Creeping Death

Metallica, 1984, from Ride the Lightning. Solo by Kirk Hammett.

Hammett's solo drives the song's Exodus story forward between the chanted 'Die by my hand' sections.

Creeping Death retells the plagues of Exodus, and Kirk Hammett's solo drives the story forward like a charge. After the galloping riffs and the chanted 'Die by my hand' section, his lead bursts out with fast runs, sharp bends and wah-touched phrases that sit right on the song's momentum. The solo is structured and memorable, with melodic moments that give it shape amid the aggression. It became a live favourite, with crowds joining the chant. Listen for how Hammett builds his solo from fast flurries into more melodic phrases, and notice how the chant section before it creates tension that the solo releases with explosive energy.

Creeping Death by Metallica is featured in our Thrash (#15) list. The solo is played by Kirk Hammett and the song was released in 1984.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Thrash Guitar Solos — #15
• The Best Kirk Hammett Guitar Solos — #6
• The Best Metallica Guitar Solos — #9

Sources