Orion
Metallica, 1986, from Master of Puppets. Solo by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield.
A heavy instrumental with a slow, harmonised middle section written around Cliff Burton's bass melody.
Orion is a heavy instrumental from Master of Puppets, and its heart is a slow, harmonised middle section written around Cliff Burton's bass melody. Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield layer guitar harmonies over the bass, creating a rich, almost orchestral sound that contrasts with the crushing riffs on either side. Hammett's lead lines in that section are unusually patient and lyrical, closer to a melody than a thrash solo. The piece remains a fan favourite, partly as a showcase for Burton's musicality. Listen for how the harmonised guitars rise and fall together over the bass line, then how the whole band gathers itself before tumbling back into the heavy riff.
Orion by Metallica is ranked #317 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and the song was released in 1986. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #26 (DigitalDreamDoor).
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Guitar Instrumentals — #20
- The 25 Greatest Thrash Guitar Solos — #10
- The Best Metallica Guitar Solos — #4
Sources
- DigitalDreamDoor: 200 Greatest Metal Guitar Solos — #26
- Guitar Solo Legends: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — Ranked (2026) — #84
- Digital Dream Door: 250 Greatest Rock Guitar Solos — #167
Who played the guitar solo on Orion?
Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield played the solo on Metallica's Orion (1986).
Where does Orion rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#317 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 2 of them.