is one of the best written songs ever, and to come from Elton John is huge
FYI, James Hetfield said in an interview that he didn't know how to read and write music or sing before this song. He learned how to do all 3 (still not a very good vocalist) for this song that he wrote for his then girlfriend. He was also very nervous about playing the song because it was like nothing they had previously done.
Hello there Kathryn! New sub' here! Just finished watching all of your Metallica reaction videos and I LOVED them! Great to see some new reacters here. I've been a huge Metallica fan from day 1. Was a high school junior when "Kill Em All" came out. Although I have explored and dedicated chapters of my life to other music genres, my roots will always be as a metal-head, and Metallica will always be my favorite band of all time. Now, if you're ready for the best Progressie (and arguably the overall) Rock band, you need to react to RUSH! IMO the most talented 3-man rock band of all time. I'd suggest your first video to be "YYZ" live from Rio. It's an instrumental, so no lyrics to worry about (although Geddy has one of the most recognizable voices ever). Just a full-on display of their musical expertise.
"Headcanon" is the idea you have in your mind about something no matter what the "reality" of it may be. In my mind's version of this song, it's about a guy who is really in love with a place and a lady and because of outside forces they can't be together. Is this song really about a band on the road missing their loved ones at home? Probably. Could it also encapsulate the genre of angst and forced separation due to being deployed for a prolonged period of time overseas in a war? That's what I feel from it. A great song for me when I'm in an introspective mood, but not for everyone to be sure. You speak your honest mind and that's a GOOD thing! Keep up the great work 👍
I used to like Metallica alot in highschool then I graduated to Tool! Never too big on James' voice either. But it works. Like Anthony from the Chili Peppers, it fits the music even though the can't sing so good!
LOVED THE REACTION KEEP BEING YOU. YOU ARE GETTING INTO ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS EVER. I LOVE THE SONG BUT NOT CRAZY . I LOVE HIS VOCALS ON THE DAY THAT NEVER COMES ESPECIALLY LIVE
James is clearly not Steve Perry! That being said; James voice, imop is what signifies the sound of metal. His voice is unique, gritty and soft at times. His/Metallica's ability to tap into emotion with voice and instruments is unmatched. You feel what Metallica plays.
Unforgiven trilogy ? Unforgiven 2 next and then 3 ? Thank you. You’ve already reacted to one and they are connected so it makes perfect sense. Also love Metallica reactions
Appreciate your honesty, too many reactors love everything. I love this song always have., but I'll admit Mr Hetfield"s voice isn't at its best yet. His voice gets better over time and this was the first album where he was doing more than power vocals. I think he sings it better now, maybe you should check out a more recent live performance and see what you 🤔 think. Or check out unfirgiven III, great singing vocals on that one. 🤟🔥🤟🔥
Do you not like his voice just in this song, or in all the songs you've listened to so far? This is an all time classic from Metallica. It's a slow ballad, but it has aged very well. This song is proof that they can branch out from thrash and create beautiful, melodic, less metal type songs and still be successful.
Oh no one will be angry :) And it's valid! James is not some top notch, trained vocalist. James's thrash vocals were legendary and he still does have a great control over his voice. But granted, he is not truly a singer, But his guitar work and songwriting are Metallica... :) and without a doubt, he's one of the greatest frontman of all time. And he is in fact, Hetfield, which has become a synonym to something iconic. So all of that, combined with his personality (and the ups and downs), all create this super legend that fans are obsessed with for 40+ years. 9:24 on the "watching a video vs listening to listening to the song", James shared your exact thoughts. Somewhere in the late 90's he talked about it. How at those days, there were music videos everywhere. But the visuals often grabbed the viewer's attention more than the song did. And they tried to tell the viewers what the song means, instead of letting imagine the meaning for themselves. While there could be 300 meanings to a song, as James put it.
@@gthewolf7948 Great for sure, but that depends. Legend when it comes to thrash/harsh vocals, certainly. But if you compare his clean singing to legendary singers, well, he was never seriously intended to be one. That's doesn't make him less of a legend. In fact, a second Hetfield cannot be duplicated.
