Kirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett, renowned for his fleet and ferocious guitar playing style, co-founded Exodus before joining Metallica as lead guitarist in 1983. Hammett has been a key member of Metallica, contributing iconic riffs to their albums, including the hit "Enter Sandman." In 2022, he released his debut solo album, "Portals," showcasing his virtuosic shredding skills and eerie orchestral soundscapes.

Raised in San Francisco, Hammett's early passion for horror movies led him to heavy metal, where he quickly rose to prominence in the Bay Area thrash scene with Exodus. After joining Metallica, the band achieved massive success with albums like "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets." Despite facing challenges such as the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton, Metallica continued to thrive with new bassist Jason Newsted, evolving their sound and image throughout the '90s and beyond. Hammett's guitar playing style evolved over the years, culminating in his 2022 solo release, "Portals," which combined his love for horror with intricate instrumentals.