Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. Founded when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement in a Los Angeles newspaper, Metallica's original line-up consisted of Ulrich, rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and bassist Ron McGovney.

Metallica has released eight studio albums, two live albums, two EPs, twenty-two music videos, forty singles and has finished working on their upcoming ninth studio album, Death Magnetic. The band has become one of the most commercially successful and influential heavy metal acts.