No one can make someone love a song/Lead singer especially one of a previous generation. Lead singers still make a band especially if they write songs too. I believe Metallica's audience and renown actually grew over time and decades now past the era that they helped define. Metal was not king then and this song was in part to branch out past metal to a more general mass audience even cataloged as Pop and is seen as Classic today. THIS SONG ACTUALLY ONLY CHARTED AT 34 in 1992. YET TODAY IT IS AS IF A #1 song or had to be by them when only a couple went into the top 20. Almost everyone today has heard of Metallica vs many others even if many heard songs that charted in the 70s 80s and 90s. Fact they still tour is part of maintaining recognition and can still sound as themselves. Age though does catch up yet new generation have discovered Metallica even more than when this song came out.
This is actually an ode to Metallica fans, which i much more prefer because i wrongly used to relate it to someone i loved, and it turned out that person never really loved me. Unfortunately for me, the lyrics were what i felt, not what she felt and she kept how she felt about me to herself for another 2 years before breaking my heart and leaving me. Needless to say, its a difficult song for me to hear even now but also a salutary message about those who lie to make themselves appear in a better light because they cannot justify and own up to their own poor behaviour. Anyway, rant over but James voice is at its best here. Another great song where he is good lyrically is Low Man's Lyric.
It might be worth your while checking out Voiceplay's cover of this song. They are an a cappella group, so usually no instruments, but their beatboxer introduces an instrument on the guitar solo part of this song.
I like the way you pick an artist and react to a lot of their material (Metallica and Eminem). Hope you diversify a bit more. The following have pretty extensive catalogs: Rammstein, Therion, Epica, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the metalization champ (Leo Moracchioli).
Just found your channel and have seen a few of your videos. You are off to a great start. Can't go wrong with Metallica. Got to do some 80s Motley Crue, AC/DC, etc..... Try an AC/DC Thunderstuck Live at the River Plate, and if you want to hear true rock vocal talent you HAVE TO SEE Slaughter Live 1991 Fly to the Angels. You can't go wrong !!!
So back ground to this song is James wrote it and would sing it to his at the time girlfriend on the phone when he was on the road and didn’t even want to put it on an album but after his band mates heard it they talked him into it
Elton John told these guys that this was one of of the greatest songs ever released, the look on their faces to hear that from Elton was priceless.
Metallicas Worst song IMO , hate this ballad. Overplayed.
@@SMEDSRUDmusic is this a metal elitist
@@SMEDSRUDmusic Metallica’s worst song??? Absolutely horrible take
Metallica is bigger than Elton John. Just sayıng
Who cares about Elton John? metallica is way bigger than that gay frick old man.
No auto tune, no electronic tricks, just Hetfield's voice. The dude can sing. 🤘
💯💯💯💯💯💯😎😎😎😎😎
He's Very Creative!
one of the greatest songs ever written.
James Hetfield has and is the most iconic voice of metal! He started out just screaming into the mic in his early yrs from Kill'em All, to listening his voice mature into the the Amd Justice For All album and finally finding his own style in the Black Album and then experimenting his voice on Reload and beyond. For 40 plus years, Hetfields voice is recognized by any metal fan. From Thrash vocals, Metal vocals, Blues vocals, country vocals, melodic vocals, Hetfield can do it all! 100% Vocal,and Rhythm guitarist, Down picking Riff Master, true living Legend!!
Damn Right! 💯
Love het but most iconic voice is most definitely dio
One of the most beautiful METALLICA songs. Harmonious, rhythmic and deep. I have goosebumps. Every time I listen to it this happens.

The funny thing about James’ vocals is once you get used to it, you start to understand the different layers and the senses behind.
And, from time to time, you’ll just feel the need to hear THIS type of growl :)
Great reactions, keep it up! Thanks!
This is a simple but beautiful piece of music. Love James's solo at the end. On a side note, I like the plants in the jars on the wall- never seen that before.
How about the picture of kip winger?? Im almost 50 and never seen it before 😳😂
Or the naked ladies
How the hell do you not like the vocals in this song it's literally James best vocals of his career I'm shocked
As a fan since Ride the Lightning I disagree.
Yes they are, but that doesn't make them good. James isn't a good singer. He said in an interview that he didn't know how to sing at all (he said he was basically yelling) and actually learned how to for this song.
@@bradleyd6000 Man wtf, saying that James is not a good singer its a total mess up thing to say, and I'm being objective right now.
