One Ring

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Lore & Background

The concept behind S&M was rooted in an idea that came to fruition after Michael Kamen suggested a full orchestra collaboration at the 1992 Grammys, having previously arranged orchestral background tracks for "Nothing Else Matters." According to James Hetfield, the vision to combine heavy metal with an epic classical approach has often been linked to late bassist Cliff Burton's deep love of classical music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, but the direct inspiration for this specific project came from Kamen's suggestion. This influence is evident in many instrumental parts and melodic characteristics found in Metallica's songwriting, including tracks from Ride the Lightning (1984) and Master of Puppets (1986). The project was formalized when the band finally accepted Kamen's offer seven years later, in 1999. The musical lineage also draws parallels to other artists; Lars Ulrich noted Deep Purple's Concerto for Group and Orchestra (1969) as an early example of this approach, though the source clarifies it had been done before by the Moody Blues' Days of Future Passed in 1967. Additionally, German power metal band Rage released Lingua Mortis in 1996 with the Lingua Mortis Orchestra.

In Their Own Story

The recording sessions on April 21 and 22, 1999, at The Berkeley Community Theatre produced an album containing performances of Metallica songs from albums spanning Ride the Lightning through Reload. These tracks were reimagined with symphonic accompaniment composed by Michael Kamen. Two new compositions, "No Leaf Clover" and "−Human," debuted on this record. A notable moment in the performance involved Ennio Morricone's "The Ecstasy of Gold," Metallica's entrance music, which was played live by the orchestra. The band also made specific changes to lyrics for certain songs; most notably, they removed the second verse and chorus of "The Thing That Should Not Be" and instead played the third verse in its place. On the album cover, the stylized "S" in the title "S&M" is designed as a backwards treble clef, while the "M" is taken directly from Metallica's logo. Following the release, "No Leaf Clover" has continued to be performed by Metallica in concert, utilizing a recording of its orchestral prelude.

Reader's Guide

Critics responded to S&M with varied but generally positive reviews upon its release. Rolling Stone (January 20, 2000) awarded it 3 stars out of 5, noting the performance succeeded in creating a "timeless" effect where monster numbers benefited from supersizing. Spin (February 2000) gave it an 8 out of 10, praising how the album turned tempo and texture dynamics into a topic in itself. Entertainment Weekly (December 3, 1999) rated it B, describing staples as creeping with fearful new dimensions. Q (February 2000) offered 3 stars out of 5, calling it a fine hit-heavy live LP despite some "Spinal Tap-esque lunacy." CMJ (December 20, 1999) described the orchestral renditions of hits from the band's '90s output as stunning. The album achieved significant recognition, appearing in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and ranking 48th on NME's list of 50 Greatest Live Albums. Metal Hammer magazine named it one of the 20 best metal albums of 1999. Commercially, S&M sold 300,000 units in its first week, eventually reaching a total of 2.5 million copies sold in the US. As of 2003, the album had been certified 5× platinum.

Did You Know?

• While Cliff Burton's love for Johann Sebastian Bach influenced Metallica's musical approach, the direct inspiration for the S&M project came from Michael Kamen's suggestion, not from Burton.
• Michael Kamen suggested the orchestra collaboration in 1992 after hearing the original studio version of 'Nothing Else Matters' at the Grammys, but the band waited seven years to accept.
• The album cover's stylized 'S' is a backwards treble clef, while the 'M' comes from Metallica's logo.
• For the song 'The Thing That Should Not Be' on the S&M album, the band played the full song with all verses, not a modified arrangement.
• In 2019, the band revisited the concept with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting at the Chase Center to celebrate the album's 20th anniversary.

Conceptual Origins and Orchestral Integration

The fusion of heavy metal and symphony was conceived by Cliff Burton, whose appreciation for classical music, especially Johann Sebastian Bach, influenced Metallica's melodic characteristics in songs from Ride the Lightning (1984) and Master of Puppets (1986). Michael Kamen, who had arranged orchestral tracks for "Nothing Else Matters," proposed the full orchestra collaboration after meeting the band at the 1992 Grammy awards. The project was delayed until seven years later. Precedents included Deep Purple's Concerto for Group and Orchestra (1969) and the Moody Blues' Days of Future Passed (1967), as well as Rage's Lingua Mortis (1996).

Live Performance and Musical Adaptations

Recorded on April 21–22, 1999, at The Berkeley Community Theatre, the album features songs from Ride the Lightning through Reload alongside new tracks "No Leaf Clover" and "−Human." "The Ecstasy of Gold" was performed live by the orchestra. Lyric changes included replacing the second verse/chorus of "The Thing That Should Not Be" with its third verse. The cover art features a backwards treble clef for the 'S' and the band's logo for the 'M'.

Critical Reception and Commercial Success

Reviews ranged from Rolling Stone (3/5 stars) to Spin (8/10). It was named one of the top 20 metal albums of 1999 by Metal Hammer, included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, and ranked 48th on NME's greatest live albums list. Sales reached 300,000 units in week one and 2.5 million total in the US, earning a 5× platinum certification by 2003.

Legacy and Twentieth Anniversary Reunion

Following Michael Kamen's death in 2003, Metallica returned to the concept in 2019 with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting at the Chase Center on September 6 and 8. The film grossed over $5.5 million, leading to the August 2020 release of S&M2. The original 1999 concert was released on VHS and DVD by director Wayne Isham; the DVD includes a 41-minute documentary, multi-angle tracks for four songs, and two music videos.