From album
Master of Puppets
Metallica · 1986
Details
TonalidadE
Compás4/4
Tempo89 BPM
Duración5:39
CompositorJames Hetfield / Lars Ulrich
ÁlbumMaster of Puppets
Año1986
ISRCQMKHM1600223
Credits
Music James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich
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The story behind
The song *Leper Messiah* by Metallica delves into a critique of religious manipulation and the abuse of power that some exercise over people's faith. The lyrics, written by James Hetfield, address how certain figures use others' beliefs for their own benefit and control. After the first chorus, the perspective shifts to that of someone questioning religion, describing it as a form of mental slavery and pointing out that those who lead it primarily seek power. This theme of religion's influence on people's lives is not foreign to Metallica, as Hetfield has a personal connection to the subject, marked by the loss of his mother, who avoided medical treatments due to her beliefs in Christian Science. With a duration of 5:40, *Leper Messiah* is the sixth track on the album Master of Puppets.
This track was recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Sweet Silence Studios, under the production of Flemming Rasmussen. The album Master of Puppets, released on March 3, 1986, by Elektra Records, is the last in which bassist Cliff Burton participated. Tragically, Burton passed away on September 27, 1986, following a band bus accident that occurred in Dörarp, Sweden, while they were on tour. The music for *Leper Messiah* was arranged by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. The sound mixing was handled by Michael Wagener and Mark Wilczak, while the overall album production fell to Metallica and Flemming Rasmussen. The band, formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield, moved to San Francisco in February 1983. Throughout their career, Metallica has released nine studio albums and is considered part of the "big four" of thrash metal.
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