Concert Review: Metallica (Spectrum Center)

There are only a few bands out there where a concert isn't just a concert, it's an event. Bands that if they're playing within three hours of your home, you must be there.

Metallica is one of those bands.

Metallica has been making in-your-face rock since 1981. They brought their worldwide Hardwired Tour to Charlotte's Spectrum Center on Monday night and we were there, soaking it all in.

The Spectrum Center was packed. We got there a bit early and immediately saw the sea of black and denim, throngs of people waiting outside, eager for the doors to open so they could get as close to the stage as possible. For some, it was their first Metallica concert. Many of the fans, however, had been seeing the band since the '80s.

When the band hit the stage, the place erupted. Though the band chose to open the show with "Hardwired" and "Atlas, Rise!," the first two tracks off their latest album, Hardwired... To Self-Destruct, the crowd didn't falter. But when the band launched into "Seek & Destroy," the crowd somehow managed to raise their screams another 10 decibels.

Everyone sounded amazing. James Hetfield's growl was as menacing as ever, as were his riffs. Kirk Hammett's guitar playing was amazing. Lars Ulrich was the driving force behind the drums, backed by bassist Robert Trujillo. The band played hit after hit, including "The Unforgiven," "For Whom The Bell Tolls," "One," and "Master Of Puppets." After "Puppets," the band returned for a three-song encore of "Spit Out The Bone" from Hardwired, "Nothing Else Matters," and "Enter Sandman."

The band stayed onstage for awhile after "Sandman," throwing out drumsticks and guitar picks. They left to thunderous applause, only to return to have the crowd sing "Happy Birthday" to bassist Robert Trujillo. If you have the chance to catch Metallica on this tour (they'll be coming to Raleigh in January), DO IT!