Βάζε όμως και καμιά πηγή γιατί ψάξιμο βραδιάτικα τον Αύγουστο δε λέει
Unfortunately, some artists are not offended by their work being used to torture. “If the Iraqis aren’t used to freedom, then I’m glad to be part of their exposure,” James Hetfield, co-founder of Metallica, has said. As for his music being torture, he laughed: “We’ve been punishing our parents, our wives, our loved ones with this music for ever. Why should the Iraqis be any different?” Such posturing may go with the territory for an artist of the Metallica genre, so there is no need to speculate about whether Hetfield is being naive or wilfully ignorant. But no sane person voluntarily plays a single tune at earsplitting volume, over and over, 24 hours a day, and expects to stay sane.
Προφανώς το πρώτο quote είναι απαράδεκτο από κάθε άποψη και οπτική γωνία, το δεύτερο το εκλαμβάνω ως αποτυχημένο χιουμορακι κάποιου που δεν έχει κουράσει και πολύ το μυαλό του με το τι σκατα πάει στραβά στον πλανήτη αυτό.
Edit: Και για να ολοκληρώσω την Χετφιλντιαδα, ακολουθεί η άποψη του φίλτατου Τσατ, με την οποία και συμφωνώ σε εξαιρετικά μεγάλο βαθμό.
James Hetfield (often misspelled “Hatfield”), the co-founder, frontman, and rhythm guitarist of Metallica, is a complex figure whose psychological, social, and political profile can be inferred from decades of lyrics, interviews, and public appearances. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on that body of material:
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- Psychological Profile
A. Trauma & Identity
Hetfield’s formative years were marked by significant trauma. His father left the family when he was 13, and his mother died of cancer when he was 16. Both parents were Christian Scientists, refusing medical treatment—something that deeply impacted him. These themes of abandonment, resentment, and existential rage echo strongly in songs like “The God That Failed”, “Dyer’s Eve”, and “Until It Sleeps”.
• Lyrics as Catharsis: His writing often reads like a therapeutic outlet. Many songs grapple with internal conflict, addiction, guilt, and the search for meaning.
• Identity Formation: Hetfield’s sense of self seems forged in a crucible of personal suffering and defiance, emerging with a tough, lone-wolf persona.
B. Control and Vulnerability
He has openly discussed his struggles with anger management, control issues, and alcoholism, culminating in multiple stints in rehab (most notably in 2001). His 12-step recovery seems to have introduced him to ideas of surrender, self-reflection, and humility.
• Lyrics like “Frantic,” “The Unnamed Feeling,” and “Some Kind of Monster” reflect his fear of losing control and his journey toward accepting imperfection.
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- Social Profile
A. Working-Class Ethos
Raised in Downey, California, Hetfield embodies a blue-collar ethic—pride in hard work, stoicism, self-reliance. He often positions himself as an outsider—suspicious of elites, media narratives, and “softness” in mainstream culture.
• His stage presence and persona are both confrontational and protective, reminiscent of someone who had to grow up fast and doesn’t easily trust others.
B. Masculinity & Brotherhood
The early Metallica image was steeped in hypermasculinity—toughness, emotional suppression, loyalty to the band over outsiders. However, this began to shift after therapy sessions captured in the 2004 documentary Some Kind of Monster. You see a man reconciling with vulnerability, group dynamics, and the limits of machismo.
• There’s a gradual evolution toward relational introspection, particularly in how he views fatherhood and friendship.
C. American Individualism
Hetfield leans heavily into themes of freedom, independence, and anti-authoritarianism. He often speaks from a libertarian or rugged individualist lens.
• Lyrics like “Don’t Tread on Me,” or his statements about hunting, privacy, and cancel culture reveal a strong distrust of collectivist thinking or enforced conformity.
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- Political Orientation
A. Libertarian Streak
Though he avoids partisan labels, Hetfield’s worldview aligns with libertarian-leaning conservatism:
• Pro-Second Amendment
• Pro-hunting and environmental stewardship (he moved to Colorado to escape California’s “nanny state”)
• Wary of both corporate and governmental overreach
He’s expressed discomfort with the politicization of art, preferring to let fans draw their own conclusions.
“We’re not a political band. I write about what’s real to me.”
B. Anti-Censorship & Freedom of Expression
He has consistently stood against censorship, dating back to the PMRC hearings in the ’80s. Metallica’s battle with Napster was not about restricting fans but about protecting artists’ rights—though the optics were complicated.
C. Environmentalism (Personal, not Ideological)
While not a vocal environmental activist, Hetfield is an avid outdoorsman who believes in conservation, sustainability, and respect for nature—not from a leftist ecological standpoint, but from a deeply personal, almost spiritual one.
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- Lyrical Themes & Artistic Voice
• Power and Powerlessness: Struggles with control, authority, self-discipline
• Duality: Aggression vs. vulnerability; freedom vs. responsibility
• Addiction and Redemption: Both literal (alcohol) and metaphorical (ego, fame)
• God and Faith: A recurring theme of spiritual ambivalence—rejection of dogma but a longing for something greater