@@xLoganWasTaken
Wow, man, everybody chill out... If Hetfield himself admitted he was no singer, why do the fanboys gotta get all butt hurt? Jeez. James is first and foremost a rock/metal VOCALIST, not necessarily a singer. There IS a difference. Hell, the term "vocalist" may have come about out of necessity to describe the hard rockers cos what they do is NOT exactly singing, if we're to be honest about it. I mean, you got your Rob Halfords and Floor Jansens who (as I understand it) have classical voice training, and that's all well and good, but that does not have to take anything away from the growlers, screamers, and barkers. Hetfield's voice is good enough to do rock/metal records, but he's probably not gonna get any invites to do a duet album with the likes of Pavarotti or Bocelli any time soon, right? And THAT IS OKAY!! No shade on James.
Unclench, y'all.
Frickin fanboys ruin everything.
@@shawnduncan7846 A good singer has good range and James just doesn't. That isn't to say he sounds bad singing Metallica songs and he has become a much better singer over the years. I think he fits perfectly for them, but there are a lot of good/better singers that can and do sing in thrash metal bands. Take a listen to Jinjer's singer Tatiana. She has a very beautiful voice with incredible range and has one of the best 'growls' I've ever heard.
I love how you just let the song go on as you got into it. You let it flow into you. Love your reactions. Keep doing what you do!
Thanks Kathryn, for listening to these old songs and enticing the young ones with your enchanting eyes (let's not lie here) to keep them appreciating real music.
That's odd, i feel like James has one of the best voices in metal.
James is a metal icon.
He does when he's singing metal songs, but the early ballads aren't the strongest vocally. It wasn't until this album that he finally started taking singing lessons because he knew his voice wasn't all it could be, and his singing definitely improved afterwards (James has said that for the first few albums he even considered himself a temporary vocalist and was only singing until the band found a proper singer, but luckily they never did. It was only with Justice or the Black album that he realised he would always be the vocalist and decided to try and improve his craft).
@@carlgibson285 Yeah i can see that
It’s true.
I adore watching your reactions because your true emotions come through as you're watching and listening to the music .. you're real, and that's simply awesome!
My all time favorite song. My wife calls this my theme song. When my dad passed in Jan 2024 this song and Stairway to Heaven got me through the rough days.
You should react to Bleeding me by Metallica, it's a vocal masterpiece
I'll second that recommendation .. Bleeding Me is incredible, not only with the vocals but the guitar work is simply mind-blowing!
@@mountaingator7673 agree to both comments still can't believe it almost 27 years old still sounds awesome 👍👍 been fan since 84
This is my all time favorite song. It is just beautiful.
James' vocals grew over time. He was very "metal" early on as expected. But as they entered the late eighties/early nineties, James started working on his skills and vocal maintenance with coaches. His vocals on older songs are performed different nowadays as a combination of the grit and more-skilled singing. His range on their most recent singles is even surprising.
He done something right,the new album is 🔥
If you really mean what you say, the obvious next Metallica song for you is ORION. 100% Instrumental.
Or The Call of Ktulu
James Hetfields vocals are amazing and "Nothing Else Matters" I Love You to bits but on this occasion I'm gobsmacked
In 1995, I was a senior in high school and this was one of my favorite songs as I was in a deep depression and this song expressed my feelings perfectly. Of course my deep depression was caused by a break up.
Brings back memories. I often think of loved ones whenever I hear this song. I have family in another part of the country (thankfully only a three hour train ride) that I don't see as often as I like
It's good that you're honest about it.
In 1996 reading uk live these guys had so much skill. Plus energy.
At clubs i didn't think to much of them.
These guys are s tier. Not my bag in genre but still amazing. That's a good bar.
The first person I've seen react to Kirk shaking the wheelchair bound vet's hand. It's my favourite part of their video.
I rather like James's vocals on this. Of course, I prefer his raw thrash metal vocals compared to his more trained & refined current vocals, but I grew up with old Metallica, I have a connection to their older stuff and that's what I like. Thrash metal is supposed to be raw and wild, not reigned in and clean. I've always loved their song "The Four Horsemen" (which Dave Mustaine originally wrote) and has a different version of (the original version) but I prefer this one".
I got into a lot of bands in the 90's that people rarely react to compared to the likes of Metallica or ACDC or Iron Maiden etc... When you talk about musicianship, I can give you some examples that are all very different, and I'll give you songs to check out as well. Dream Theater (progressive rock) they're musicianship is unmatched; they've extremely talented and it's different in ways you can't fathom. One of the songs that got me into them was "Metropolis Pt 1" another song years later to check out might be "The Count of Tuscany".
