Lars Ulrich

[kenzo]

Hey.
Do you like him or do you not.
He was my instriretion when i was a kid, his the resen I play drum's to day.
I have seen him 2 times, and he is so good live.

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Lars_Ulrich.html

[needforspeed182]

I dont like him, he sais he uses what ever kind of drums he uses, but he uses Gretsch

[spacebeat3117]

I dont like him, he sais he uses what ever kind of drums he uses, but he uses Gretsch
No , he uses tama thats known man.

[Speedy]

I think Lars is a pretty good drummer in my opinion. I really liked his drumming on .....And Justice for All and Black. It was funny watching him get mad on the Some Kind of Monster DVD when they threw a surprise birthday party for Kirk but never one for Lars.

And yes, Lars plays on Tama, where did you hear he played Gretsch? Never heard that one before.

[Smoky_McPot]

Lars was one of the first drummers i really got into. I think he complimented Metallica's music perfectly. He is not a technical master, but i mean he co founded metallica! 'Nuff said.

[Doom]

Ive got to disagree that he's over-rated. I never hear anyone say he's the best metal drummer around or even that he's one of the best. I personally like him for his individual style. The parts he played in Puppets and Justice in particular serve the songs very well and no-one else ever would have done them.

And also the napster thing has absolutely nothing to do with his ability or the quality of Metallicas music.

[samuelsonmosley]

He plays drums like a zappone but with feeling

[samuelsonmosley]

I think Lars plays drums very good especially in "Master...";but today it seems that he heasn't interesting ideas like before;by the way,hi I'm a new member

[Speedy]

I C, but what is a zappone!?!?!

[NUTHA JASON]

i have to say that for me lars was a great inspiration in his time. its easy to judge him in this decade and put him and metallica down. i think their last few albums sucked and have left me very disappointed. but the albums up to and including the black album were great. there was that power and super chops. double bass drumming was introduced to south africa through metallica. enter sand man is a wonderful song to cover. it is a great pity that this band peaked so long ago now; and have been scrabbling for success ever since. at one time i would have said that lars was at the top of his game but based on their recent works i would say there are a lot of drummers who could stand in front of him. a warning to all of us confident drinkers. to rank as highly as some folks put him i would like to have seen some skill progression from the man. his personal development was rocket like from a teenager to the making of the black album and then he just wallowed. i hope i always get better as time goes on.

perhaps he should try playing some jazz?

j

[samuelsonmosley]

Zappone means when a drummer plays with a lot of power and is totally into the song

[Dyaxe]

Lars to me, does the job for metallica. he definetly can not be considered one of the best drummers around these day's, but aslong as he can drum for metallica im happy. listning to many of there bootlegs, you'l hear that he's getting quite lazy, such as not playing the proper begining to there song motorbreath, and sometimes not playing the double bass for dyers eve. i'd say he hit top notch during there ...and justice for all album, he definetly proved himself to be more then just your everyday thrash drummer. i give him credit for starting my favorite band, and also for keeping the energy in metallica. his drumming may be somewhat simple when comparing to other drummers, but his facial expressions will always be the best lol. I hope he can kick it back up on the their next album, to prove himself worthy of being a really good drummer. im a great fan through all of there albums, including the load era, st-anger, and S&M, and i hope it continues to be like that for there next album.

[mediocrefunkybeat]

Until May 2003, they hadn't played Dyer's Eve since Lollapalooza 1992. I got my hands on the bootlegged recording and he was playing the double bass. And to someone like Lars, that is a pretty insane drum track. Not by say, Tomas Haake's standards, but to Lars.. yeah.

I actually think in 1988 Lars was turning into a good drummer. Pity his skills weren't so good later when the Black Album was released, he got lazy IMO.

[Superlow]

The fact of the matter is Metallica are has beens. They were making metal to a certain standard that had a large underground following for a while, they had their own metal subculture. I feel it was because of them they brought a lot of heavy music into what is now considered the mainstream. Their old stuff was great. I think with their subsequent fame their music suffered the same thing that a lot of music that has lot's of money backing it suffers from. Over production. With over production things tend to get simplified to the point where they loose their balls. I think his drumming was one of the most noticable thing that suffered because of his ability to only play in direction. Personally I don't care for his drumming when it comes to metal. I have heard many other metal drummers that could put him to shame with their left arm and one foot. But you have to give Lars credit for for his early efforts. He could play dynamically and played pretty fast, he play what the music called for.

[Breadmonkey]

I really dislike him for several reasons:

1) His objection to Napster and similar file sharing programs. If it wasn't for tape swapping in the eighties no-one would ever have heard of metallica, so in my opinion biting the hand that feeds you.

2) Sure, if you like their style the drums sound great...... after thirty takes. He cannot deliver the goods in a live situation as he does not have the technical ability to play his own stuff outside of a studio without having plenty of time to get it right.

3) I know people have admitted that he is not the most technical drummer in the world. Its entirely his fault he doesn't get much respect anymore from the drumming community. If he didn't let his ego grow into the out of control monster it has become he would say to himself "hang on i need to work on my technique so i can play better", but no he doesn't do this. So when it comes to show time, instead of playing what you hear on the albums, nice, even, properly done double bass work, you get him just hitting the double bass pedal as fast as he can, which some may say is rockin and intense but its not, it shows lack of control and ability and shows him up for the fraud he is.

4) while i found the black album to be very interesting and inventive, none of the other albums really blew me away, again his ego telling him that he doesn't need to try because he's lars ulrich.

****** END OF RANT*********

[DogBreath]

1) I don't give a hoot what he does when he's not drumming. He can raise money for PETA for all I care.

2) So you're saying he's a perfectionist? Nothing wrong with that.

3) He gets no respect from the drum community? That's news to me.

4) One album you liked, and the rest you didn't. That doesn't make him a bad drummer. It means his music isn't your taste. Not the same thing, really.


********END OF RESPONSE********

[mediocrefunkybeat]

If you go and listen to Master of Puppets and ...And Justice For All (especially the latter) I realised that Lars actually had the potential to make a pretty good drum track. If you listen to the drum part on 'Blackened' (Track 1, AJFA) it's actually pretty technical and has its fair share of time signature changes.

You could almost say he laid down the foundations for modern technical metal drumming. (Alá Mike Portnoy) but obviously as not as refined. I quite like him on these albums and before that. After that, my mind changes, but before 1990, he was quite a good and creative drummer.

[Speedy]

1) I don't give a hoot what he does when he's not drumming. He can raise money for PETA for all I care.

2) So you're saying he's a perfectionist? Nothing wrong with that.

3) He gets no respect from the drum community? That's news to me.

4) One album you liked, and the rest you didn't. That doesn't make him a bad drummer. It means his music isn't your taste. Not the same thing, really.


********END OF RESPONSE********


Couldn't of said it any better myself.

[Speedy]

4) while i found the black album to be very interesting and inventive, none of the other albums really blew me away, again his ego telling him that he doesn't need to try because he's lars ulrich.

****** END OF RANT*********

If you think the black album is something, then I guess you haven't heard their other albums like Master of Puppets or ...And Justice For All, like I said earlier. Black is nothing compared to those other IMO.

[Speedy]

I also agree with Superlow. Whose really would be the right drummer for Metallica? He fits the band perfectly IMO. Don't hate Lars just cause he plays with Metallica and you don't.

[Breadmonkey]

1) I don't give a hoot what he does when he's not drumming. He can raise money for PETA for all I care.

2) So you're saying he's a perfectionist? Nothing wrong with that.

3) He gets no respect from the drum community? That's news to me.

4) One album you liked, and the rest you didn't. That doesn't make him a bad drummer. It means his music isn't your taste. Not the same thing, really.


********END OF RESPONSE********

1) Fair enough, but it highlights his personality that he cares more about how much money he gets than how good his drumming sounds.

2) No i'm not saying he's a perfectionist, i'm saying he's not very good.

3) perhaps it is news to you, but the vast majority of drummers that i've met and talked to in Ireland, even the metallica fans or metal guys, don't like him or his drumming

4) I don't like the music admittedly, but i never mentioned the music I was referring to drumming only

[Funkdaddy]

I think it was on "...And justice for all" he used Gretch kicks. Can't remember where I read it, but they had a hard time finding the right kick sound or something. Even though he is a Zildjian endorser, he uses Sabian hats on some (if not all) tracks on "The black album". That I know for sure...just watch "One and a half years with Metallica".

BTW - Yeah, I think Lars is a good drummer for Metallica. Think of all the youngsters he inspires. He was one of my very first heroes.

[Doom]

A few things I want to say. I think that most musicians want to be the best they can, understandably of course. but that doesnt mean everyone has to be that way. Lars can play drums, let him. Just because he isnt the best metal drummer or even among the best that really doesnt make him a bad drummer. As for his personality I'd like to point out that you really cant judge a person on what you read or see on the TV. Also his personality should not be of any importance to us, we are music fans and not his friends or colleagues.

On the metallica front, which has come up, I heartily disagree that they have done nothing good since the black album. There are plenty of great songs on Load and I think Garage Inc and S & M are both really good too. I agree that they have lost their way however. Their lives are so incredibly different from how they were before they were rich, I think they need to stop trying to write music they would've written and write music that they want to write.

[DogBreath]

1) Fair enough, but it highlights his personality that he cares more about how much money he gets than how good his drumming sounds.

2) No i'm not saying he's a perfectionist, i'm saying he's not very good.

3) perhaps it is news to you, but the vast majority of drummers that i've met and talked to in Ireland, even the metallica fans or metal guys, don't like him or his drumming

4) I don't like the music admittedly, but i never mentioned the music I was referring to drumming only

1. You might want to do a Google search for a personality forum. This is a drumming forum.

2. 30 takes to get it to the point that he's satisfied with it makes him a perfectionist. If you personally feel that his live playing doesn't live up to his studio work, then that just means you like his studio work better. I'm sure he'd appreciate the compliment.

