From album
Metallica
Metallica · 1991 · Track 7
Details
TonalidadE
Compás4/4
Tempo96 BPM
Duración12:47
CompositorLars Ulrich / James Hetfield
ÁlbumMetallica
Año1991
ISRCQMKHM1900165
Credits
Music Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield
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The story behind
When James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich conceived "Seek & Destroy", they weren't just creating a song, but an anthem that would resonate on countless stages. Released in 1983 as part of their debut album, Kill 'Em All, this piece quickly became a staple of their live performances. Since its first performance in 1982, it has been a recurring element, often closing many of their concerts, a tradition that has been maintained throughout various tours, such as the Madly in Anger with the World Tour and the Metallica By Request Tour. In fact, by the end of 2024, it ranked as the band's third most performed song, with a total of 1,610 renditions, surpassed only by "Creeping Death" and "Master of Puppets". The raw energy and direct message of "Seek & Destroy" have kept it alive in Metallica's repertoire, demonstrating its enduring impact.
The recording of "Seek & Destroy" took place between May 10 and 27, 1983, at Music America studio in Rochester, New York, under the production of Paul Curcio. This song, with an approximate duration of 6:54, is said to have been heavily influenced by Diamond Head's "Dead Reckoning", and echoes of Saxon's "Princess of the Night" can even be found in its early solos. Kirk Hammett himself has commented on occasion about a slight slip in vibrato on a string during his solo, a detail that, far from detracting from its value, adds a layer of authenticity to the performance. The song's theme, which Hetfield used to joke was about hunting, explores the drive to annihilate without consummating it, a concept that lends itself to live interaction, where Hetfield often invites the audience to join in the cry of "Searching" followed by the chorus of "Seek and destroy!". On occasion, such as during the Wherever We May Roam Tour, Jason Newsted took the vocal reins, extending the song with improvisations that could last up to seven minutes, and in even longer versions, such as those from the Black Album tour, the duration would skyrocket to 16 or 20 minutes.
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