UAWIL #273: Metallica - Master of Puppets

The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast · Feb 19, 2026 · 1h 27m

By 1986, Metallica's assault on the music establishment and eardrums was in full force. Their previous album, Ride The Lightning, had caught the attention of Elektra Records who signed them to an 8 record deal. Though they refused to make videos, weren't on MTV and didn't really release singles, the band gained fans anywhere they played live and through an underground tape trading community. They were establishing thrash metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax through constant touring and a relentless lifestyle.

The boys really upped their game on Master of Puppets through stronger…