3. The majority of Irish drummers that you've personally met don't like his drumming? Now that's an interesting statistic.

4. You found the drumming on the black album to be his best? Again, I'm sure that he'd appreciate the compliment.

Note: the majority of Mexican sheepherders that I have personally had to my house for tea think that ad hominem attacks against drummers have no place on DrummerWorld.

[CarterB_Junkie]

Remember that Lars is one of the only drummer (Collins maybe) that has a writing credit on all the songs of the band (except Motorbreath on Kill Em All) and they are now in the 100 million records area.

[Milo]

Remember that Lars is one of the only drummer (Collins maybe) that has a writing credit on all the songs of the band (except Motorbreath on Kill Em All) and they are now in the 100 million records area.



There's plenty more I assure you, too many to list.


Lars was good and fast back in the day and he was one of my influences(and many others) when I started to play metal. His fills were never that strong but his double bass was faster than most for the time. He played with power that would make some of our hands bleed. Over the years his playing has become quite stagnant and uninspiring. It happens...it's happened with the whole band.

And WTF is up with the snare on 'St. Anger'!?!? Did he come by my house at 2am and steal my trash can to record with???

[Stevis]

Hmmm.......


Yeah I like them them a lot until ..and justice for all. I'm not a big fan of black album even though it was their most popular, or anything else after it for that mattert. They have some song I'll listen to on load and re-load and so on, but I like the songs and am able to listen from kill 'em all to ...and justice for all w/ disliking it.

[darkcherryfade]

My last thought on this- I actually think alot of Metallica's old stuff would've sounded better with some more complicated fills and whatnot.

[ChrisD]

Lars was a big influence on me when I first started playing drums as I'm sure he was on alot of drummers.Looking back though the only real album that I think has good drumming from Metallica would be the "Justice" album by far.Although he had a few good licks on the S and M live dvd as well.

[Bernhard]

Perhabs we're not doing right on Lars. He's very smart and knows exactly his position techniquewise. He never said, he's a better drummer than X or Y..... he just enjoys playing drums. It's not his fault, that he's always compared.

But for sure it's a very very popular drummer - outside the drumming scene.

Ask somebody - not musician - to name a drummer: Lars Ulrich will come up. So it is.
Not his fault.....

Bernhard

[Blue]

I think Lars is very musical in his drum playing. Considering the slow tempos of many of the songs, he keeps a VERY deep pocket, and has incredibly tasteful fills and phrasing. I think he fits PERFECTLY with Metallica and is as important to the success of Metallica as the other members.

What he did with Napster TOTALLY ate his credibiliy. I don't quite understand his motives for doing that, but I need to respect a drummer as a person in order to listen to him. I don't know if he was looking out for the little people or himself. Considering how much success he's had, I don't see why he'd care if they're losing a little money to internet pirating.

[ventor]

He was the reason for me to start drumming. Metallica were my very first Metal Band and when i listened to them i already felt: thats what I should do as well... And even nowadays I think he drummed perfectly on the lightning, master, justice and on some songs like enter sandman or my friend of misery also on the black album.
But the stuff he plays now makes me wonder: did the guy have an accident or what?? theres nothing left of the power one could hear in the early days. everything since load is complete boring, but the fault isnt only to be searched by lars, also with a better drummer these records would suck. However, if Metallica would have quit after the black album they would still be my favorite band als Lars one of my fave drummers, but he XXXXXXXXXXXX up... But I am still hoping that Metallica find back to their strength: Melodic, heavy thrash metal. theres still hope

[Stu_Strib]

Regardless of personal opinions, Lars has a very strong enthusiasm for rock and drumming in general. Did anyone see the MTV special where all the pop artists du jour all took turns playing live Metallica covers for Metallica themselves? Lars was so into it, and I instantly gained a ton of respect for the guy. So what if he isn't the best. He is solid, and he is unique (just look at how many blast beats and 32nd bass drum notes he DOESN'T play).

The drum sound on "And Justice for All" is killing, especially the killer track "One". All the stuff before that is very dated sounding and rough around the edges. If making the Black Album (one of the top selling hard rock albums ever) and cleaning up your sound and maturing as musicians is "selling out", then I guess I never really liked the old Metallica anyway.

[tambian89]

Hey:

I listen to the albums Kill 'Em All through ...And Justice for All only, as I do not like Metallica's style after them. I think Lars' best work was on ...And Justice for All, which is also my favorite album by them. His work on Master of Puppets was pretty good too. I think Ride the Lightning was a great step up from Kill 'Em All, whose drumming was quite simplistic (althought I feel it fit their style at the time). Now, I have seen some of Lar's live drumming as of recently, and I find that everything seems wrong. He has downsized his kit, and he doesn't really use the double bassing that well. Also, many of his drum parts bore me, as it is always hi-hat and crash. He never uses a ride after Ride the Lightning (bit of pun there), only in the intro of Welcome Home and he uses the bell in Disposable Heroes, which disappoints me because he limits his drum vocabulary. All in all, Lars in his prime (at least to me) is when he played on the first 4 albums; after (and including) the "Black" album, his skill seemed to diminish.

- Marc

[photon]

Personally his drumming has never really inspired me. I do enjoy some Metallica though (the Black Album primarily and some of their covers such as Whiskey in a Jar, Turn the Page) and appreciate their very tight arrangements.

[MOONCHILD]

yea he is quite an appearence but i dont like that he almost always play same thing you know what i mean.There are three or four things to learn from him and thats all.But he is quite a drumer

[JohnMunsey]

I think Lars is a great drummer and was good on double bass for his time.

He also had some odd-time things in Blackened that was complex

Lars Odd-Time Analysis (http://www.dannybritt.com/lars.htm)

[lilblakdak]

Thats a good little artcle. To me Lars is a little like AVH, you dont actually hear the interesting stuff he's playing because the guitar work is so overpowering on most metallica songs. I have a bootleg of a show from the St. Anger Tour and lar's playing is great. What amazes me most about his playing is how he can come up with the most "f"ed up odd time rolls and still come in perfectly on the beat.

[MOONCHILD]

what reminds me that song ST.ANGER quite disciplinised druming and good rythm (slow part) i dont know how he does it in live appearance.And offcourse that is kind of music where you dont need to show off too much.

[JohnnyDrums]

I dont like him, he sais he uses what ever kind of drums he uses, but he uses Gretsch


Lars is so awesome, hes just an all over crazy metal drummer. You have your opinon but....i dont know

[lilblakdak]

You wanna here what Lars playing is like live go here:
Live Metallica (http://www.livemetallica.com/vault/default.asp)
You can download concerts from thier website for free.

[Tam]

In my opinion lars is a dam good drummer and an great inspiration to me, he may not be the best drummer out there but i think his greatest skill to to put the right drum track to the right song.

[Zardoz]

Lars the man: From watching interviews, to the whole Napster debacle, to seeing 'Some Kind Of Monster', pretty much killed my interest in him. He's more of a business man than a musician & that darn constant gum chewing drives me nuts!

Lars the drummer: One of my influences as well, but mainly from his early work. Lars' playing peaked with ...And Justice For All (whoever mixed that album should be shot though), then declined (like the rest of the band did) after that.

[averypoordrummer]

i do like his drumming, could you imagine metallica any other way? he never overplays, and i always get the sense that he puts the song first.

[dragonfire666]

ok im not like a lars h8r hes and alright drummer but what i find is people sayin that he is the only one for mettalica omg did none of u see the festivle cant rememeber what one it was but he was sick so jj (slipknot) filled in hello jj added more that one night that lars could eva do

[lilblakdak]

ok im not like a lars h8r hes and alright drummer but what i find is people sayin that he is the only one for mettalica omg did none of u see the festivle cant rememeber what one it was but he was sick so jj (slipknot) filled in hello jj added more that one night that lars could eva do
Actually it sounded like crap. Ive heard the MP3 of that show. Joey was WAAAYYYY to busy for a Metallica song. Good thing he only played a couple of songs. The drum tech did the best job out of all of them.

[Zardoz]

That entire show is available on Metallica's pay site. LiveMetallica.com (http://www.livemetallica.com/show.asp?show=41).

Dave Lombardo plays on 2 tracks as well. Much rather listen to him than Jordinson.

lilblakdak, ohhhhh no my friend. Joey is all over this concert. ;-)

Battery w/Dave Lombardo
The Four Horsemen w/Dave Lombardo
For Whom The Bell Tolls w/Joey Jordison
Creeping Death w/Joey Jordison
Seek And Destroy w/Joey Jordison
Fade To Black w/Flemming Larsen
Wherever I May Roam w/JoeyJordison
Last Caress w/Joey Jordison
Sad But True w/Joey Jordison
Nothing Else Matters w/Joey Jordison
Enter Sandman w/Joey Jordison

[rendezvous_drummer]

Lars Ulrich was a great drummer, and i don't have anything negative to say about him except his latest stuff really lacked creativity. ...And justice for all, Black Album and Master of Puppets were amazing and i loved his drumming on those. Master of puppets is his best drumming (the song i mean).

[Battered Sausage]

I still can't get over the sound of his snare on ST.ANGER.. Anyone?

[heaven'stef]

woulnt call him a bad drummer, but overrated. his playing suits metallica perfect, that's good stuff. but many see him as a god, only cos they are metallica fans.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I still can't get over the sound of his snare on ST.ANGER.. Anyone?
yea that snare was pretty rough. just sounded like a damn........what's that drum called....MAN! The drum that latin percussionists use.

[Zardoz]

yea that snare was pretty rough. just sounded like a damn........what's that drum called....MAN! The drum that latin percussionists use.

A timbale.

Although it's obvious they wanted a "raw" sound for that album, his snare sound is a little too overbearing.

[rendezvous_drummer]

YES! Thank you sir! Man, what was he thinking!?

