After finishing the trilogy on 2008’s Death Magnetic, Metallica frontman James Hetfield was asked if he was finished writing “The Unforgiven” tracks during a recent episode of The Metallica Report podcast.
To be honest, it’s a terrific question, and Hetfield gives it a little laugh before responding with the most outrageous “who knows” response he could muster.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of a third “The Unforgiven” tune made me laugh when I first listened to Death Magnetic in college. Please understand that although the first one is excellent and the second is decent (though I also support ReLoad), the third one seemed unnecessary.
Nevertheless, I understand James’ point of view having listening to that record numerous times over the years. It makes natural that Metallica would discuss his troubles and demons on an album when the band is attempting to reestablish itself if the songs are about his path of self-reflection.
Later in the podcast, Hetfield also discusses the two songs, “The Frayed Ends of Sanity” and “Dyer’s Eve,” that he and his bandmates frequently think about include on the set list but never feel comfortable executing: both fromAnd everyone gets justice. It makes sense because Metallica isn’t the same band as it was in 1988. Particularly when you take into account that at least one member struggles with the time of several of the songs from that era.