Of course you have Dragonforce too which is equally unrivaled in their technicality and speed, but Dream theater has more rhythm, song's you can get into. With Dragonforce you just stare blankly at their stratospheric skill and technical prowess. Their most famous song, you may have heard in passing, it's called: "Through the Fire and Flames" but their entire catalogue is similar. "Fury of the Storm" is a bit of unblinking insanity as well.
Then there's more extreme metal like Cradle of Filth. When I first heard them, I hated the lead singers voice, but the music is like a lullaby the way it sways and grooves, despite its heaviness and speed, it's melodically serenading. Over time, I grew to like his vocals, for two reasons, he's an incredible lyricist and I think of his voice more like an accompanying instrument (which all vocals technically are) but it sets a tone, adds depth like no instrument can do, it's all very atmospheric. The song that got me into them, which is still my favorite is: "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids" and even their ballads are dark and atmospheric, such as: "Nymphetamine" but they're catchy as hell and the band just grows on you if you give them a chance.
I could go on and on, but the last band I'll mention really altered my perception of where music, particularly metal could go. Therion, this is a band that shamefully no one reacts to and their absolutely incredible! They started out as Death metal, but when I first heard them in 1997, they were heavily incorporating orchestra and operatic singers. That was completely new to me. When I heard the first note of their song "To Mega Therion" I was instantly a fan! I don't recommend the music video, but they have a great live version of it at Wacken in 2001. And speaking of that concert and the same album as the previous song is another favorite "In the Desert of Set". They're just amazingly epic, you'll be exhausted by the time they end in the best way possible, hooked and a fan for life!
Note: You'll get a ton of requests for "Nightwish" (and rightfully so) but don't sleep on "Within Temptation" a very similar band, their singer can actually bring me to tears with one particular song "Our Farewell". I don't know what it is to be honest, her voice maybe? It's angelic, but it gets me in the feels every time.
Enjoy your musical journey!
My wife and I made this our theme song. It represents our lives and our lifestyle. Love it!
You should also check the four horsemen, whiplash, and seek and destroy AND creeping death live in moscow 1991
As usual, a really nice reaction!
If you are digging Metallica and don’t have a Metal background, I think you will like Nightwish. It’s a different sub genre, Symphonic Metal. Try to react to the video “Ghost Love Score - Live at Wacken 2013”. I bet you will love it.
No one doesn't love it! lol
100%! That must be next on your list!
And Nightwish would never have happened if it wasn't for Metallica. 1992 Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City where Tuomas saw Metallica Guns N Roses Body Count and I believe Queensryche as a Foreign Exchange student. Tuomas was a clasical studies student and was blown away. AS a side note Larrs introduced me to Nightwish a dozen years ago.
Here I didn't see this song on your Metallica reactions playlist earlier today and asked you to react to this song, but you already did, a month ago, LOL 😂😂😂. Was pretty close to the reaction I was expecting, it's a very deep, slow and melodic song, and as you said BEAUTIFUL Not hating on you or upset, but how can you say that about the vocals. On the Howard Stern Show the band performed this song with Mylee Cyrus, and James was so scared to even make this song because he didn't want to show his softer, more vulnerable to anyone because it might ruin the tough guy macho rocker image. But he did it anyways and poured out his heart and soul into this song. Personally I thought his vocals were AMAZING, still brings tears to my eyes virtually every time I listen to it and I've probably heard it thousands of times. If it comes on the radio when I'm driving I have to change the station, otherwise I can't see the road. Like you said, it's just so beautiful. It's an absolute masterpiece of musical artwork.
Forever trust in who you are, nothing else matters. That is all you need to absorb and get from it.
That last note of the guitar solo never stops, it just blends into the rest of the instruments.
Right? I can never get my guitar to sustain that note long enough when i play it.
@@davidforrest2024 they put a sustain pedal on it so they were able to make it last forever
@@davidforrest2024 You can use sustain pedal or e-bow
@@fatihinator1 what's ebow?
Yeh! They are just the legend! Thank you very much for this reaction 🙂👍
You can chose what ever Metallica song is the best, heaviest, loudest, best riff, best story, or whatever. This song I would say is their most iconic or atleast one of their most iconic songs not because its played so much or listened to so much but how it sounds start to end just gives the mood like no other.
