Metallica is a band based in America.
Clifford Lee `` Cliff '' Burton ( February 10 , 1962 -- September 27 , 1986 ) was an American musician , best known as the second bass guitarist for the American thrash metal band Metallica from December 1982 until his death in September 1986 . Death Magnetic is the ninth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica , released on September 12 , 2008 through Warner Bros. . Master of Puppets is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica , released on March 3 , 1986 by Elektra Records . Metallica is an American heavy metal band based in San Rafael , California . Guitarist Dave Mustaine ( who went on to form rivals Megadeth ) and bassists Ron McGovney , Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted are former members of the band .