[Stu_Strib]

...And Justice For All (whoever mixed that album should be shot though),

Are you serious? I think the bass drum on "One" is one of the best sounding rock bass drum sounds ever recorded. Compare it to Black Album....where did the bass drum go?????

[DrumGod]

I still can't get over the sound of his snare on ST.ANGER.. Anyone?

That snare is the reason people call drums Pots and Pans

[screaming muffin]

well, say what you want but i like lars's snare on st. anger

[Battered Sausage]

well, say what you want but i like lars's snare on st. anger

You really do? Can I ask why? Just can't get my head or ears around it.. sounds terrible to me..

[screaming muffin]

You really do? Can I ask why? Just can't get my head or ears around it.. sounds terrible to me..

i like it because it's original, and it gets your attention. i wouldn't want my snare to sound like that all the time, but for a song or 2 it'd be cool

i haven't heard the whole album tho. if he kept the same sound for every song... hmmm... i don't know about that...

but for st anger, the song, it sounds tougher and more raw than most badly recorded snares, at least the ones i've heard

[Battered Sausage]

i like it because it's original, and it gets your attention. i wouldn't want my snare to sound like that all the time, but for a song or 2 it'd be cool

i haven't heard the whole album tho. if he kept the same sound for every song... hmmm... i don't know about that...

but for st anger, the song, it sounds tougher and more raw than most badly recorded snares, at least the ones i've heard

I'm not talking about the song St. Anger, I'm taking about the album St.Anger.. he uses that snare sound for the entire thing...
Listen to the album start to finish and you'll have a VERY different view point on the snare 'sound'..

[GAZZASCOTLAND]

does his job well....a good steady rock drummer...nothing too flashy....great drum sound...he wont go down as one of the greats but i like his style

[CarlitosBaterista]

I also hated the snare sound on St. Anger and at first I did not get it. But then the explanation they give on the 'Some Kind of Monster' movie made me understand.

Bob Rock said something like "the objective of the album (sound wise) is to have a 'garage band' sound, and metallica is the band". They just wanted to finish a record, and the objective was to have a garage sound to it..so, from this perspective, I think they did pretty good...even though I would have liked the sound of the Garage Days Re-revisited EP much better, now that was a damn good raw sounding recording!

Peace.

[Zardoz]

Are you serious? I think the bass drum on "One" is one of the best sounding rock bass drum sounds ever recorded. Compare it to Black Album....where did the bass drum go?????

The overall sound was crap, especially since the bass and midbass were almost non-exsistent (example: like most of Rush's releases in the 80's), but I do like his punchy bass drum on that album.

I haven't listened to ...And Justice in years, so I'll have to check it out again, but I'm pretty sure I'm right about the overall sound of the album.

[kornslipknot]

Lars to me, does the job for metallica. he definetly can not be considered one of the best drummers around these day's, but aslong as he can drum for metallica im happy. listning to many of there bootlegs, you'l hear that he's getting quite lazy, such as not playing the proper begining to there song motorbreath, and sometimes not playing the double bass for dyers eve. i'd say he hit top notch during there ...and justice for all album, he definetly proved himself to be more then just your everyday thrash drummer. i give him credit for starting my favorite band, and also for keeping the energy in metallica. his drumming may be somewhat simple when comparing to other drummers, but his facial expressions will always be the best lol. I hope he can kick it back up on the their next album, to prove himself worthy of being a really good drummer. im a great fan through all of there albums, including the load era, st-anger, and S&M, and i hope it continues to be like that for there next album.

I agree. You arnt the drummer of one of the biggest bands ever for nothing. Hes awsome.

[Stu_Strib]

That entire show is available on Metallica's pay site. LiveMetallica.com (http://www.livemetallica.com/show.asp?show=41).



Wow, what a surprise. Metallica has a pay site.

[dragonfire666]

hey i no what i said before was pretty poor and actually if u listen to st. anger joey uses sum pretty fast double bass stuff in there. and i just finish watchin the some kind of monster dvd and it was totaly inspirin to play drums and guitar. wooo 'daddy plays dums' lars' kid is a rockin drummer

[intooder]

I also hated the snare sound on St. Anger and at first I did not get it. But then the explanation they give on the 'Some Kind of Monster' movie made me understand.

Bob Rock said something like "the objective of the album (sound wise) is to have a 'garage band' sound, and metallica is the band". They just wanted to finish a record, and the objective was to have a garage sound to it..so, from this perspective, I think they did pretty good...even though I would have liked the sound of the Garage Days Re-revisited EP much better, now that was a damn good raw sounding recording!

Peace.

I think Mr. Rock might've made a verbal typo in calling that a "garage" sound instead of a "garbage" (can) sound.

Speaking of the Master of Puppets album, I was at a dream theater concert a few years back (6 degrees of inner turbulence tour), and their entire second set was them covering that album. They sounded pretty good, although they didn't improvise a whole lot which got a bit tiring.

[tambian89]

I've noticed a significant regression in Lars' playing ability live.

Here:

Master of Puppets in 1989 - http://youtube.com/watch?v=b2s7DcIbkcI&search=Metallica

Master of Puppets in 2004 - http://youtube.com/watch?v=rQKhc6IKiFA&search=Master%20of%20Puppets%20live

Notice the difference?

Here's an Apocalyptica Version:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ijDUluXxPag&search=Master%20of%20Puppets%20live

- Marc

[Zardoz]

Yes, the difference was clear as day. Why? Because they're not really 'metal' anymore and they're 20 years older. Then again, Neil Peart is in his 50's and can still play songs like LaVilla Strangiato note-for-note. That version of Master is more 'grooving', but come on..........just.........not good.

Note to Hetfield: For the love of God stop trying to sing and just yell it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone has to get it through to this guy. Or, maybe he damaged his v.c.'s from all those years of screaming. Who knows.....regardless.....it needs to stop.

[Symbolic]

Yes, the difference was clear as day. Why? Because they're not really 'metal' anymore and they're 20 years older. Then again, Neil Peart is in his 50's and can still play songs like LaVilla Strangiato note-for-note. That version of Master is more 'grooving', but come on..........just.........not good.

Note to Hetfield: For the love of God stop trying to sing and just yell it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone has to get it through to this guy. Or, maybe he damaged his v.c.'s from all those years of screaming. Who knows.....regardless.....it needs to stop.


Hetfield did hurt his voice on the black album tour.

The excuse "they're not really metal any more" doesnt cover the fact he cant play their old songs. Thats is really just a horrible excuse.

[tambian89]

Hetfield did hurt his voice on the black album tour.

The excuse "they're not really metal any more" doesnt cover the fact he cant play their old songs. Thats is really just a horrible excuse.

Exactly! Regardless of their new style, they should still be able to perform their old music. Part of the reason Lars isn't as good is because he changed his setup, and his newer songs do not utilize double bass(with the exception of those St. Anger, but I hate that album, so eh) and the fills he used to do. Lars would probably be amazing right now if Metallica had picked up where ...And Justice For All left off. Think about it; he was getting faster and faster (I noticed it even while the were on tour for Justice), and a lot better while on tour. If the "Black" album had never been created, I expect we would have a much different opinion of Mr. Ulrich.

- Marc

[ventor]

That´s exactly what I think, because his drumming on Justice was far more than just solid... It was really good, and he could play fast as well as a bit technical. Seeing the DVD for the Black Album tour, his drumsolo really amazed me. he was damn fast with his feet, and the sound of his drums was also great ;-)
they should have stopped after that, the black album was ok imo, but the rest?? not really

[Zardoz]

Hetfield did hurt his voice on the black album tour. The excuse "they're not really metal any more" doesnt cover the fact he cant play their old songs. Thats is really just a horrible excuse.
Actually, what I said by Metallica "not really being 'metal' anymore" makes perfect sense. Did you notice how I said 'metal' ???? The meaning of "being metal", not necessarily playing metal music. I thought you guys would've caught that. Soon as they got to the top they got lazy, they have no hunger anymore and they're also corporate wh*res.......all those things aren't METAL. In other words, they don't give a rat's behind about playing their old songs good anymore, or playing good music at all. Woooooooooo! Thanks kids. *bows* Goodnight.

[tambian89]

Anyone else pissed Lars went from this to this?
I am.....
- Marc

[tambian89]

Oh yeah, anyone ever notice that Lars used a ride cymbal on Kill 'Em All, and Ride the Lightning, and never used one again? With the exception of Welcome Home's intro and the breakdown of Disposable Heroes on Master of Puppets, he does not use it at all on any of the other albums.

- Marc

[D A D O]

Yeah Lars plays on Tama but I heard he recorded black album with Gretsch bass drums. He even played on Sabnian hi hats on that album. Of course he plays on Tama, Zildjian, Remo and Ahead but only live. I read somwhere where he said he only play with Ahead sticks live but when recording he uses wodd sticks because cymbals sound better.

I think Lars is a great drummer, he's got something in his style. I don't like his some of his live fills though.

[D A D O]

I don't like his St. anger kit but the silver one i really liked. I dont like the fact he removed ride cymbal.

I really dig silver sparkle kit man.

[tambian89]

I guess no on really cares about his setup change. I, however, really do. I know Lars would play a lot better on his old setup; also, instead of a ride, he has a china in it's place. Even on the Justice tour, he did not use a ride.

- Marc

[mikei]

I guess no on really cares about his setup change. I, however, really do. I know Lars would play a lot better on his old setup; also, instead of a ride, he has a china in it's place. Even on the Justice tour, he did not use a ride.

- Marc

I care!

Metallica started dying after puppets. And Justice was still pretty good, but far from Puppets or even their older albums.

Kill 'em All, Ride the Lightning and Puppets had so much influence from Cliff Burton and Dave Mustaine. When Cliff died, they lost such a key player. Of course they got a much better lead guitarist in Hammett, but they lost a great song writer.

I only listen to their first 4 albums. Everything else is so cookie cutter. And the drumming is far from what it used to be.

