Metallica have broken every law of heavy metal in their over 40-year career and yet remain by far the biggest band the genre has ever produced.

With over 110 million albums sold and nine Grammys, few bands are as successful as Metallica, especially not in the heavier sector. Since the 1980s, they have shaped the development of metal with incredible force. Fans worship the thrash pioneers. However, since the band opened up to the musical mainstream in 1991 with catchy songs like "Nothing Else Matters," they have been accused of betraying their own roots. But is it even possible to climb the rock Olympus while staying true to the underground? Marc Halupczok takes us through the wild history of this extraordinary band, recounting triumphs and tragedies from over 40 years.