Ever since Metallica came out with there first album, Kill'em all in 1983, they have made an impact on the history of heavy metal.
Metallica would be one of teh firsts bands to make "Metal" be more accepted in the mainstream, even if they were denied of any radio time and could only get there first video clip played in 1988.
Metallica would create its own brand of "hard rock" by importing sounds from europe that weren't being eard in the United States.
Metallica would gain extrem popularity in 1988 with there fourth album ...And justice for all but the would acheive something no other "Heavy Metal" band would achieve, they would obtain a comercial support making the following album "Metallica" a commercial hit.
The two follow up albums that came after were very critizised and gave the band a bad image but none the less they remain the most important "Hard Rock" band to come out of the 80's, influencing many bands to come out of the 90's.
Metallica have came out with 9 albums so far, incluiding a live album with the San Fransisco Symphony orchestra.