For over three decades, Kirk Hammett has been shredding his way through some of the most iconic guitar riffs in heavy metal history as the lead guitarist for Metallica. He has proven time and time again that he’s a bonafide guitar god, capable of delivering electrifying solos that make fans go wild. However, one of his latest solos has been the subject of controversy and criticism — his solo in “Lux Æterna,” a track from Metallica’s S&M2 album. Despite the backlash, Hammett is standing his ground, defending his solo and explaining why he believes it fits perfectly with the song.
Kirk Hammett, legendary guitarist for heavy metal band Metallica, has given a brand new interview with Total Guitar magazine, in which he dismissed criticism of his solo on the band’s single “Lux Æterna”. Some critics had labeled it as his “worst solo”, with some YouTubers even posting their own supposedly “improved” versions. However, Hammett stands by his work, saying: “Yeah, my fucking friends down the street could probably play a better solo than ‘Lux Æterna’ — but what’s the point? For me, what’s appropriate is playing for the song and playing in the moment.”
Hammett also pushed back against the suggestion that he does not appreciate technique, saying: “I love from-the-heart playing, and I’ve heard real technical playing that’s from the heart. Allan Holdsworth, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Yngwie — they all play from the heart, but for a lot of guys, it’s just like sports or the Olympics. Music is to reflect beauty, creativity, feeling, life.”
He went on to say that his soloing style has changed as Metallica’s music has evolved: “I know my modes, Hungarian scales, symmetrical scales, I know all that shit. Is it appropriate? Maybe earlier in our time, but not now. What’s more appropriate is coming up with melodies that are more like vocal melodies. And guess what? The best scale for mimicking vocal melodies is the pentatonic.”
While some may criticize Hammett’s playing as lacking in technical prowess, he believes that playing for the song is more important. He said: “Technique is reaching new boundaries, and I love that, but I have to stress it’s important to play for the song. If you do that, your music will have that much more integrity and lasting power.”
However, not everyone is a fan of Hammett’s playing. In a 2010 interview with Decades of Distortion radio show, Winger/Whitesnake guitarist Reb Beach said: “I don’t know the guy [Kirk], but I think he’s one of the worst guitar players I’ve ever heard in my life. I’ve never heard a solo from that guy that was any good… This guy is out of tune, and his vibration… what is it? Vibrato. Oh my god. It sounds like a beginner.”
Beach continued: “Back in the ’80s, he was always voted best guitar player, and I’m like, ‘What?! That guy is terrible.’ I hate to say that because I might meet him one day. What’s he play in? Megadeth? Metallica? Is he in Metallica? Oh, then I have no problem doing that because in their biggest video, ‘Nothing Else Matters’, when they threw darts at a poster of Kip Winger, and then they showed it live — 20,000 people every night laughing at Winger — I don’t mind saying that Kirk Hammett sucks.”
Despite any criticism, Metallica remains one of the biggest bands in heavy metal history, and anticipation is high for their upcoming album, 72 Seasons. The album, produced by Greg Fidelman with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, clocks in at over 77 minutes and features 12 tracks. It will be released on April 14 via Metallica’s own Blackened Recordings label.
In conclusion, while Hammett may not have the technical prowess of some other guitarists, he believes that playing for the song is more important. As he said in his Total Guitar interview, “If you do [play for the song], your music will have that much more integrity and lasting power.” Whether or not one agrees with his playing style, there is no denying the impact that Metallica has had on heavy metal music history.
In the end, it’s clear that Kirk Hammett’s “Lux Æterna” guitar solo has sparked some discussion among Metallica fans. But as the guitarist himself has pointed out, it’s important to remember that every song is different and requires its own unique approach. For Hammett, this solo was a way to constructively contribute to the overall sound and feeling of the song, rather than simply showing off his impressive guitar skills. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Hammett’s passion and dedication to his craft is an essential part of Metallica’s legacy. And who knows, maybe this solo will inspire other guitarists to delve even deeper into the creative possibilities of their own instrument.