I have 4 bootleg live DVDs of Metallica from before 1990. His playing was much better and more precise than my 1993 DVD for the Black album.

What a shame. Somehow though, the fans still love them. I just don't get it.

[tambian89]

What a shame. Somehow though, the fans still love them. I just don't get it.

It's interesting you said "What a shame", because this is exactly what I think of when I think about Metallica. I look at pictures of Master of Puppets and the entire band in their youth; they seemed so much happier. I actually feel depressed when I think of what Metallica has become.

Now onto the setup issue: Lars may have changed his setup for 2 reasons.

A) After the band played the song "And Justice for All", they got off stage very tired from the length of the song. James immediately said "We're never playing that $*@%ing song again!" Lars also doesn't play the rolls on the toms when he plays "One" live (the decrescendos towards the end which were recorded for the album).

B) Metallica's newer material (post - Black Album) barely even uses the toms or double bass. Lars may have thought he would never need the two "extra" toms again.

Either way - I'm still pissed. The old set was so cool!

- Marc

[tambian89]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eZSjCQiaLiM&search=Creeping%20Death

I think the is Lars' (and Metallica's) best performance.

- Marc

[tambian89]

Lars is known to use odd time signatures on several occasions. For example, the earliest examples would be "Welcom Home (Sanitarium)" which I believe is in 5/8 time. Also in Master of Puppets, would be "Leper Messiah" with is in 5/4 for a good portion of the song and "Orion", which changes time signatures many times. "Blackened" is in 7/4 in the main riff. More recently, "Frantic" is predominately in 7/8 (I'm pretty sure, but I really hated the new album, so I haven't heard too much).

- Marc

[tambian89]

Lars doing a drum solo. James then does a duel solo with him.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5nEGSRZ-3JM&search=Lars%20Ulrich%20drum%20solo

- Marc

P.S. Be advised that the sound does not sync up with the video, so there is a bit of a delay.

[2sticks4strings]

I like his drumming. Hes not the best, but far better than me so who am I to trash him? And tell me one drummer thats into metal that hasnt learned one Metallica song. I know I have worked out most of 2 songs. As for him and Napster, well come on.Thats how he makes his money, thats how a lot of people make there money. Its not the same as the old tape sharing days of the 80's. I have the original tape of Metallica I got sometime in 83 or 82. Its a dubed tape and as soon as I saw a LP in the store I bought it so I could get a better copy of it. Now you can get cd quality from your computer and never buy the original. Never pay anyone for the music. That would be like someone in the parking lot of the shop I work at fixing motorcycles so people didnt have to pay me. Your right I would be out there having a few words with that guy! Or better yet, someone just burning 50 copies of my bands cd and only paying me for one or maybe none,after I have spent a lot of money to make it, thats sounds great sign me up.Ya maybe he doesnt need the money but even if you where that rich I am sure you wouldnt like someone stealing from you, even if it was just a few dollars. So go ahead and trash me now for being on there side, I dont care.

[Backbeat]

I think he's one of the best metal drummers... mixes up his time... has his own sound... A lot of people try copy him. I'm not a big Metallica fan, but respect his ability.

[tambian89]

I think he's one of the best metal drummers... mixes up his time... has his own sound... A lot of people try copy him. I'm not a big Metallica fan, but respect his ability.

True..........Lars was one of the original metal drummers, and is part of the reason there is the "heavy" style of drumming. I do find that he is not much for fills, rather, he throws in rolls on the snare and sometimes on the toms. All in all, a solid drummer, but credit is given where it is due.

- Marc

[Melll]

1st post.

Lars is a big inspiration to me, always has been. I've been a big Metallica fan, and a Lars fan for as long as I can remember.

I miss Lars' white Granstar kit, that was THE classic Lars drum kit.

It's true, he's not up there with some of the greats, but he plays with passion.

[Will-Myster]

Lars is truley an amazing drummer. His style is unique and it's enjoyable to listen to his symbal patterns, how he transfers back and forth, and makes almost like little solo's with his symbal. I think hes just right for Metallica. He knows when to play it simple, and when to kick it up. Like enter sandman, simple beat. Then, you got One. Its insanity. Anyhow. I think Lars is one of the best drummers today in the world of rock/metal. I hope he remains in Metallica.

[tambian89]

Lars is truley an amazing drummer. His style is unique and it's enjoyable to listen to his symbal patterns, how he transfers back and forth, and makes almost like little solo's with his symbal. I think hes just right for Metallica. He knows when to play it simple, and when to kick it up. Like enter sandman, simple beat. Then, you got One. Its insanity. Anyhow. I think Lars is one of the best drummers today in the world of rock/metal. I hope he remains in Metallica.

A "symbol" is one object that represents another by association, resemblance, or convention, while a "cymbal" is a musical instrument.

I agree with you. Lars knows when to play both simple and complicated grooves, and has a knowledge of when and where such grooves should be played. However, I have to disagree with your opinion of "Enter Sandman", as Lars could have created a more complicated beat which would have fit the song better.

- Marc

[NY_Recording_Freak]

he is a solid drummer I will give him that but he has never evolved. Never anything thing more interesting from one album to the next and as part of a band that influenced a lot of early metal drummers I wish he would have devoloped into something better.

Oh well

[tambian89]

Lars was very good after ...And Justice for All. Look at any of the videos from the tour Metallica did in the late 1980s or early 1990s (I usually know a video will be pleasing to me if I see that Lars is using his huge Granstar II), and one will see that Lars is indeed very skilled.

- Marc

[dragaN-au]

Lars is probably the best "in context" heavy rock drummer of his era. Unlike alot of Metallica fans out there, i don't like their earlier stuff. Reload and S&M have been the bands highlights for me. Listen carefully to the drumming on One (S&M) and Call Of The Ktulu (S&M) and Devils Dance (Reload), top notch stuff...me <3 Lars Ulrich :D

[deadbirdsoup]

i really enjoy listening to and playing along to lots of metallicas work. all in all, his drumming is over average-good (some excellent) playing, and i dont like hearing "lars is ok but not the best" - not alot of people are the best, he knows that, so do many other people, why are so many people comparing him all the time?

personally i dont think there could be any better work done for the drumming on most metallica songs, also some say he has lagging in pace, for double bass. last time i checked on songs like dyers eve, fight fire with fire, etc, they were pretty much up to scatch even on st anger invisible kid has some fast bits too.

so keep up the drumming lars!

[tambian89]

Eye of the Beholder:

I agree: only one person can be the best. I think currently Lars is just not playing as well as he used to. Considering that St. Anger (although it in no way compares to the original 4 Metallica albums) was a return to Metallica's roots (some of it is thrashy, but it is mostly alternative metal), Lars has not played much of the material. There was a 3 year hiatus for the band.

However, I still think that Lars, the drummer for the biggest Rock band in the world, has no excuse to not be performing as well. If I could recommend a few things, I'd tell Lars to a) get your old Granstar II with all 4 mounted toms, b) practice your double bassing, and c) get a ride cymbal, instead of using a china cymbal in it's place.

- Marc

[lfdy]

He doesn't have a ride? Strange...

I think Lars is pretty mediocre. He gets the job done, and that's what's most important.

I always get in an argument with a friend of mine, who really loves metallica, and thinks Lars is the best drummer in the world...sigh...

[VampiricNightMachine]

Eye of the Beholder:

I agree: only one person can be the best. I think currently Lars is just not playing as well as he used to. Considering that St. Anger (although it in no way compares to the original 4 Metallica albums) was a return to Metallica's roots (some of it is thrashy, but it is mostly alternative metal), Lars has not played much of the material. There was a 3 year hiatus for the band.

However, I still think that Lars, the drummer for the biggest Rock band in the world, has no excuse to not be performing as well. If I could recommend a few things, I'd tell Lars to a) get your old Granstar II with all 4 mounted toms, b) practice your double bassing, and c) get a ride cymbal, instead of using a china cymbal in it's place.

- Marc

Does he really have to practice his doulbe bass? have you already seen him live and did he mess up a little? Well I think I have heard that in the old days of metallica he often had to warm up for a long time for being able to play some songs with fast double bass but is this still the case?
I have also heard they have never played dyer´s eve live, is this true? (great song and pretty fast double bass)

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

They have played Dyer's Eve live. Twice. Once in Lollapalooza '93 and another time in May '04 (I used to have a bootlegged recording) So he can still play it. Just.

[Crazy]

I think his drumming is worth listening from ride the lightning to master of puppets, for the remainder it's just rock'n'roll....he also admitted that from the black album onwards he wanted his drumming to become closer with the bass than the guitars and that's probably the result of his playing on the more recent albums, which I personally don't find very interesting, well yet again I guess the songs have an influence on my opinion

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

the dude who helped do this really badass Slayer cd is doing the next Metallica cd. This may just be a rumor, but I think it's the truth cause I've heard it everywhere.

You mean Rick Rubin? He produced quite a few of the early Slayer albums. Good producer, he also worked with System of a Down amongst others. Either way it couldn't be any worse than Bob Rock.

[lfdy]

You mean Rick Rubin? He produced quite a few of the early Slayer albums. Good producer, he also worked with System of a Down amongst others. Either way it couldn't be any worse than Bob Rock.

True, i also heard Rick Rubin is going to produce Metallica's next cd. I believe he also produced for the Chili Peppers.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

True, i also heard Rick Rubin is going to produce Metallica's next cd. I believe he also produced for the Chili Peppers.

I'm actually in two different minds about Rick. Part of me sees him as a great producer who has produced many many classic albums. Consistent and he usually delivers. However, another part of me can't help but think he's very one dimensional. He can produce metal very, very well, but I haven't seen much outside of that genre.

Either way I prefer Trent Reznor, Alan Parsons and Mike Oldfield. Of course there's no way he could be worse than Rock. I cannot stand Bob Rock.

[mikei]

I dig Rick Ruben.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with being good at only one thing.

