Hit the Lights

When James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich began to shape Metallica, one of the first ideas that emerged was Hit the Lights. This song, which opens their debut album Kill 'Em All, has the distinction of being the first piece in which both collaborated directly upon founding the group. Before the band's characteristic sound was consolidated, Hit the Lights already existed in different stages. It can be heard on the compilation Metal Massacre, released by Brian Slagel and his label Metal Blade Records to showcase new acts from the western United States. Lars convinced Slagel to include a track, and although he didn't have a band yet, he contacted Hetfield. Together, they took a foundation that James had created with his previous group, Leather Charm, and molded it for this recording. For the guitar solo, they called Lloyd Grant, who recorded his part and was later replaced by Dave Mustaine. The lyrics, for their part, capture the pure energy of being at a heavy metal concert, experiencing one of the most intense moments for both the band on stage and the audience devoted to the music.

Throughout 1982, Hit the Lights circulated on various demos, including Ron McGovney's '82 Garage Demo, Power Metal, No Life 'til Leather (from which the demo takes its name, being the first line of the song), and Metal Up Your Ass, before finally seeing the light of day on the album Kill 'Em All in 1983. In its structure, it is interesting to note that in the instrumental interlude of the final part, a riff can be appreciated that evokes previous works by Queen, such as Great King Rat, a band that Metallica would later cover with Stone Cold Crazy. The lyrical theme focuses on the experience of playing live, road trips, and life within a "heavy metal" lifestyle.