I love that you didnt over pause during it. I like how you do your reactions, so thank you!
If you don't drop 2 or more tears during this song, you are not listening in the right way...
Are you gay?
This was very close to being my wife and my first dance song.. instead,we went with Firehouse "Love of a Lifetime ".. 17.5 Years later,We're still in Love!! Great Reaction Beautiful young lady!! Great Tune!! I Totally Understand your comments on this song!! Metallica is a different animal when you expect Metal 😎🤘
Sedom, that the drummer follows the lead guitarist. But it's a gem! Love it, everytime I hear it...
This was the first song that made me cry for a while and deep in my thoughts changed my mood
It's a love song. Hetfield's voice is the iconic sound of Metallica. Perfection!
Your reactions are super cool and sincere.
Please just keep up the way who you are
Lol, she said James was precious. I love it.
When this came out, it was shocking. The first five albums had nothing like this on it. I hated it the first time I listened. I think it was brave for them to write it, and it’s a quality song. 🤷♂️
First off, one of the best pieces of music ever written. And yes, James isn't some otherworldly vocalist who keeps throwing curve balls at you at 200mph. He is very good at what he does though. He wasn't going to be the vocalist, but they hadn't found one and had a demo tape song to record and he just did it.
The thing with Metallica is their honesty in their songs. They are not putting on some weird show but instead the music does the talking. If you ever have a chance to see them live, you need to be there. There is something magical happening at those and I still can't really explain that. Even after seeing them multiple times already.
If only I was born an ocean closer to you Kathryn... So close... No matter how far...
I think you absolutely should react to their song To Live Is To Die, it's an emotional tribute to their original bassist Cliff Burton, who died 3 years into the band's career in 1986. Some interpret the song as the stages of grief over a lost friend, being that its mostly instrumental apart from a line of poetry read out by james at the end. It's my favorite metallica song
Favorite song from Metallica ❤❤❤
I hated Metallica's attempt at trash and heavy metal in the 90s. But certain songs stand out as being so unique and transcends genre. This song is definitely one of them. People argue with me but I think Cliff Burton would be proud of James for this song.
The strings section of *_Nothing Else Matters_** and *_Disarm°_* are the two songs that got me to love a strings section in Rock and all its sub-genres.🎻
*being Metallica, °being The Smashing Pumpkins
Timeless, this acoustic guitar sounds in my head all the time...
I cry when listen this Song for me Is important because its a motivation for my life for my soul
S&M version of this song is a must… 1 or 2, both are fire
As Metallica would say this song could mean something different to different people and that is fine ...
Kathryn I am enjoying Appreciate your reactions and Loved Your Plants in the Wall
James originally wrote the song for his girlfriend. When the song was originally introduced, but James didn't like the song. Now the song is their most viewed song on RUclips with over 1 billion views. It is definitely a showcase of metallicas awsomeness!
this was my Wedding Song in 1994... still is our song..
This song was written by James Hetfield. Yes, Elton John praised Metalica on the Howard Stern Show that this was the best song ever written. James was clearly overwhelmed with emotion to receive such a huge compliments from a legend like Elton John . I wanted to clarify the exact details from what the previous commenter said. 😉
There's something very relaxing in watching you listen and sway to the music. You have a very nice voice, and make great comments, too. Keep it up! 🙂
This song was indeed about a past love and fun fact is that this song wasn't meant to be released James had made it on his own and kept it to himself until one day he said fuck it and presented it to the band and they convinced him to release it on an album and so the black album it was 🫴
The meaning of this song from the band themselves is the connection with their fans, l had to look it up since I developed my own intuitive, vague idea of the song, and thought it was intended to be kind of a depressing, cynical concept. Didn’t miss the bullseye, missed the entire target, lol. A great song with a different message, (which is easy to understand), with respect to the relationship between performers and their fans is “Living in the Limelight” by Rush. One of many great songs by my favorite band, and imho, the greatest 3 piece band of all time. JP
Side note - To me the song is about to realize your dreams never give up because giveing anything in life your best makes you a winner no matter what the outcome...
James was afraid to show the whole band this song. Only Lars knew about it and loved it. Great song.
Yup... Almost never was. Because this was one of the first songs he wrote right after AJFA.
You should hear the "Elevator Version" mix. It's primarily the same lead guitar backed by strings (cellos and violins and whatnot).
