Metallica is a country.
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 . James Alan Hetfield ( born August 3 , 1963 ) is an American musician , singer , and songwriter known for being the co-founder , lead vocalist , rhythm guitarist , and main songwriter for the American heavy metal band Metallica . Kirk Lee Hammett ( born November 18 , 1962 ) is the lead guitarist and contributing songwriter for the heavy metal band Metallica and has been a member of the band since 1983 . Metallica is an American heavy metal band based in San Rafael , California . Metallica 's current line-up comprises founding members Hetfield and Ulrich , longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo .