Metallica’s ‘Batman Riff’ in ‘Shadows Follow’: A Nod to Iconic Superhero Theme

Metallica’s Kirk Hammett revealed the ‘Batman-inspired’ riff in their song “Shadows Follow” from their latest album, “72 Seasons.” This riff, playfully named “The Batman Riff,” echoes the theme of the 1960s Batman TV series.

Hammett’s inspiration came from observing AC/DC’s versatile musical styles during the Power Trip concert, highlighting their ability to blend genres from blues to heavy metal. While Hammett contributed to four tracks on the album, “Shadows Follow” was penned by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.

This creative inclusion of a familiar theme reflects Metallica’s growing influence in mainstream pop culture, as seen in their tracks featuring in popular Netflix series like “Stranger Things” and “Wednesday.” Metallica’s foray into comic books with Vault Comics’ Headshell imprint further cements their connection to iconic pop culture symbols.


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