It's too good to be reduced to a mere "elevator version"...
Either way, it's a far cry from the old Metal Militia, Whiplash, Creeping Death, Fight Fire With Fire, Disposable Heroes, and Master Of Puppets days, lol.
Well, unless you consider that middle section of Master, lol... foreshadowing?
This is the appropriate reaction to this song, not a lot of reaction, you just fall into this song, it is the one song from Metallica that stands out as a true ballad and it is a masterpiece, Elton John complimented James Hetfield as to say it is one of the best written songs ever, and to come from Elton John is huge
Your Metallica reactions encapsulate my experience. First thought is "Great, more metal shit" Than it's just real life life
Keep it up Kathryn, you will make 100K soon
I should talk about Metallica but gosh... how beautiful eyes Kathryn has!
I second that.
FYI, James Hetfield said in an interview that he didn't know how to read and write music or sing before this song. He learned how to do all 3 (still not a very good vocalist) for this song that he wrote for his then girlfriend.
He was also very nervous about playing the song because it was like nothing they had previously done.
spectacular beautiful reaction, greetings from Argentina 🍷😘
Hello there Kathryn! New sub' here! Just finished watching all of your Metallica reaction videos and I LOVED them! Great to see some new reacters here. I've been a huge Metallica fan from day 1. Was a high school junior when "Kill Em All" came out. Although I have explored and dedicated chapters of my life to other music genres, my roots will always be as a metal-head, and Metallica will always be my favorite band of all time. Now, if you're ready for the best Progressie (and arguably the overall) Rock band, you need to react to RUSH! IMO the most talented 3-man rock band of all time. I'd suggest your first video to be "YYZ" live from Rio. It's an instrumental, so no lyrics to worry about (although Geddy has one of the most recognizable voices ever). Just a full-on display of their musical expertise.
If you love the instruments, the you must listen to The Call of Ktulu from RTL and Orion from MOP. You have!
"Headcanon" is the idea you have in your mind about something no matter what the "reality" of it may be. In my mind's version of this song, it's about a guy who is really in love with a place and a lady and because of outside forces they can't be together. Is this song really about a band on the road missing their loved ones at home? Probably. Could it also encapsulate the genre of angst and forced separation due to being deployed for a prolonged period of time overseas in a war? That's what I feel from it. A great song for me when I'm in an introspective mood, but not for everyone to be sure. You speak your honest mind and that's a GOOD thing! Keep up the great work 👍
Would love to see you react to Opeth if you feel ready to turn it up a bit 😊🤘
I used to like Metallica alot in highschool then I graduated to Tool! Never too big on James' voice either. But it works. Like Anthony from the Chili Peppers, it fits the music even though the can't sing so good!
Pretty, beautiful, precious? That’s you. ❤
Disposable heroes is a good one
BLOOD DRENCHED EXECUTION - CANNIBAL CORPSE. THAT SONG IS MENTAL. AND PROVES THE INTENSITY OF ALL THE MUSICIANS IN THAT BAND. LISTEN TO THAT ONE.
LOVED THE REACTION KEEP BEING YOU. YOU ARE GETTING INTO ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS EVER. I LOVE THE SONG BUT NOT CRAZY . I LOVE HIS VOCALS ON THE DAY THAT NEVER COMES ESPECIALLY LIVE
I think the best part of this song are the drums. Especially when they're in sync with guitar at 5:34.
James is clearly not Steve Perry! That being said; James voice, imop is what signifies the sound of metal. His voice is unique, gritty and soft at times. His/Metallica's ability to tap into emotion with voice and instruments is unmatched. You feel what Metallica plays.
If you want to just feel the music without distractions, Orion.
Unforgiven trilogy ? Unforgiven 2 next and then 3 ? Thank you. You’ve already reacted to one and they are connected so it makes perfect sense. Also love Metallica reactions
Appreciate your honesty, too many reactors love everything.
I love this song always have., but I'll admit Mr Hetfield"s voice isn't at its best yet. His voice gets better over time and this was the first album where he was doing more than power vocals. I think he sings it better now, maybe you should check out a more recent live performance and see what you 🤔 think.
Or check out unfirgiven III, great singing vocals on that one.
🤟🔥🤟🔥
Beautiful song. It's been covered by many, including Celine Dion & Shakira.
