Metallica ignited Zurich and the Letzigrund

Singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield showed himself in full possession of his means in a sold-out Letzigrund.image: az/andré albrecht

In stifling heat and in the middle of a gigantic setup, Metallica could have descended into an empty show of force. In Zurich, the American group nevertheless reminded us why, after more than forty years of career, it remains an absolute reference in live metal.

Stefan Künzli / ch media

It was still almost 30 degrees in the Letzigrund stadium when the four heroes of Metallica walked through the cheering crowd to the sound of AC/DC and Ennio Morricone. A gladiator entrance to a 360-degree stage, installed in the heart of the stadium.

The circular playing area was completely surrounded by the audience, while the four musicians constantly changed sides, contributing to an immediate and immersive concert experience, perceptible in all directions. The stage was visually framed by eight immense cylindrical towers equipped with gigantic LED screens and also used for the lighting system.

Without doubt the most spectacular rock stage production of recent years.image: az/andré albrecht

Zurich has undoubtedly experienced one of the most spectacular rock stage productions in recent years. A staging worthy of a group that has dominated stages and stadiums around the world for over forty years.

But the 2026 version of Metallica is much more than a display of power and perfectionism. It quickly became clear why the band remains at the top after more than forty years of career. Vocalist James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo were brimming with enthusiasm and enjoyment of playing. Hetfield, above all, impressed with a stage presence and an aura that few people would have believed him capable of at this level of intensity.

Classics like “Seek & Destroy,” “Creeping Death,” “One” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” displayed a power and urgency capable of surprising even the most seasoned fans. At the same time, pieces from the controversial album “Death Magnetic” (2008), such as “Cyanide” or “The Day That Never Comes”, experienced a remarkable revaluation on stage. What once lacked dynamics in the studio versions developed in concert a dark, almost disturbing force. A hellish sound in infernal heat.

Catch your breath

The band only really allowed themselves and the audience a single moment to breathe during the ballad “Nothing Else Matters†as well as during the relaxed, almost improvised cover of the German-speaking Swiss classic “Alperose†.

These short covers performed by Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo are now an integral part of Metallica’s live concept. These “Doodles”, as the group calls them, each time cover songs linked to the host country and offered Zurich, in the middle of this gigantic stadium production, a surprisingly spontaneous and refreshing moment.

Metallica achieves the balance between mainstream and metal community. Despite all the bombast and gigantism of the show, the performance remained sufficiently raw. This is probably where Metallica’s secret lies: the group has enjoyed colossal success and has long since become a global institution. But he still manages to preserve and credibly transmit the energy of a starving metal band.

Californian metal legends Metallica: Robert Trujillo, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett (left to right).image: az/andré albrecht

However, the four musicians have long since reached an age where other groups only live on their past. All the members are now over 60 years old and have accomplished almost everything that is possible in rock. Certainly, concerts used to be often much longer and frequently lasted almost three hours. In Zurich, the show ended after just over two hours – perhaps a concession to age. But that’s precisely what made the set surprisingly focused, dense and energetic.

The audience did not witness a simple nostalgic and self-satisfied celebration, but a group that consciously returned to its roots. Many songs recalled this era when metal was still considered a radical counterculture and when Metallica embodied speed, aggression and unpredictability.

This is precisely where their particular credibility still lies today: despite their gigantic success, Metallica does not resemble a routine mainstream machine, but a group which has retained the heart of its original energy. Metallica hasn’t just aged — the band has aged remarkably well.

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