James Hetfield EXPLAINS St Anger Metallica

"This is the face that stones you cold
This is the moment that needs to breathe
These are the claws that scratch these wounds
This is the pain that never leaves"Show more

The lyrics to Metallica's "Some Kind Of Monster" appear to describe exactly that, a monster... of some kind. Is it a Frankenstein like beast assembled from the parts of others? Is it something hiding underneath your bed? Is it a song that describes Metallica? All these answers may be correct, as James Hetfield once described the lyrics of the song to producer Bob Rock as describing a horrific creature of some sort, or "some kind of monster."

Some people have come to the belief that the song is indeed about Metallica, a monstrous beast that has grown so out of control that nobody can tame it. A belief that is further reinforced by the band naming their 2004 documentary after the song. James Hetfield has even described the burden of fame that comes from being involved with Metallica as "monstrous."

"Some Kind of Monster" was one of the first songs assembled for St Anger, and would go through a handful of changes before the final song was completed. Although it was one of the first songs completed, it would be released as the final single for the album on July 13, 2004. The song would be nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 2005 Grammy Awards. However, Scott Weiland, Slash, Duff McKagan and the other two members of Velvet Revolver would walk away with that particular award for their song "Slither."

While "Some Kind of Monster" is much about James Hetfield coming to terms with his anger, when asked by an interviewer if part of writing music for a band like Metallica requires holding on to a certain level of anger, James had this to say:

“Ha ha ha! Well, that’s a great question. I think every person that goes through something like what I’ve gone through very much worries about that. But the creativity, it will come from where it has to come from. Anything can be digested and be spit out Metallica-like. I’m not gonna start writing about picking flowers now. When I’m happy, I’m writing the heaviest riff possible. Being happy is not overrated. But also, there will always be anger issues with me, no matter what. There always seems to be another cool piece of the puzzle revealed.” - Hetfield, When I'm Happy I'm Writing The Heaviest Riff Possible, Mick Wall, Metal Hammer (July 17, 2023)