Do you not like his voice just in this song, or in all the songs you've listened to so far? This is an all time classic from Metallica. It's a slow ballad, but it has aged very well. This song is proof that they can branch out from thrash and create beautiful, melodic, less metal type songs and still be successful.
Oh no one will be angry :) And it's valid! James is not some top notch, trained vocalist.
James's thrash vocals were legendary and he still does have a great control over his voice. But granted, he is not truly a singer, But his guitar work and songwriting are Metallica... :) and without a doubt, he's one of the greatest frontman of all time. And he is in fact, Hetfield, which has become a synonym to something iconic. So all of that, combined with his personality (and the ups and downs), all create this super legend that fans are obsessed with for 40+ years.
9:24 on the "watching a video vs listening to listening to the song", James shared your exact thoughts.
Somewhere in the late 90's he talked about it. How at those days, there were music videos everywhere. But the visuals often grabbed the viewer's attention more than the song did. And they tried to tell the viewers what the song means, instead of letting imagine the meaning for themselves. While there could be 300 meanings to a song, as James put it.
James is a great vocal
@@gthewolf7948 Great for sure, but that depends. Legend when it comes to thrash/harsh vocals, certainly. But if you compare his clean singing to legendary singers, well, he was never seriously intended to be one. That's doesn't make him less of a legend. In fact, a second Hetfield cannot be duplicated.
No one can make someone love a song/Lead singer especially one of a previous generation. Lead singers still make a band especially if they write songs too. I believe Metallica's audience and renown actually grew over time and decades now past the era that they helped define. Metal was not king then and this song was in part to branch out past metal to a more general mass audience even cataloged as Pop and is seen as Classic today. THIS SONG ACTUALLY ONLY CHARTED AT 34 in 1992. YET TODAY IT IS AS IF A #1 song or had to be by them when only a couple went into the top 20. Almost everyone today has heard of Metallica vs many others even if many heard songs that charted in the 70s 80s and 90s. Fact they still tour is part of maintaining recognition and can still sound as themselves. Age though does catch up yet new generation have discovered Metallica even more than when this song came out.
I love it when Kirk lifts the black Les Paul in victory... I Fixed It!! Lol. If you play a Gibson Les Paul you know, high dollar = high maintenance.
This is actually an ode to Metallica fans, which i much more prefer because i wrongly used to relate it to someone i loved, and it turned out that person never really loved me. Unfortunately for me, the lyrics were what i felt, not what she felt and she kept how she felt about me to herself for another 2 years before breaking my heart and leaving me. Needless to say, its a difficult song for me to hear even now but also a salutary message about those who lie to make themselves appear in a better light because they cannot justify and own up to their own poor behaviour. Anyway, rant over but James voice is at its best here. Another great song where he is good lyrically is Low Man's Lyric.
It might be worth your while checking out Voiceplay's cover of this song. They are an a cappella group, so usually no instruments, but their beatboxer introduces an instrument on the guitar solo part of this song.
Try Screaming Suicide, it is from the upcoming album in april. I love it. You can see how well Metallica aged.
Yes you did awsome thank you
Hey its chris i won i am happy may i ask what i won
“No leaf clover” by Metallica performed live with the San Francisco philharmonic…….trust me it’s legit one of their best songs
how do you stick the glasses to the wall?
I like the way you pick an artist and react to a lot of their material (Metallica and Eminem). Hope you diversify a bit more. The following have pretty extensive catalogs: Rammstein, Therion, Epica, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the metalization champ (Leo Moracchioli).
His voice is what makes the effing song!!!
Just found your channel and have seen a few of your videos. You are off to a great start. Can't go wrong with Metallica. Got to do some 80s Motley Crue, AC/DC, etc..... Try an AC/DC Thunderstuck Live at the River Plate, and if you want to hear true rock vocal talent you HAVE TO SEE Slaughter Live 1991 Fly to the Angels. You can't go wrong !!!
So back ground to this song is James wrote it and would sing it to his at the time girlfriend on the phone when he was on the road and didn’t even want to put it on an album but after his band mates heard it they talked him into it
1:57 You stare at him back when he looks at you. 😅
your opinion abt his singing is like my opinion abt food....it's a "personal thing of taste", so don't worry abt the "haters of the world".
This song is a true Metallica masterpiece. Please check out Pink Floyd LIVE at the PULSE CONCERT performing Run Like Hell. Fasten your seat belt.
Its 02:58am in NE India_Aizawl