He kicks ass for metal. That is what Metallica needs to get back to. Ever since the black album with Bob Rock, they became Bon Jovi part 2.

Rick Ruben might make the little boys become men again.

I was watching my bootleg concert of Metallica from the MOP tour at a small club last night. Jason Newstead's first gig. They were really great back then.

[lfdy]

Of course there's no way he could be worse than Rock. I cannot stand Bob Rock.

I fully agree, i can't stand that guy either.

I thought Rick Rubin has produced lots of non metal albums too?

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

He probably did. It just seems to me he seems big in only the one genre.

[tambian89]

Does he really have to practice his doulbe bass? have you already seen him live and did he mess up a little? Well I think I have heard that in the old days of metallica he often had to warm up for a long time for being able to play some songs with fast double bass but is this still the case?
I have also heard they have never played dyer´s eve live, is this true? (great song and pretty fast double bass)

I saw them play Dyer's Eve. Lars made no attempt whatsoever to even play the double bass part. He simply played slow 16th notes on the high hat, 8th notes on the snare, and played a single bass durm stroke on the "e"s. It was sad.

The only song I have ever seen him perform the double bass properly was "Harvester of Sorrow".

And for God's Sake - Get a Ride cymbal!!! This and the tom issue annoy me most. Get the two other toms back, and get a ride! He uses this China in the place of a ride, and it sounds horrible. In case no one noticed, Lars hasn't used a ride cymbal since Master of Puppets. Check it out!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=crsD-uQ6qVE&search=The%20Unforgiven

I know that he uses a hihat at the part he uses the china, but I still hate it. GET A RIDE LARS!!!!!!!!

- Marc

[Ulrich87]

I saw them play Dyer's Eve. Lars made no attempt whatsoever to even play the double bass part. He simply played slow 16th notes on the high hat, 8th notes on the snare, and played a single bass durm stroke on the "e"s. It was sad.

The only song I have ever seen him perform the double bass properly was "Harvester of Sorrow".

And for God's Sake - Get a Ride cymbal!!! This and the tom issue annoy me most. Get the two other toms back, and get a ride! He uses this China in the place of a ride, and it sounds horrible. In case no one noticed, Lars hasn't used a ride cymbal since Master of Puppets. Check it out!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=crsD-uQ6qVE&search=The%20Unforgiven

I know that he uses a hihat at the part he uses the china, but I still hate it. GET A RIDE LARS!!!!!!!!

- Marc

What the hell are you talking about!? Lars used a ride in every album, but he played it as a ping cymbal! Do your research man!!!

[mikei]

I think tambian is right.

If he has it on his set, I haven't heard him use it.

I guess Lars is doing really horrible technically now.

I was watching one of Dave Lombardo's drum clinics and he stated that Lars isn't drumming really well now. That is one of the reasons he and Joey played live with Metallica.

Also, Dave was cool about it. He said that it was sad. He then gave a recollection of his troubles in 1990 and 1991. He stated that sometimes musicians go through this.

According to Dave, Lars has lots of trouble with keeping the tempo of the songs consistent.

Mike

[infernal drummer]

What the hell are you talking about!? Lars used a ride in every album, but he played it as a ping cymbal! Do your research man!!!


not on the live songs ive seen so far.. on some kind of a monster documentary they play frantic.. and he is using some sort of a china

[Ulrich87]

not on the live songs ive seen so far.. on some kind of a monster documentary they play frantic.. and he is using some sort of a china

Oh.. You were talking about recent, live? Well no matter, the china he uses now makes almost the same sound as the St.anger ride.. imo
And I'd say that I like the china better:)

[tynn]

can't say I like him. And somebody should really give him some bigger cymbals. he should be using 18",19" and 20". It would suit his style and Metallica's music MUCH better! Using Z custom instead of A custom would also be a great inprovement.

anyone agree?

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I disagree actually, I quite think he's done very very well with the gear he's got. Listen to 'Master of Puppets'. Whatever setup he's using there, he should go right back to it. I know he's using a Black Beauty snare there he borrowed on that album. His cymbals sound great and that was made before A or indeed Z Customs were even on the market.

I really used to love Metallica a few years ago, but I started listening again with a more critical ear. Actually, on the early albums I quite admire his playing. It's nothing to scream from the rooftops about but it fits the music perfectly.

[lfdy]

can't say I like him. And somebody should really give him some bigger cymbals. he should be using 18",19" and 20". It would suit his style and Metallica's music MUCH better! Using Z custom instead of A custom would also be a great inprovement.

anyone agree?

Not really, sorry...

His A customs sound really great. Maybe he should get some bigger ones, but his seem to be doing fine. It's not like you can't hear them above anything else.

[tynn]

I play A custom too, and they sound great. but they don't fit metallica as well as i think Z custom would...

[GregsEve]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eZSjCQiaLiM&search=Creeping%20Death

I think the is Lars' (and Metallica's) best performance.

- Marc

that's the best i've ever heard james' voice sound live. killer, thanks.

[Sonor_Power]

I think Lars is great, and he has been, and allways will be, a huge inspiration to me.
And i agree, i think it's crap that he's not using his granstar anymore. I mean, c'mon, how can you not love this?
http://www.bstuck.com/jamie/drummers/lars/pics/oldlars21.jpg

Black and white deliciousness. I wish i had hardware like that.

[NDNDrummer]

Hi there,

Does anyone know how he performs the doubles on his bass drum.

i.e. heel toe technique? or what?

Thanks,
K

[Ulrich87]

Hi there,

Does anyone know how he performs the doubles on his bass drum.

i.e. heel toe technique? or what?

Thanks,
K

He does it straight out, fast "gravity" heel up style. ie. you use the toe to make one sound, then you lift your knee a slightly, and hits it with toes again. I use the same tecnique but it is a little difficult to explain in wrighting.. I hope this cleared it up a little though:)

[Storm Drummer]

Love him! Great drummer cool style, very much an inspiration! Well to me anyway! LOL

[NDNDrummer]

Yeh, his drumming on ST Anger is great, apart from the Snare but you get used to it. I prefer the fat flat sounding snare he uses on his earlier albums. What really annoys me is that he has excellent bass drumming style but it is not that easy to hear on their albumns, except maybe reload and S&M. Especially when he plays song on St Anger where he alternates (very quickly I might add) the single and double with his right foot (fast parts on st anger - not the double bass)

[tambian89]

What the hell are you talking about!? Lars used a ride in every album, but he played it as a ping cymbal! Do your research man!!!

I've done plenty of research. Everything is hihats and crash. The only time he may even use a ride is to get a the sound of a crash ( a very heavy crash). I've got the videos to prove it, and there is no way to replace a ride with a china. A ride is basically a necessity (regardless of the genre of music).

- Marc

[NDNDrummer]

I've done plenty of research. Everything is hihats and crash. The only time he may even use a ride is to get a the sound of a crash ( a very heavy crash). I've got the videos to prove it, and there is no way to replace a ride with a china. A ride is basically a necessity (regardless of the genre of music).

- Marc


how does he play the beginning of hero of the day?

[tambian89]

how does he play the beginning of hero of the day?

In terms of a live performance, see for yourself.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lHimBeHtuRM&search=Hero%20of%20the%20Day%20live

You can clearly see that Lars was using a china. I really don't like this song at all, but since you guys decided to reference Metallica's newer material (even though I was referring to Lars' work on Justice and earlier), here you go.

HAHA! Ulrich87 = pwn3d! UH!

- Marc

[tambian89]

My main point is this:

Lars went from playing this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=eZSjCQiaL...eeping%20Death

To playing this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hzq7hBeU2g0&search=Creeping%20Death%20live

and went from this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=wyt0H9pKZ88&search=master%20of%20puppets%20live

to this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rQKhc6IKiFA&search=master%20of%20puppets%20live

Notice the use of the china Ulrich87.

One can certainly gather that Lars is far from his peak. He's only about 42 years old, and should still be able to perform well. Like Dave Lombardo said, he could just be having trouble as Dave did on the Seasons in the Abyss tour, but whatever the problem, Lars has to realize that he is the timekeeper for the biggest band in the world. The others, aside from James Hetfield, whose voice has faltered (which was destroyed during the recording of the "Black" Album), have not shown any signs of being unable to play. I seem to recall readin on this post that Lars viewed Metallica as a business; if so, it is quite clear why his playing is not so.

- Marc

[syaoran05]

stop pawning each other damnit.

Lars is using a 20" A Ping Ride.

everybody happy now?

if he got that ride now, he prolly had a ride any other time. he just dont use one like one.

[NDNDrummer]

stop pawning each other damnit.

Lars is using a 20" A Ping Ride.

everybody happy now?

if he got that ride now, he prolly had a ride any other time. he just dont use one like one.

Exactly,
listen to Call of Ktulu on S&M (on that section in towards the end when he is doing constant doubles with his right foot, using the ride to keep time)
And on Hero of the Day on S&M when he does the long (boring) intro

[syaoran05]

Exactly,
listen to Call of Ktulu on S&M (on that section in towards the end when he is doing constant doubles with his right foot, using the ride to keep time)
And on Hero of the Day on S&M when he does the long (boring) intro

he has a ride, but he doesnt use it as one - its just another heavy crash for him. if he needs the ride sound that's the only time he'll use it. about the china, well its his choice to use it as his primary ride.

purdie uses a china for a main ride and it sounds nice, and he also uses a ride for his primary crash just like lars. but check this: Purdie isnt Lars.

[VinniePaul]

Have you guys listened to the song St Anger on the album with the same name?
Some of you said he did not do any effort after Black Album?

He tries as hell on this song and he does it great! He has not lost his skills in drumming!

[balboa]

Lars is an asset to metallica, other than that, he is ur average drummer you would see at any gig in an average size bar. im not knockin him, but thats the reality. he influenced me for many years, but one doesnt have to be a god to influence somebody. with metallica he is a god. if the man does not want to use a ride, thats his problem. i dont play with any splash cymbals, i hope someone doesnt think im a bad drummer because of it.

