Why Metallica Winning The Best Metal Performance Grammy Matters

The Grammy’s were on over the weekend and Metallica picked on up for Best Metal Performance.  They were nominated in a few categories, which I was disappointed they didn’t win, but then again, I’m a big fan of theirs and may be a little biased.  Here’s why Metallica winning The Best Metal Performance Grammy Matters.

First, these guys are no spring chickens.  Yet, despite their age, they managed to put out an album filled with thrashing, bangers that sound as fresh as some young, new bands on the scene.  It’s safe to say that Metallica could rest on their laurels if they wanted to.  But we see with the pummeling audio structure of 72 Seasons, that they are not content with doing that.  And I for one am very appreciative of that.

Another reason this win matters is because it shows legacy metal acts that they are still relevant.  Not just to the fans they’ve had for years, but also to younger generations who are discovering them and maybe even discovering playing an instrument for the first time.  And that’s a big deal! We want our bands that have been around for decades to know that we still appreciate them.  We want them to continue to release great music and touring as long as possible.

Here in Jersey, we love Metallica.  They did 2 nights at MetLife Stadium in August and debuted a song from the new album for the first time in the states.  Even with their album release, it was exciting to head to the movie theatre the night before to listen with other Jersey “Tallica Lovers and see what everyone’s opinion was.

Metallica is like an institution at this point.  And I’m not saying just because they’ve been around for a while, they just deserve a win.  But this award shows them that we do care.  And look forward to hopefully more music and more touring!

Were you at Starland Ballroom last night?

Asking Alexandria headlined a tremendous show! They fired up some really great live versions of "Into The Fire," "To The Stage," and much more. And they had some great openers as well! The Hu and Zero 9:36. Both bands got the crowd pumped and it was cool watching The Hu doing their thing – blending traditional Mongolian sounds with metal!! One cool highlight was when they did their cover of Metallica’s “Through The Never”. It sounded great and they definitely have a unique take on it.

Let’s go back to The Blacklist cover album and take a look at 6 of the most unique versions of Metallica tunes!

This woman is a model, an actress, and a tremendous vocalist. She's got a truly awesome set of pipes and this cover proves she can sing any genre. Very intriguing hearing a danceable version of "Enter Sandman!!"

Jose Madero was the lead singer of a band called PANDA.  Here, he flies solo and over the piano that accompanies him at the beginning of the track, I get chills when I hear it.  Such an amazing cover.  Haunting, emotional, and raw just like Metallica's original.

This one is so odd.  At first, I didn't get it.  But after a few listens, it's a very unique spin on one of the most underrated songs of the Black album.  It's got a college rock, underground, punkish vibe in moments.  And certainly stands out as one of the most unique takes on a Metallica tune.

Straight Out of Chile, this vocalist known for Pop, Bolero, Salsa, and more does a bang-up job in her version of the Metallica classic.  In Spanish and with those beautiful guitars with that Latin flare, it sounds so cool to hear the song this way.  Again, another that is haunting yet powerful and beautiful all at once!

This jazz saxophonist is an amazing player. In fact, everyone on the track lays down something very hypnotic and captivating.  A jazzed-up version of a Metallica B-Side is just what we needed!

Those Mongolian instruments and that feel.  So intriguing, but it still brings the heavy on the main riff of the song. Once those vocals kick in, you can't help but be hypnotized. Great version!