Kirk Hammett reads Poe with Metallica for Halloween
The Midnight Metal and Monstrous Minds: Kirk Hammett’s Love Affair with Horror
When the shadows lengthen and the air grows crisp, some celebrations offer a unique blend of the macabre and the magnificent. For the thrash metal titans of Metallica, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett has always embraced the darker side of the spectrum, bringing a touch of Gothic enchantment to their celebrations. This year, the band leaned into the spooky season by pairing a reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven with the haunting melody of Inamorata from their recent 72 Seasons album, setting a perfect tone for Halloween.
Hammett’s affinity for the eerie runs deeper than just seasonal whimsy. His passion for horror isn’t just a passing interest; it’s a deep-seated fascination that extends into his personal possessions. His array of ESP KH-2 guitars are adorned with iconic figures from classic horror cinema, featuring representations of Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster, Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, and Elsa Lanchester as The Bride in Bride Of Frankenstein. Even more delightfully spooky, one of his guitar models is designed to resemble a Ouija board, a fixture of horror since the era of The Exorcist.
Beyond his personal collection, Hammett has channeled this love into community events. He hosted the Fear FestEvil horror convention from 2014 to 2015, an event that brought together live performances, signings, and panels, all rooted in his enduring fascination with the spooky side of culture.
The real scares, however, often come from personal experience. When reflecting on the films that shaped his understanding of fear, Hammett recounted a visceral reaction to the brutal intensity of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. He recalled leaving the theater shaking, wondering if they had just witnessed something truly terrifying. Similarly, his experience with The Exorcist, as a Catholic child, left a lasting impression, described by him as an honest fear that led to him sleeping with the lights on every night for four months.
This unique blend of artistic intensity and personal vulnerability exists alongside Hammett’s professional achievements. Joining Metallica in 1983, he has been an integral part of one of heavy metal’s most successful acts, a group that has sold over 150 million albums globally and amassed ten Grammy Awards. Currently, the four-piece is putting on a highly anticipated residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, providing a grand stage for their powerful sound.
Whether he chooses to participate in the costume festivities or simply enjoy the spooky atmosphere, Kirk Hammett continues to weave his love for the macabre into the fabric of his musical legacy, reminding us that the most compelling stories are often found in the shadows.
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