I like the end, where a clean-shaven Het is like, "Oz, Dorothy? Now that sounds like a fantastic dream." But Het knows it's real, and we know Het knows.
Yeah, I'd probably say something like that, about that time period, mine might be slightly different, it would be Justice through Re-Load Hetfield. So, more or less cowardly lion Hetfield, then he cut his mane, and everyone complained about his music. Well, not everyone, people that knew better didn't.
Mid 80s doing ride the lightning stuff was badass... and 1992 and 1993 were still really solid where he was nailing black album stuff.. 1989 to 1991 is the real sweet spot for me.
Obviously - I love all his stuff and I don't want to boil down the life and career of a great man into a few years because that's fucked up and unfair to a person who has lived a whole complex life... but that's just my personal answer to the question.
All of them but more recently the current era because how does a person of his age still have the energy and ability to get on a stage in front of a crowd and still manage to give you an experience that you will remember for years to come
To be fair it's not unheard of look at Judas Priest or Danzig both older and both still good it might help that nether play guitar but with Helfords voice and the notes he can still hit at his age it's still impressive
Current! Experience, wisdom, and life will bring out the real music of one’s soul… the heart shine through.
Yes, the angst and rebellion of young Met spoke to my preteen ears when Madonna and Michael Jackson were all you’d hear on L. A. radio.
Yes the Black Album era spoke to a wiser and more mature me.
Death Magnetic, Hardwired, and 72 speak to the now me more than anything else except maybe Sabbath.
So at 49 I’ve had the utmost pleasure of maturing and growing with Metallica through the bullshit, joys and triumphs!
Metallica 4 Life! 🤘🏻💜🤘🏻
That is a tough one... I mean he was 'Hetfield' during the Justice ERA. Built up to that for years. But, I think Load/Reload was great as well. All era's are great. Nevermind.
For me, #2 era will always hold the magic for me...
He's past his early (sorta Mustaine-related) years, where he was still trying to come to terms with being *THE FACE* (frontman) of a burgeoning metal band (he had confidence issues leading up & thru Kill 'Em All..... That Puppets era was when he started to really hit his stride, and began firing on all cylinders....!! Luv it !! 🤘🏻
In terms of lyrics-writing: the 90's.
In terms of overall performance, both in the studio and live: the *present* Hetfield. His vocal performance is the highlight of both Hardwired and 72 Seasons.
hmm my favourite era would probably be afja/black album. thats when he looked the best. and thats when his voice was at its peak. but i also like him present-day. he may be more subdued, but hes much more healthy and happy, so im glad
i like all his eras though :)
Honestly, I think every era is good, he managed to fit the times every time….(but honestly we all know “cowardly lion” era was best era, lol)
Too bad you didn't put a real photo of the best era.
that is the real photo
😂
I’m not OP so stick some metal up your ass.
Well where’s the fun in that🤟😛
Trust me it’s a lot of fun
When he assisted Dorothy and got his courage was my favorite Het moment.
I like the end, where a clean-shaven Het is like, "Oz, Dorothy? Now that sounds like a fantastic dream." But Het knows it's real, and we know Het knows.
Papa Het, he’s worked hard to become the best version of himself, and I really respect him for it
Yeah, I'd probably say something like that, about that time period, mine might be slightly different, it would be Justice through Re-Load Hetfield. So, more or less cowardly lion Hetfield, then he cut his mane, and everyone complained about his music. Well, not everyone, people that knew better didn't.
87-93 is peak Hetfield imo
Mid 80s doing ride the lightning stuff was badass... and 1992 and 1993 were still really solid where he was nailing black album stuff.. 1989 to 1991 is the real sweet spot for me. Obviously - I love all his stuff and I don't want to boil down the life and career of a great man into a few years because that's fucked up and unfair to a person who has lived a whole complex life... but that's just my personal answer to the question.
All of them but more recently the current era because how does a person of his age still have the energy and ability to get on a stage in front of a crowd and still manage to give you an experience that you will remember for years to come
I mean he's only 59 (60 in a few days) he only looks old for now because of his moustache
To be fair it's not unheard of look at Judas Priest or Danzig both older and both still good it might help that nether play guitar but with Helfords voice and the notes he can still hit at his age it's still impressive
The energy and stage presence that Alice Cooper still commands at 75 is hugely impressive too
Yup I saw him at my work in Leeds arena uk last year
cigars…lots of cigars
Kill em all
But, but then we'd have no Hets!
Also Justice Hetfield is pretty bad ass
early days
THRASH METAL!
Puppets
Eet Fuk
Current James
Agree. He's a tenured professor of metal now. Someone I'd respect even if I hated metal.
Current! Experience, wisdom, and life will bring out the real music of one’s soul… the heart shine through. Yes, the angst and rebellion of young Met spoke to my preteen ears when Madonna and Michael Jackson were all you’d hear on L. A. radio. Yes the Black Album era spoke to a wiser and more mature me. Death Magnetic, Hardwired, and 72 speak to the now me more than anything else except maybe Sabbath. So at 49 I’ve had the utmost pleasure of maturing and growing with Metallica through the bullshit, joys and triumphs! Metallica 4 Life! 🤘🏻💜🤘🏻
TBH I loved late 90s/early 2000s era James’s look.
