Metallica has always attracted attention. Their hits are legendary, becoming part of rock folklore. But if you really dive into their music—through late-night drives, worn-out CD booklets, or deep streaming sessions—you’ll find that the real gems are often hidden away. It’s in the songs that didn’t get music videos or radio play but still pack a punch when you’re in the right mood.
Three tracks from different eras of Metallica highlight this: “The Struggle Within” from their self-titled album (1991), “Thorn Within” from Load (1996), and “Inamorata” from 72 Seasons (2023). These songs don’t usually make the band’s greatest hits list, but they deserve more recognition.
“The Struggle Within” closes out the Black Album, which is no easy task given the massive hits that precede it. With tracks like “Sad But True” and “The Unforgiven,” it’s easy for this song to get overlooked. By the time the fast-paced drum intro kicks in, many listeners might be tuning out. But if you stick around, you’ll hear a powerful explosion of sound. Lars Ulrich’s drumming is relentless, and James Hetfield delivers a tight, chugging riff that harkens back to their thrash roots. The lyrics are raw and introspective, focusing on internal struggles rather than grand themes.
This track rarely appears in live sets, adding to its allure. Metallica often sticks to their hits, but if they brought this one back, it would likely resonate even more today than it did in 1991.
“Thorn Within” from Load (1996) shows another side of Metallica. By this time, they had already broken the mold of what metal bands were expected to do—they slowed down.
