Metallica, kicking things off in ’81, are titans of thrash and heavy metal, capable of delivering a sound that shakes walls. Their gig on November 18, 2016, at House of Vans in London was like a masterclass in tearing a place apart. James Hetfield sang with such raw fury and heart, his voice ripping through the air one minute and hitting melodic spots that grabbed you the next. Kirk Hammett’s guitars and Robert Trujillo’s bass built a sonic wall, while Lars Ulrich’s drums pounded like a sledgehammer. In the tight space of House of Vans, the sound was just deafening, and the lights, flipping from red to white, cranked up the drama. The crowd was totally locked in with the band, creating this vibe like everyone was caught up in some metal frenzy.