Kirk Hammett is stepping out of Metallica’s massive shadow and into a world of personal creativity with the announcement of his debut solo album at the age of 62. The iconic guitarist, who’s been a cornerstone of Metallica since 1983, revealed in a recent interview with Rolling Stone that he’s in the process of crafting an LP that reflects a blend of genres and musical influences.
In his chat about his new book The Collection: Kirk Hammett, which showcases his extensive and impressive guitar collection, Hammett explained his current musical journey. “I’m actively putting ideas together for my first solo album,” he said. “It’s going to be a fusion of all sorts of styles… I’m writing everything from classical progressions to heavier riffs, and even experimenting with some funk.”
He went on to share that his new songs will feature vocals, something he hadn’t planned on initially. “The songs are demanding vocals,” Hammett laughed, adding, “I don’t know who will do them. I already have enough to do on stage!”
Among his upcoming compositions is an instrumental track titled The Mysterion, which draws inspiration from ancient Greek texts. “It sounds like it’s 2,000 years old,” he said of the piece, highlighting how reading these ancient writings sparked this creation. The Enter Sandman guitarist seems to be tapping into new creative veins with this album.
Hammett’s musical exploration is not without its roots. He dropped the Portals EP in 2022, an instrumental four-track project that hinted at his solo aspirations.
In addition to his musical endeavors, the guitarist recently released The Collection: Kirk Hammett, a book that highlights his love for guitars. “The goal was to showcase the guitars I love most and share them with fans,” he explained. “I know there are people who love guitars just as much as I do and can appreciate the art in them.”
Whether it’s his new album or his dedication to preserving the legacy of electric guitars, Kirk Hammett is proving there’s no slowing down for the 62-year-old musician.
Related topics:
