Kirk Hammett on the Riff That Shifted Heavy Metal

In a recent feature with Consequence, Metallica’s legendary guitarist Kirk Hammett shared his thoughts on the albums that every guitarist should own, highlighting their profound influence on his musical journey. Among his selections were iconic records such as Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, Van Halen’s self-titled debut, Scorpions’ Taken by Force, and AC/DC’s Back in Black.

A Pivotal Black Sabbath Album

Hammett also emphasized the significance of a particular Black Sabbath album, discussing how one notable riff from that record transformed the heavy metal landscape. Contrary to expectations, he did not refer to the infamous tritone riff that Tony Iommi plays at the beginning of the classic title track, Black Sabbath.

The Gospel of Black Sabbath

“The first three Black Sabbath albums are like gospel,” Hammett remarked. “Everyone kind of universally agrees. They created the genre in those first three albums, and then there was Vol. 4, which was just like another shift in their sound. And then Sabotage came out, which is another shift in their sound.” He elaborated on the band’s evolution, describing their performance on Sabotage as progressive, advanced, and sophisticated.

Symptom of the Universe: A Game Changer

Hammett specifically highlighted the riff from the song “Symptom of the Universe,” arguing that it encapsulates both the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and thrash metal. “Just that song in terms of the attitude, the choice of notes, how it was played, and the fact that it was just the main part of the song and the hooks of it,” he explained. “Once you hear that riff, you’ll always hear it again and again. It’s just an amazing riff. That riff in itself shifted heavy metal, and I have to give that album and that particular song a lot of credence.”

How Tony Iommi Crafted the Riff

In a conversation with Metal Hammer several years ago, Tony Iommi, the mastermind behind Black Sabbath’s sound, reflected on the creation of the “Symptom of the Universe” riff. Although he couldn’t recall the specific moment it was written, he speculated that it emerged during a rehearsal session.

A Personal Quest for Innovation

Iommi described his creative process, emphasizing his desire to constantly compete with himself. “I would always try to come up with more and more inventive ideas – different tunings, changing the amps, just fiddling about with the guitars really,” he noted. “I would constantly be trying to improve things and change things. I didn’t really listen to other people, just in case I started playing someone else’s riff by mistake.”

Conclusion

Kirk Hammett’s insights into the transformative power of “Symptom of the Universe” and the album Sabotage highlight the profound impact that Black Sabbath has had on the heavy metal genre. The evolution of their sound and the innovative riffs crafted by Iommi have not only shaped the course of metal music but continue to inspire generations of guitarists today.

FAQs

What is the significance of the riff in “Symptom of the Universe”?

Kirk Hammett believes that the riff in “Symptom of the Universe” shifted heavy metal by encapsulating the essence of both the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and thrash metal.

Which Black Sabbath album did Kirk Hammett highlight?

Hammett specifically highlighted the album Sabotage and its progressive sound.

How did Tony Iommi approach riff writing?

Tony Iommi approached riff writing by constantly challenging himself to come up with more inventive ideas and experimenting with different tunings and equipment.

What other albums did Kirk Hammett recommend for guitarists?

Alongside Sabotage, Hammett recommended albums like Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin, Van Halen’s debut album, Taken by Force by Scorpions, and Back in Black by AC/DC.