[mikei]

I think the belief is that he has regressed as a drummer. Without a doubt, I think that is true.

That being said, he was perfect for the early metallica when they had some cajones.

Now, they sound like a club band. At least to me. One of my friends does not appreciate the old metallica but loves from the black album on. It is all a matter of taste.

I do not feel that right now, he could drum as well or as fast has he did back in the mid to late 80s. Certainly he does not drum with the same passion and power.

[NDNDrummer]

I think the belief is that he has regressed as a drummer. Without a doubt, I think that is true.

That being said, he was perfect for the early metallica when they had some cajones.

Now, they sound like a club band. At least to me. One of my friends does not appreciate the old metallica but loves from the black album on. It is all a matter of taste.

I do not feel that right now, he could drum as well or as fast has he did back in the mid to late 80s. Certainly he does not drum with the same passion and power.

Again, as Vinnie says, have you heard St Anger?, it's great drumming, very fast and lots of double bass too. If you watch the accompanying DVD, he plays with such ease!

[tambian89]

he has a ride, but he doesnt use it as one - its just another heavy crash for him. if he needs the ride sound that's the only time he'll use it. about the china, well its his choice to use it as his primary ride.

purdie uses a china for a main ride and it sounds nice, and he also uses a ride for his primary crash just like lars. but check this: Purdie isnt Lars.

This is exactly what I said. Since 2003 he has replaced it with a CHINA CYMBAL. Purdie is a jazz drummer, so he cannot really be compared to Lars in terms of grooves, but yes he does have a use for his cymbals.

- Marc

[infernal drummer]

about that ride.. ive just seen san diego 92 .. there might be a ride.. but its not clear.. he has 3 cymbals on his right side, and a china.. where there normaly would be a ride he has a high hat. it looks like that for me.. on cunning stunts he defidently has a china where there should be a ride.. if he has a ride. he isnt using it very much. there could be a crash/ride somewhere, i dont know. like i said.. he isnt using it much. cant actually recall him using it now.... live that is..

[syaoran05]

about that ride.. ive just seen san diego 92 .. there might be a ride.. but its not clear.. he has 3 cymbals on his right side, and a china.. where there normaly would be a ride he has a high hat. it looks like that for me.. on cunning stunts he defidently has a china where there should be a ride.. if he has a ride. he isnt using it very much. there could be a crash/ride somewhere, i dont know. like i said.. he isnt using it much. cant actually recall him using it now.... live that is..

he has a china in the position of where the ride would normally be.... but the ride is placed among the crashes,a nd its an avedis too so its hard to see which one the ride is.... but definitely he has a ride...

he has a china in the position of the ride, but he has a ride. he uses that ride as a crash.

its either he has a ride or Zildjian.com is lying.

[infernal drummer]

he has a china in the position of where the ride would normally be.... but the ride is placed among the crashes,a nd its an avedis too so its hard to see which one the ride is.... but definitely he has a ride...

he has a china in the position of the ride, but he has a ride. he uses that ride as a crash.

its either he has a ride or Zildjian.com is lying.

hmm just saw cunning stunts again .. "until it sleeps" he does play a ride. ride is placed UNDER the china :D odd.. ure probaly right about the ride in san diego 92.. i just cant recall hearing him play it.

[Ulrich87]

hmm just saw cunning stunts again .. "until it sleeps" he does play a ride. ride is placed UNDER the china :D odd.. ure probaly right about the ride in san diego 92.. i just cant recall hearing him play it.

I think it's VERY odd that you people haven't noticed that before now..

[Ulrich87]

I was hardly owned; That is one rare occasion when Lars used a ride; tell me five more songs on or after ...And Justice for All when he uses a ride.



- Marc

- Bleeding me
- Unforgiven 2
- The memory remains
- Better than you
- Where the wild things are
- Fixxxer
- Untill it sleeps
- Call of Ktulu (on the S&M record AND on RTL)

Just had to...

[METAL_DRUMMER]

[QUOTE=Breadmonkey]I really dislike him for several reasons:

1) His objection to Napster and similar file sharing programs. If it wasn't for tape swapping in the eighties no-one would ever have heard of metallica, so in my opinion biting the hand that feeds you.

2) Sure, if you like their style the drums sound great...... after thirty takes. He cannot deliver the goods in a live situation as he does not have the technical ability to play his own stuff outside of a studio without having plenty of time to get it right.

3) I know people have admitted that he is not the most technical drummer in the world. Its entirely his fault he doesn't get much respect anymore from the drumming community. If he didn't let his ego grow into the out of control monster it has become he would say to himself "hang on i need to work on my technique so i can play better", but no he doesn't do this. So when it comes to show time, instead of playing what you hear on the albums, nice, even, properly done double bass work, you get him just hitting the double bass pedal as fast as he can, which some may say is rockin and intense but its not, it shows lack of control and ability and shows him up for the fraud he is.

4) while i found the black album to be very interesting and inventive, none of the other albums really blew me away, again his ego telling him that he doesn't need to try because he's lars ulrich.

****** END OF RANT*********[QUOTE]
he may have an ego but it does mean he is a bad drummer, remember in the 80s most drummers didnt even play double bass, but he did, most drummers had a big ass kit just to play super easy drum beats(KISS drummer) that proves lars is a kickass drummer

[ZDdrums]

Lars was one of my original drumming inspirations, but that was waaaayyy before the St. Anger album. Once that CD came out, I just never looked at him the way I used to.

[Symbolic]

[QUOTE=Breadmonkey]I really dislike him for several reasons:

1) His objection to Napster and similar file sharing programs. If it wasn't for tape swapping in the eighties no-one would ever have heard of metallica, so in my opinion biting the hand that feeds you.

2) Sure, if you like their style the drums sound great...... after thirty takes. He cannot deliver the goods in a live situation as he does not have the technical ability to play his own stuff outside of a studio without having plenty of time to get it right.

3) I know people have admitted that he is not the most technical drummer in the world. Its entirely his fault he doesn't get much respect anymore from the drumming community. If he didn't let his ego grow into the out of control monster it has become he would say to himself "hang on i need to work on my technique so i can play better", but no he doesn't do this. So when it comes to show time, instead of playing what you hear on the albums, nice, even, properly done double bass work, you get him just hitting the double bass pedal as fast as he can, which some may say is rockin and intense but its not, it shows lack of control and ability and shows him up for the fraud he is.

4) while i found the black album to be very interesting and inventive, none of the other albums really blew me away, again his ego telling him that he doesn't need to try because he's lars ulrich.

****** END OF RANT*********[QUOTE]
he may have an ego but it does mean he is a bad drummer, remember in the 80s most drummers didnt even play double bass, but he did, most drummers had a big ass kit just to play super easy drum beats(KISS drummer) that proves lars is a kickass drummer

Lars is a bad drummer now. Even back in the day he wasnt a really good drummer anyways. There were alot of bands playing double bass back in the 80's, and played it better than Lars. Lars plays very simple beats as well, he might throw in a different one but not something that is terribly difficult. Double bass doesnt make you good.

[syaoran05]

I really dislike him for several reasons:

1) His objection to Napster and similar file sharing programs. If it wasn't for tape swapping in the eighties no-one would ever have heard of metallica, so in my opinion biting the hand that feeds you.

yeah, but see, you need to look at it from the view of a person that wants his band to be famous. at the start what matters most is that the name Metallica would be popular, so people would watch them, hear them and buy them; so they'd allow the tape swapping because its what will spread the word about Metallica -awhat will make them popular.

then of course you want to earn money, not lose it.. while theyre not gigging and promoting their songs, they sit down and compose songs; or when they just want to relax - it will take time offstage hence they wont be paid any money except those that come from royalty. and that royalty comes from tapes and CD's being sold. now, if everything was napstered no one would buy their CD's and they wont get any money at all.

personally i'd do exactly the same.. i'd release an EP then tell anyone they could spread it in any way so that my band's name will become popular. then when we get signed we'll tell everyone not to download our songs illegally or get pirated copies coz i know that the money we earn from the records we release will go to waste if everybody just got pirated coipes and downloads.


Double bass doesnt make you good.

who said double bass made Lars good? the thing is that people percieve Lars' double bassing intense, not that his playing double bass makes him good.

[dawg]

say this about lars...he's gotten the MOST out of his ability.

[tambian89]

Whatever with the whole ride thing. If he uses the ride on those songs, ok, but he uses it too sparingly, and most of his drumming is crash and hihats. I think Lars' drumming has gone downhill since ...And Justice for All, which is where I stopped listening to Metallica.

- Marc

[Symbolic]

yeah, but see, you need to look at it from the view of a person that wants his band to be famous. at the start what matters most is that the name Metallica would be popular, so people would watch them, hear them and buy them; so they'd allow the tape swapping because its what will spread the word about Metallica -awhat will make them popular.

then of course you want to earn money, not lose it.. while theyre not gigging and promoting their songs, they sit down and compose songs; or when they just want to relax - it will take time offstage hence they wont be paid any money except those that come from royalty. and that royalty comes from tapes and CD's being sold. now, if everything was napstered no one would buy their CD's and they wont get any money at all.

personally i'd do exactly the same.. i'd release an EP then tell anyone they could spread it in any way so that my band's name will become popular. then when we get signed we'll tell everyone not to download our songs illegally or get pirated copies coz i know that the money we earn from the records we release will go to waste if everybody just got pirated coipes and downloads.




who said double bass made Lars good? the thing is that people percieve Lars' double bassing intense, not that his playing double bass makes him good.


If you read my post fully you would see I was quoting someone that said he didnt like Lars due to his objection of Napster. I actually believe Lars did the right thing sueing Napster. Also if you go back to some of the posts before me alot of them talk about his double bass. I love double bass, but that doesnt make someone a good drummer.

[Ulrich87]

Lars was one of my original drumming inspirations, but that was waaaayyy before the St. Anger album. Once that CD came out, I just never looked at him the way I used to.

Same here! He was the ONLY reason I started playing. When I first heard AJ4A I said:
"I HAVE to try that!" ...So I did. I still think he is a great drummer though, just not as great as he used to be. Or as great as alot of other current drummers.

[MetalThrasher442]

I like Lars. He's a pretty solid drummer and fit Metallica perfectly. He had a little unique style going for him in the 80's. I mean I would try to learn a song and be like "that's pretty cool. If I was writing that I probably wouldn't of added that type of fill." I mean he never did anything extremely hard or anything I couldn't do, but he was always a solid drummer. I checked out one of his solos on youtube and it wasn't all that great. I do think he is a little overrated. I always hear people saying he's really awesome, but he always struck me as an average metal drummer.

[Cannons]

I'm not a big fan of Lars's playing--too much open hi hat and weird tom stuff for my taste--but I think he's best when he plays simply for the song--"Enter Sandman" is one example. Regarding his use of Gretsch drums, he admitted to as much in a Modern Drummer interview a while back. He said something like he loves Tama drums and has a great relationship with Tama, but prefers to record with a Gretsch kick drum now and then. In fact, there are a lot of drummers who don't record with the drums they endorse and play live. I suspect it has something to do with pressure from producers and engineers who can get the sounds they want from certain drum brands, Gretsch in particular. Let's face it, you can't see a bass drum logo on a record.

Oh, I also despise the snare sound on "St. Anger"--truly awful!

[tambian89]

But you have to agree that you were pwned
:p

Uh....no. You have an odd obsession with "pwning"........

Anyway.....Let's talk about his drummin ing the "golden years". I really thought Lars' drumming on Kill 'Em All was not too bad, considering that he really hadn't been drumming too long. However, I noticed several times on the album that he both rushed and lagged on certain cymbal crashes that were meant to match the bass guitar("Whiplash"), and I wasn't too keen on his grooves.

Ride the Lightning saw a jump not only in Metallica's song structure and style, but aleap in Lars' drumming capabilities. His double bassing got faster and he became a better time keeper. My only complaint is the fills, which were not at the same level as the rest of Lars' drumming.

Master of Puppets revealed that Lars' drumming could match the aggressive style of the rest of the band. The drum fills were not bad, but didn't improve much from those he used on Ride the Lightning.

...And Justice for All, which marked then end of Metallica's years as a Thrash and Speed Metal group, had good, complex grooves, and grinding rhythm, but again the fills were sub-par. However, the opening groove for "Harvester of Sorrow" had a very interesting polyrhythm (yes, Lars' used a polyrhythm. He is playing 8th notes with his right hand and quarter notes with his left, while his feet play 16th notes in differentiating patterns).

- Marc

[Ulrich87]

Uh....no. You have an odd obsession with "pwning"........

Anyway.....Let's talk about his drummin ing the "golden years". I really thought Lars' drumming on Kill 'Em All was not too bad, considering that he really hadn't been drumming too long. However, I noticed several times on the album that he both rushed and lagged on certain cymbal crashes that were meant to match the bass guitar("Whiplash"), and I wasn't too keen on his grooves.

Ride the Lightning saw a jump not only in Metallica's song structure and style, but a leap in Lars' drumming capabilities. His double bassing got faster and he became a better time keeper. My only complaint is the fills, which were not at the same level as the rest of Lars' drumming.

Master of Puppets revealed that Lars' drumming could match the aggressive style of the rest of the band. The drum fills were not bad, but didn't improve much from those he used on Ride the Lightning.

...And Justice for All, which marked then end of Metallica's years as a Thrash and Speed Metal group, had good, complex grooves, and grinding rhythm, but again the fills were sub-par. However, the opening groove for "Harvester of Sorrow" had a very interesting polyrhythm (yes, Lars' used a polyrhythm. He is playing 8th notes with his right hand and quarter notes with his left, while his feet play 16th notes in differentiating patterns).

- Marc

If there were a reputation system on this forum I would give you a massive boost right now!
I totally agree with you. Exept on Ride the lightning: 'fight fire with fire' has some great fills!
But you really should see past Metallica and just listen to the music they made after the Black album.. Just listen to the music and don't care about it beeing Metallica. He actually has some good "moves" (brakes\fills) on Load aswell:)

[NDNDrummer]

The chorus (double bass) of fuel go me in to drumming!

[chadrules]

ive only just joined the forum and i have to say that i think lars is a monster. i recently saw him at the download festival at donington park and i was blown away by how good he still is. i really did think he had lost his abilities as a drummer when i listened to st anger and s&m, but his performance convinced me otherwise. metallica played every song off master of puppets, and lars was spot on for every song. i particularly enjoyed his drumming on songs like disposable heroes and battery, songs that when played live show he can still play well. the machine gun double bass section in one is still one of my favourite dum moments on any record ever, and lars will always be recognised as a fantastic drummer. thats all i really wanted to say about him
:)

[syaoran05]

i think the ride issue has stopped now?

i think no one should criticize lars for rarely playing the ride. its not his fault he doesnt. metallica music does not require much riding anyway. just like franz ferdinand doesnt need a ride.

and i think what's good about lars [and perhaps the only good thing] is that he plays what is needed, and does not play what is not needed. hence if ride no need then no ride it is. and i think that's one of the better lessons in music. dont overplay.

[BrynnerAgassi]

Lars is a good rock drummer. I think the double bass speed may have decreased but nothing wrong with that. He was a great influence on me in the day, but i can honestly say listening to his playing in some of the Metallica songs, he does fills in the weirds spots on the song, but thats what makes the song, and makes him who he is... All in all he is good and he is the one and only Lars!

[syaoran05]

If he uses the ride on those songs, ok, but he uses it too sparingly, and most of his drumming is crash and hihats.


i think the ride issue has stopped now?

i think no one should criticize lars for rarely playing the ride. its not his fault he doesnt. metallica music does not require much riding anyway. just like franz ferdinand doesnt need a ride.

and i think what's good about lars [and perhaps the only good thing] is that he plays what is needed, and does not play what is not needed. hence if ride no need then no ride it is. and i think that's one of the better lessons in music. dont overplay.

there isnt anything wrong if someone doesnt use a ride. "too sparingly" in drumming doesnt exist. tambian89 let's see you play every cymbal on bozzios kit and make sure that each cymbal isnt played "too sparingly". a ride isnt required to be played. like i said, franz ferdinand doesnt need one so they dont use one. look back at the very old jazz days. they dont even use the ride for timekeeping yet. its all bass and snare then an occasional crash. hi hats weren't even invented yet. now let's see you travel back through time and say "they use the ride too sparingly and its all bass and snare, and they dont even own hi hats!".

so yeah again, lars plays what is needed, and he doesnt play what isnt needed, or what he cant.

[DrumGod]

Ok maybe lars isnt the greatest drummer ever but the fact is......when a band are looking for a record deal it doesnt go on how good the drummer is or guitarist or bassist or singer....it goes on the quality of songs they write together and the quality of them playing together. rush, dream theatre and zeplan didnt get a deal because of their drummers talent its a group thing. Lars plays wat fits the song and that works with the band and that is perfectly fine.Look at so many drummers in bands with deals some really arent fantastic players but tey suit the band.

Also lars was a huge inspiration to start playing to countless people so i think that may get him off the hook for nont playng as good as e used to imo

[figure_02]

Ok maybe lars isnt the greatest drummer ever but the fact is......when a band are looking for a record deal it doesnt go on how good the drummer is or guitarist or bassist or singer....it goes on the quality of songs they write together and the quality of them playing together. rush, dream theatre and zeplan didnt get a deal because of their drummers talent its a group thing. Lars plays wat fits the song and that works with the band and that is perfectly fine.Look at so many drummers in bands with deals some really arent fantastic players but tey suit the band.

Also lars was a huge inspiration to start playing to countless people so i think that may get him off the hook for nont playng as good as e used to imo

Maybe...but then again, I belive a group of skilled musicians will make better quality songs...

[Audun_D]

Maybe...but then again, I belive a group of skilled musicians will make better quality songs...

I agree with figure...

[mikei]

I agree with figure...

I disagree. Maybe better songs for musicians.

Most popular groups filled with average musicians and not super musicians. Super musicians usually focus way too much on playing to impress. This is not always true, but certainly most of the time. Super musicians make a living by making music that impresses other musicians not the main stream audience.

[syaoran05]

Maybe...but then again, I belive a group of skilled musicians will make better quality songs...

i agree and disagree...

i agree that it takes skilled musicians to make good quality songs..

i disagree that you have to be super skilled to do better quality songs..

i agree with mikei


Most popular groups filled with average musicians and not super musicians. Super musicians make a living by making music that impresses other musicians not the main stream audience.

i can prove that.

try to list down all the good bands whom their drummer isnt anyone who has an artists page on this site.

it'll prolly take up lots of paper just to list that down.

what does that prove?

you dont need a super skilled drummer to create great music.

yeah maybe you can get a better drummer, but if he cant play what the band needs, then its useless.

yeah maybe you can get a better drummer, but what if all you need is a straight 8 rock beat kick on 1 and 3 and snare on 2 and 4? would it make any difference?

the point is, lars isnt a good drummer technically. as a drummer alone, he's nothing next to a professional session drummer.

BUT

he plays what is needed, and only what is needed. Metallica doesnt need all that fancy drum stuff. he doesnt overplay. besides, would it help if he played a samba pattern in a Metallica song? hell no.

lars plays what is needed and he delivers. that's the most important thing.

besides, if you get a record deal, that means youre skilled enough to do your stuff. i didnt say a good drummer, i just said skilled enough to deliver what is needed.

[neilpscuz]

Personally I like the older stuff,MOP, is a great album,but over on the TAMA forum he gets bashed pretty well. One guy has "Lars is just mad his snare sounds like a metal chair" as his signature !

[Darren675]

he was ok in earlier days, his drumming on saniturium is real good but the st. anger album is a disgrace

[graham2493]

he was ok in earlier days, his drumming on saniturium is real good but the st. anger album is a disgrace

St Anger is an offence committed by the entire band... Having said that I heard a rumour that Tama were most disappointed by the drum sound on that piece of utter rubbish.

To me, I think he has lost much of his passion for playing. His strength IMHO has always been in the arranging of songs, making them quirky/interesting without sounding proggy. Similar to how Paul Bostaph affected Slayer.

[dawg]

the drums also sound HORRID in the "some kind of monster" video.fascinating movie from the soap opera type goings on with the band.but it seemed to me that lars might have lost some confidence in his ability. the scene where the old bass player for metallica put together a band and lars went to see him,that drummer was pretty polished. perhaps they are just running out of ideas for their songs.

[graham2493]

the drums also sound HORRID in the "some kind of monster" video.fascinating movie from the soap opera type goings on with the band.but it seemed to me that lars might have lost some confidence in his ability. the scene where the old bass player for metallica put together a band and lars went to see him,that drummer was pretty polished. perhaps they are just running out of ideas for their songs.

I think the same! They've been going how many years now? I think I can forgive them for getting a little writer's block after all this time.

Didn't they do St Anger by just cutting/pasting loads of riffs they'd jammed out in ProTools?

[CVdrummer]

i don't find nothing special about lars drumming. pretty straight forward stuff...just at random times. i also heard that some of his double bass on recordings..are really him hittin a electronic kit bass drum wit drum sticks..is that true?

[dawg]

don't know about how they record,but my nephew was a HUGE metallica fan (who also plays some bass) and has seen them numerous times and has said lars can be really sloppy sometimes live.maybe it's too much beer.

[II xMETALx II]

[QUOTE=Breadmonkey]I really dislike him for several reasons:

1) His objection to Napster and similar file sharing programs. If it wasn't for tape swapping in the eighties no-one would ever have heard of metallica, so in my opinion biting the hand that feeds you.

2) Sure, if you like their style the drums sound great...... after thirty takes. He cannot deliver the goods in a live situation as he does not have the technical ability to play his own stuff outside of a studio without having plenty of time to get it right.

3) I know people have admitted that he is not the most technical drummer in the world. Its entirely his fault he doesn't get much respect anymore from the drumming community. If he didn't let his ego grow into the out of control monster it has become he would say to himself "hang on i need to work on my technique so i can play better", but no he doesn't do this. So when it comes to show time, instead of playing what you hear on the albums, nice, even, properly done double bass work, you get him just hitting the double bass pedal as fast as he can, which some may say is rockin and intense but its not, it shows lack of control and ability and shows him up for the fraud he is.

4) while i found the black album to be very interesting and inventive, none of the other albums really blew me away, again his ego telling him that he doesn't need to try because he's lars ulrich.

****** END OF RANT*********[QUOTE]
he may have an ego but it does mean he is a bad drummer, remember in the 80s most drummers didnt even play double bass, but he did, most drummers had a big ass kit just to play super easy drum beats(KISS drummer) that proves lars is a kickass drummer

I agree with you on the ego side of things.

But the way you acuse him for a live performance is a little over the top. Can you please give me some examples....?

[stevyc]

i dont mind him.. imo his stuff is easy to play so for me playing his stuff is actually really fun

[II xMETALx II]

i dont mind him.. imo his stuff is easy to play so for me playing his stuff is actually really fun

Thats how i feel, his stuff is just so easy to play. I feel like im doing something wrong. I guess he is just solid and plays for the music.

I do prefur playing his older stuff with metallica like puppets, creeping death ect..

I can relate to what your saying though i used to play a lot of metallica when i started.

[MetalToDeath]

Lars will always be in my list. He is so simple its not even funny. Like on One, or Call of Kutulu, its simple, but it just sounds hard. Also, he's just a rock solid drummer, and really puts power into what he does. Keep it.

[DWfan20005]

Before you people eat me alive let me just say that he has greet foot work and his amazing at accents. With that out of the way, the only reason he has so much credit in the world of drums or rock n roll is because he's in the biggest metal ever to come out of the U.S.A,Metallica. Him and Tommy Lee of Motley Crue deserve each other because they both lack creativity and rely a bit to much on that double pedal but whatever. Now if you people don't mind, and you probably don't, I'm gonna go to my local Home Depot and buy the Lars Ulrich snare drum they have in stock,the trash can. Old Metallica,I miss you.

[Freeway-Drummer]

mhm when I started playing drums I used to play like Lars Ulrich because I did not know much about other drummers. But after a while I recognized that there are better drummers like Jason Bittner or Chris Adler...He's just one of the popular drummers of the world.
But his setup is great.

[II xMETALx II]

I think he really lacks creativity. Yeah he is solid, but that is because he practically plays the same standard beat for every song adding a new snare fill every now and then. It just gets boring.

I dont know about the person who said he rely's on double kicks, he rarely does them at all. And when he does, they are usually turned right down, as aposed to many other metal bands.

He is solid, but nothing special

[spyder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avgd-i9QGU

don't really have to say much..just watch his solo. He sucks compaired to sucessful metal drummers, I mean dam! he doesn't even know how to setup his kit correctly lol

[KWDEMON]

He plays that as a solo because it allows him and James to have there competition. James hasn't actively played drums in 20 years by then. So he is playing down. Plus the part where James isn't playing he is just playing samples of songs for the fans.

Seriously just because he said pirating is wrong dosen't make him a douche, he is right. With that said i have never purchased any of there cd's only downloaded them but i still agree with him.

[ross--]

I am a big fan of Lars and he has inspired me from the beginning however I think that most people don't realize that it was Bob Rock that started Metallica's downfall. He produced the black album through St. Anger and basically took them from a band that loved jamming out thrash to a band that does whatever Bob Rock thinks sounds the best. Am I saying that I don't like the black album? No, I love it but I can see how that album would have made Metallica think that they are weaker without a producer named Bob to tell them what to play.

[franklinj]

I know many bash Lars because "hes not as good as x drummer", but he really DID play for the song. Master of Puppets, Sanitarium, ONE, and Justice for all... all great, great songs that might not be as great if they were too overly complex. His parts were straightforward, but so was the music he played to. it was meant to be in your face.

Im disappointed with his newer stuff though. His drums sound SOO good in the older recordings but SOOOO bad in the newer ones. Old Metallica, where art thou?

[Mapex589]

Im disappointed with his newer stuff though. His drums sound SOO good in the older recordings but SOOOO bad in the newer ones. Old Metallica, where art thou?

I agree...hopefully Rick Rubin will change that on the new record. I truely do not have much hope for the new album but hopefully it will be worth listening to. I do think Lars jams overall.... the early stuff is awesome.

[franklinj]

I agree...hopefully Rick Rubin will change that on the new record. I truely do not have much hope for the new album but hopefully it will be worth listening to. I do think Lars jams overall.... the early stuff is awesome.

For real. ...And Justice for All/ Master of Puppets have been on constant repeat on my mp3 player for the past week. One may be one of the best songs ever...its got everything to it. I love it.

[Tubs player]

i look up to Lars, but i just think he is a little overrated

[drumminbro23]

lars.... he is an ok drummer. when compared to the rest of the band members he is a little less talented but its all good. anyone heard anything off the new album yet ? hopfully it wont suck. Iv heard its suposed to sound like the 80's stuff. but im tryin not to get my hopes up

[Ironcobra]

lars doesn't have EXTREME skill like portnoy, but he can really lay down a heavy metal beat that will really get your head moving

theres nothing more entertaining than a live MASTER OF PUPPETS show in the 80's

ahhhh i wish i could be there

[KWDEMON]

Have non of you herd New Song or Other New Song yet. They respectively match ... And Justice for All and Kill ' EM All. In both complexity , speed and length of song. Very thrash metal, not the polished pro-tools stuff of the last decade.

[AnthonyB]

From what i've heard of his playing, I think he's rather over-rated. I mean, come on, the drums on enter sandman are pathetic. I thought Phil Rudd was a guest drummer on that track :D.

[tooldrums1000]

He is over rated. His drumming is just so simple.

[spyder]

can't agree more with the last few comments. Simple isn't necessarily bad, but he plays the same thing in every song!!

[KWDEMON]

You .... you mean Lars keeps the beat he dosen't play for personal glory he wants the song to be complete. Most of the time he uses his double bass pedals to help keep time for James often extremely awkward rhythm guitar parts or kirks timing changes on the bride. He plays for the song he isn't like new metal drummers that just hammer on the drums so fast and have so many beats that they can't possible be out of time. James put it best " I'm used to the drummer keeping the beat" with that said the only people who are better or as good in my book are Nick Menza , Dave Lombard , Ian Paice , John Bonham.

[BrynnerAgassi]

You know, honestly I can say Lars was a big insperation to me growing up. Metallica's music I love, and will continue to support them, even though I may not like everything they have put out over the recent years... But back to Lars...
Lars is good for the music they put out... All the songs Metallica put out, along with Lars drumming really go hand in hand together...
Anyone who thinks Metallica is more than a hardcore rock band, that actually has good music, melodies, is wrong.... The are a great band, great music, and all the drum, bass, guitar parts are fit together... I dont think if Lars played anything more than what he did that it would sound better...
ALTHOUGH, the one thing with Lars is that I never liked the fact he took so many fills, and did them in the weirdest parts in the song.
If you listen to the S&M album, you will see what I mean...
His drum sound, you can spot a mile away, which is cool because every drummer is looking for that signature sound.

On the black album, I saw a video on youtube, they interviewed Bob Rock and Lars regarding his drumming and sound from the album. And well believe it or not it was all cut and paste... Meaning Lars would play, play, and play, then they took the best parts and edited in a way that just sounded like it did...
Its really