If you ask metal fans what they think the best Metallica album is, you’re going to receive of bunch of different answers. And that’s okay because Metallica has a bunch of amazing albums! Those of you that follow me on instagram may already know that Ride The Lightning is my absolute favorite Metallica record. It’s one that I’ve been reaching for a lot lately, so this week we’re revisiting Metallica’s 1984 masterpiece. Keep reading to learn 6 facts about Ride the Lightning + learn how to recreate this look with the band merch of the month.
The Metallica Ride The Lightning Band Tee Outfit Details
Before we get into the facts about Ride The Lightning that you should know, let’s talk about the band merch of the month and the outfit created around it.
The Basics
- Metallica Ride The Lightning Women’s Tank Top: Loudtrax (gifted*)
- Jeans: American Eagle
- Broom Rider Boots: Killstar
- Cropped Faux Leather Jacket: Vixen by Micheline Pitt
- Artistic Earrings: Ethnasia Jewelry (gifted*)
This officially licensed Metallica Ride The Lightning tank top is soft, lightweight, and has the perfect relaxed fit for really any occasion. You can pick up one for yourself here on Loudtrax’s website. Because the music industry relies so much on royalties, it’s really important that the merch you’re buying is officially licensed. Luckily, Loudtrax has you covered in that department.
WHAT TO WEAR WITH THIS Metallica Ride The Lightning Tank Top
This look is one that’s designed for everyday wear that you can put together on the go. I love how laid back this tank top makes me feel so I chose to go with something simple yet still stylish. It pairs great with just a basic pair of jeans and since it’s winter, I added my favorite faux leather jacket.
When I’m quickly looking for something to wear and running out the door, accessories are usually the last thing on my mind. The one thing I do usually reach for though is a pair of earrings. Finally, I of course had to wear a pair of boots with this. Since we’re talking everyday style I chose my favorite pair of boots from Killstar. These were actually my first purchase from Killstar several years ago, and the reason I kept coming back.
6 Facts About Ride The Lightning That You Should Know
Now that you know where you can pick up this women’s Metallica tank top and how to style it, it’s time for your metal history lesson. Here’s 6 facts about Ride The Lightning that you should know.
1. The term “Ride The Lightning” comes from Stephen King’s novel, The Stand.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kirk Hammett explained that he found inspiration while reading a section King’s book in which a character on death row said he was waiting to “ride the lightning”. Hammett went on to say, “I remember thinking, “Wow, what a great song title.” I told James, and it ended up being a song and the album title.”
2. “Trapped Under Ice” was inspired by the 1983 film Never Cry Wolf.
Over the years fans have speculated that “Trapped Under Ice” is a metaphor. Some have concluded it’s about being stuck in addiction, while others think that it’s about a person who’s cryogenically frozen and is aware of it. Neither of these is true. The inspiration for “Trapped Under Ice” came from a scene in Never Cry Wolf. In the 1983 drama, the main character falls through a frozen lake and is literally trapped under ice.
3. Armoured Saint vocalist, John Bush, was offered to do vocals for Ride The Lightning, but he declined.
James Hetfield was initially against singing and playing guitar for the album, so the band asked John Bush to do the vocals. However, due to the success of his band at the time, Bush had declined which led Hetfield to handle both duties again.
4. “Escape” was never played live until Metallica’s 2012 Orion Festival performance.
The song was written at the last second in the studio in an attempt garner radio attention. As such, it was never one of Metallica’s favorites in their discography and something they did not want to play live. However, 28 years later it finally made the setlist when Metallica played the entire ‘Ride The Lightning’ album backwards.
5. Ride The Lightning is the last Metallica album that Dave Mustaine received songwriting credits on.
It’s also the first Metallica album that Dave Mustaine’s replacement, Kirk Hammett, received songwriting credits on.
Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica on April 11, 1983. He then went on to form the iconic thrash metal band Megadeth within the same year.
6. Metallica’s first ballad ever appeared on Ride The Lightning with “Fade to Black”.
The song was partially inspired by Metallica’s equipment being stolen in January 1984 before a show in Boston, Massachusetts. It tells the story of someone contemplating suicide which evolved from James Hetfield’s feelings of depression after the incident.
At the time of its release, “Fade to Black” did attract new Metallica fans, but it also received some backlash. Not only was a ballad strange territory for the 80s thrash scene, but the subject matter drew criticism as well. James Hetfield said in an interview with Guitar World, “It’s a suicide song , and we got a lot of flack for it; kids were killing themselves because of the song. But we also got hundreds and hundreds of letters from kids telling us how they related to the song and that made them feel better.”
LOOKING FOR SOME OUTFIT IDEAS WITH COOL BAND MERCH?
Check out the looks I’ve been creating with band merch here.
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