Top 10 Metallica Deep Cuts
Top 10 Metallica Deep Cuts Every Rock Fan Needs to Hear
Think you know Metallica? These 10 underrated tracks prove there’s a lot more to the band than the biggest hits.
When you think of Metallica, songs like “Enter Sandman,” “Master of Puppets,” “One,” and “Nothing Else Matters” probably come to mind.
But with more than four decades of music, Metallica has built a catalog packed with incredible songs that never received the attention of their biggest hits.
At 96X, we’re digging deeper into one of the greatest metal bands of all time.
Here are our picks for the 10 best Metallica deep cuts, ranked!
10. “The God That Failed” — Metallica (1991)
Buried beneath the massive hits on The Black Album, this dark, heavy track features one of Jason Newsted’s most memorable bass lines. James Hetfield’s personal lyrics and the song’s crushing groove make it an overlooked standout.
9. “Trapped Under Ice” — Ride the Lightning (1984)
Fast, aggressive, and absolutely relentless. This song captures Metallica’s early thrash-metal intensity with blistering guitar work and a frantic pace that never lets up.
8. “The Outlaw Torn” — Load (1996)
Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, this atmospheric epic shows a completely different side of Metallica. It’s emotional, heavy, and features some incredible guitar work. One of the band’s most underrated compositions.
7. “Leper Messiah” — Master of Puppets (1986)
Everyone knows the title track and “Battery,” but “Leper Messiah” deserves more love. Its crushing riffs, shifting tempos, and biting lyrics make it one of the album’s hidden treasures.
6. “Fixxxer” — Reload (1997)
A haunting, nearly eight-minute journey through pain, control, and emotional scars. “Fixxxer” is one of Metallica’s most ambitious songs from the 1990s and a favorite among dedicated fans.
5. “The Frayed Ends of Sanity” — …And Justice for All (1988)
Complex riffs, unusual rhythms, and relentless energy make this track a showcase for Metallica’s technical abilities. It’s the kind of song that reveals something new every time you listen.
4. “Disposable Heroes” — Master of Puppets (1986)
An eight-minute thrash masterpiece about the horrors of war. The aggressive guitar riffs, explosive drumming, and unforgettable “BACK TO THE FRONT!” refrain make this one essential listening.
3. “Bleeding Me” — Load (1996)
Metallica’s willingness to experiment paid off with this slow-building, emotionally intense track. It’s a powerful example of how the band could deliver something heavy without relying entirely on speed.
2. “Dyers Eve” — …And Justice for All (1988)
One of the fastest and most aggressive songs Metallica ever recorded. Lars Ulrich’s frantic drumming and James Hetfield’s furious vocals make this a thrash-metal monster.
1. “Orion” — Master of Puppets (1986)
No vocals. No problem.
This nearly nine-minute instrumental masterpiece features some of the finest musicianship in Metallica’s history, including unforgettable bass work from the late Cliff Burton.
The song moves between crushing riffs, beautiful melodies, and intricate musical passages. It’s a reminder that Metallica doesn’t need lyrics to tell an incredible story.
Our pick for Metallica’s greatest deep cut: “Orion.”
What Did We Miss?
That’s the beauty of Metallica’s catalog. You could easily make another Top 10 list with completely different songs.
Should “To Live Is to Die” make the list? What about “Escape,” “The House Jack Built,” or “My Friend of Misery”?
What’s the most underrated Metallica song of all time?
Tell us your pick, and keep rocking with 96X!