Metallica's James Hetfield Says He Writes His ‘Heaviest Riffs’ When He’s Happy

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – APRIL 29: James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica perform on stage at Johan Cruijff Arena on April 29, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns)

Metallica’s James Hetfield says he writes his “heaviest riffs” when things are going good.

He told Metal Hammer, “When I’m happy, I’m writing the heaviest riff possible. Being happy is not overrated.”

He went on to say, “There will always be anger issues with me, no matter what. There always seems to be another cool piece of the puzzle revealed.”

Hetfield has spent over 40 years as Metallica’s guitarist and vocalist.