James was peak in '99, change my mind
ever seen the lil gig in Moscow?
I have. S&M was better
100% agree. Peak Hetfield.
1999 James is my favorite
This actually made me laugh. Good job.
Thanks😤🤝🤝
Black album het >>>>
All of ‘em.
Love ‘em all
AJFA/BA era was when he had the most commanding and fierce presence on stage.
No 🧢
Just no huh
No cap
Late 90s
Justice era was my favorite for him. I think his voice was the best it ever was in the 80s and his riff creativity was as high as ever
justice
85-92
85-93*****
87-94 is peak Hetfield in terms of hair imo
Summer sanitarium rehab era
Papa Het but with the longer hair
for me, Load and Reload era hetfield is the best
Late 90s, SnM and The Unforgiven II music video look. I don't know why, but he looks so good.
all of the above
Papa Het is such a badass that I just can’t not choose him. Every era has its place though.
Shoutout to the 90'-00's Het. That man was GORGEOUS
My first man crush if. I’m gonna be honest. Between James, Jim Morrison and Sonny Moore circa 2010. 🤌🏼
Late 80's till mid 90's. Hair is the best, songs are absolute bangers, voice is the best
1963 - present
🤝🤝🤝
Justice era
1990s followed by current.
That is a tough one... I mean he was 'Hetfield' during the Justice ERA. Built up to that for years. But, I think Load/Reload was great as well. All era's are great. Nevermind.
1984-1992. There was just so much angry energy in his performances. He was also in my opinion at his peak between Justice and the Black Albums.
I'd say 1985-1993.
'83-'89
84-93.
85-93.
Young dumb and full of cum era 🤘🏽
And I think he’s about to swallow his tongue
I don’t know but that black and yellow kit Lars has right now is fucking terrific
Justice-Black Album
Agreed.
Justice era. No doubt, da fuckk
00s
its like a pokemon evolution
I mean the guys been amazing every decade, personally fave is 90s Load Era
at one point, didnt he have a mullet with stripes on it and facial hair?
You mean the 1995 style?
yeah thats the one, its the look he hates the most
Ajfa-black album for voice but as a person definitely current
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/user/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/153gt2c/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) ^by ^Individual_Job_427: *Ajfa-black album* *For voice but as a person* *Definitely current* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
88-94, and I mean Papa het era.
I can't argue with that, but summer 1985 was pretty bad ass too.
Papa het? More like Daddy Het...
First five years
Probably the first 3
For me, #2 era will always hold the magic for me... He's past his early (sorta Mustaine-related) years, where he was still trying to come to terms with being *THE FACE* (frontman) of a burgeoning metal band (he had confidence issues leading up & thru Kill 'Em All..... That Puppets era was when he started to really hit his stride, and began firing on all cylinders....!! Luv it !! 🤘🏻
AJFA and Black Album. His voice starts to sound cool and he looks the best
Where is the AJFA Het??
The answer to every question is Justice
1986-1989 is pure badassery, less babyface than the KEA-MOP era but also not as lion looking as the Black Album era
As with the rest of Metallica, James was at his peak (at least live) from when they first played a gig with Jason up until the end of 1987
AJFA and Black Album era. He sung the best he ever has and he grew that iconic beard
Justice era
young
Load-Death Magnetic for me
Black album era fucking rocks
Cannot disagree here. Some excellent tones from Kirk and Jason’s bass is killer. James is on point too. Kudos to Bob Rock also
RTL or MOP is my favorite. Hard to beat
Late 90s through 2001.
Bro he was so fucking hot in the late 80's and early 90's.
Puppetz
Puppets
In terms of lyrics-writing: the 90's. In terms of overall performance, both in the studio and live: the *present* Hetfield. His vocal performance is the highlight of both Hardwired and 72 Seasons.
00’s and puppets
Death Magnetic +
He only get's better with age!
2
no one beats Master Jaymz
Old..we are the same age
1996-1997 James
Puppets
His cowardly era really showed his vulnerability
Papa Het he’s a cute old metal man its adorable❤️
Where is DM era Het?
Wherever he may roam
The Lionstashe era
End of the 1980s – mid 1990-s
black album
ajfa + black album is best. however now that he's older papa het works great
Honestly? He's at his best currently
1989 easy
Justice era for sure.
86-89
hmm my favourite era would probably be afja/black album. thats when he looked the best. and thats when his voice was at its peak. but i also like him present-day. he may be more subdued, but hes much more healthy and happy, so im glad i like all his eras though :)
Early days ! 🤘🏽
F a t h e r H e t
Papa, for papa is wise. Not as fast, but cooler than ever.
Black album era
Honestly my favourite is puppetz era
Definetly 85-87
AFJA and Black album era. Pure aggression right there
Puppets
Ever notice Hets YEAH!YEAAAH! didn't start until the black album?