As someone who has been a die-hard Metallica fan for years, I can say without hesitation that their hard-hitting thrash metal sound has always had a special place in my heart. However, there is an often-overlooked aspect of the iconic band’s discography – their ability to create incredible love songs.
Yes, you read that right – Metallica can be soft and romantic too. Many of their tracks have a certain tenderness to them and speak to the feeling of being consumed by love.
In this article, I will be taking a closer look at some of the best love songs from the heavy metal legends. These are the tracks that will make your heart swell and your head bang simultaneously.
So, buckle up and prepare to experience Metallica like never before.
1. “Enter Sandman” – Metallica (1991)
Album: Metallica (Remastered)
Release Date: 1991
Song Duration: 5 minutes 32 seconds
“Enter Sandman” is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Metallica’s unique sound. The powerful and evocative lyrics talk about the fear and anxiety of a child at night, with references to dark thoughts and dreams of war and dragons.
The boldness of the melody and the striking way in which the lyrics are delivered make this love song stand out from the rest. Its combination of heavy beats and melodies, combined with Metallica’s classic guitar riffs, is sure to make any listener’s heart race.
For these reasons and more, “Enter Sandman” is a clear number one on my list of the best Metallica love songs.
2. “Nothing Else Matters” – Metallica (1991)
Album: Metallica (Remastered)
Release Date: 1991
Song Duration: 6 minutes 29 seconds
“Nothing Else Matters” is a timeless love song that beautifully captures the essence of unconditional love and trust. The lyrics convey a sense of commitment and unity, as the singer professes to care for nothing else but the person he loves.
The stripped-down guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals lend the song a raw emotional power that is hard to match. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal message of love that transcends all boundaries and distances.
The remastered version of Metallica’s iconic 1991 album only enhances the song’s impact, making it a must-listen for rock and metal enthusiasts.
3. “One” – Metallica (1988)
Album: …And Justice for All (Remastered Deluxe Box Set)
Release Date: 1988
Song Duration: 7 minutes 26 seconds
“One” by Metallica is not your typical love song. It tells the story of a soldier who has survived a war but has been left with physical and emotional scars.
The haunting lyrics describe his painful existence, being trapped in his own body which has been destroyed by the war. The chorus, “Hold my breath as I wish for death, Oh please God, wake me” highlights the agony and despair of the protagonist as he struggles to find any glimmer of hope in his life.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the song is a masterpiece in terms of both lyrical content and musical composition.
4. “Sad But True” – Metallica (1991)
Album: Metallica (Remastered)
Release Date: 1991
Song Duration: 5 minutes 25 seconds
“Sad But True” by Metallica is a classic love song with a dark twist. The lyrics depict a toxic relationship where one person is manipulating the other, and both are using each other as a means to an end.
The chorus’s repetition of “I’m your dream, make you real / I’m your pain when you can’t feel” is both haunting and captivating, drawing you into the twisted dynamic the song portrays. Despite the disturbing nature of the lyrics, the heavy guitar riffs and intense vocals make it an irresistible addition to any rock playlist.
5. “The Unforgiven” – Metallica (1991)
Album: Metallica (Remastered)
Release Date: 1991
Song Duration: 6 minutes 27 seconds
“The Unforgiven” is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Metallica’s ability to convey emotion through their music. The lyrics tell a story of a young boy who is constantly put down and never allowed to follow his own dreams.
As he grows older, he realizes that his life has been dedicated to pleasing others and he feels trapped. The chorus “Never free, never me, so I dub thee ‘Unforgiven'” is a powerful statement about the loss of identity that can come from being forced to conform to societal expectations.
The guitar solo is a standout moment in the song, full of raw emotion and intensity that perfectly complement the lyrics. This is a must-listen for any Metallica fan.
6. “Whiskey In The Jar” – Metallica (1998)
Album: Garage, Inc.
Release Date: 1998
Song Duration: 5 minutes 5 seconds
“Whiskey in the Jar” by Metallica is not your typical love song, but it still manages to make it on the list of the band’s top 10 love-oriented tracks. The song tells the story of a man who robs Captain Ferrell, but gets double-crossed by his lover Molly.
The catchy chorus is a mix of Irish folk music and heavy metal, making for an irresistible blend. Metallica’s grit and raw energy add a modern twist to the traditional ballad, making “Whiskey in the Jar” a timeless classic that showcases the band’s versatility and creativity.
7. “Fade To Black” – Metallica (1984)
Album: Ride The Lightning (Deluxe Remaster)
Release Date: 1984
Song Duration: 6 minutes 57 seconds
“Fade To Black” from Metallica’s second album “Ride The Lightning” showcases the band’s darker side with lyrics that explore feelings of hopelessness and despair. The powerful vocals and haunting guitar solos create a mood of melancholy and introspection.
The song is a devastating portrayal of suicidal thoughts and a sense of lost direction in life. Despite the bleakness of the theme, “Fade To Black” remains a powerful and moving tribute to the complexity of human emotion, cementing its place as one of the best love songs in the Metallica catalog.
8. “Lux Æterna” – Metallica (2023)
Album: 72 Seasons
Release Date: 2023
Song Duration: 3 minutes 26 seconds
“Lux Æterna” by Metallica from their album “72 Seasons” is a love song that captures the essence of pure connection and unity. The lyrics paint a picture of a collective heartbeat, beating as one, waiting for the light.
The bridge and guitar solo are transcendent, making the listener feel like they’re ascending to higher ground. The message is clear- full speed or nothing.
Whether it’s sonic salvation or amplifying the nation, it’s about feeling alive, and never being alone. This song is a masterpiece that showcases Metallica’s musical prowess and ability to create a love song that speaks beyond romantic love.
9. “Turn The Page” – Metallica (1998)
Album: Garage, Inc.
Release Date: 1998
Song Duration: 6 minutes 6 seconds
“Turn The Page” by Metallica, from the album “Garage, Inc.,” is a love song about the road and the struggles that come with touring. The lyrics are a vivid portrayal of life on tour, from being alone on the highway to the pressure of playing for a live audience.
It’s a heartfelt tribute to the toll that touring takes on a musician’s personal life and relationships. James Hetfield’s empathetic delivery and driving guitar riff make “Turn The Page” an impactful, yet often overlooked, metal love song.
It’s a classic that has resonated with generations of music lovers who have lived a life on the road.
10. “King Nothing” – Metallica (1996)
Album: Load
Release Date: 1996
Song Duration: 5 minutes 28 seconds
“King Nothing” by Metallica is a reflective take on the fleeting nature of fame and the emptiness that comes with it. The lyrics serve as a reminder that the things that are chased after most fervently ultimately prove to be of little value.
The song encourages listeners to be mindful of what they wish for and what they pursue, and suggests that focusing on true purpose and meaning is more fulfilling than blindly seeking fame and fortune. While it may not be a traditional love song, the emotion and introspection conveyed in “King Nothing” earn it a spot on the list of the best Metallica Love Songs.
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.