Introduction

During his tenure with Metallica in the early 1980s, Dave Mustaine made significant contributions to the band's early thrash metal sound. While many of these contributions went down in history, others remain in dispute. This article explores the songs Mustaine wrote with Metallica and those where he directly contributed to the riffs and arrangements.

Contributions to Metallica's Debut Album, 'Kill Em All'

Mustaine's earliest work with Metallica can be traced to their debut album, 'Kill Em All,' released in 1983. Several songs from this album bear direct contributions from Mustaine. Notably, as co-writer of 'The Four Horsemen,' Mustaine helped shape the thrash metal sound that would dominate the album. Additionally, 'Phantom Lord' and 'Jump in the Fire' were reportedly co-written with Mustaine, adding to the band's early discography. In some cases, Mustaine contributed to the guitar riffs and arrangements, as was the case with 'Ride the Lightning,' 'Call of Ktulu,' and 'Metal Militia.'

The Controversies: Co-Founding Member's Influence

One of the more disputed claims is Mustaine's co-writing of 'Fade to Black,' 'Leper Messiah,' and 'Battery.' Mustaine claims these songs, but Metallica officially credits him by the album rather than by song. This controversy reflects the complex nature of band dynamics and contributions. For instance, 'Leper Messiah' is known for its distinct riffs, much like 'Battery,' a song Mustaine claims to have co-written. Meanwhile, 'Fade to Black' is often cited as an influencing factor in Megadeth's early sound. The authenticity of these claims is a matter of opinion, but the impact of Mustaine's contributions to these songs is undeniable.

Impact on Early Metallica and Beyond

Mustaine's contributions to Metallica, while not all officially credited to him, were crucial in shaping the band's early sound. His presence during the recording of 'Kill Em All' and 'Ride the Lightning' allowed him to influence tracks like 'The Four Horsemen,' 'Phantom Lord,' and 'Jump in the Fire.' However, it is important to note that other members of the band, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, also played significant roles. Cliff Burton's influence on the instrumental tracks like 'Ride the Lightning' and 'Call of Ktulu' is equally notable.

Album Tracks and Their Contributions

The following tracks from Metallica's debut 'Kill Em All' had direct contributions from Mustaine:

The Four Horsemen (co-written with Mustaine) Phantom Lord (co-written with Mustaine) Jump in the Fire (riff contributions by Mustaine) Metal Militia (riff contributions by Mustaine) Ride the Lightning (riff contributions by Mustaine) Call of Ktulu (riff contributions by Mustaine)

While the official Metallica credits may not always reflect Mustaine's contributions, his influence and individual tracks are well-documented in the thrash metal community.

Conclusion

Dave Mustaine's contributions to Metallica's early discography, particularly to their debut album 'Kill Em All,' were significant. Although some of these contributions are officially credited to the band as a whole, the individual tracks and riffs he wrote and contributed to have left an indelible mark on Metallica's early thrash metal sound. This article aims to explore these contributions and the ongoing controversy surrounding them, honoring both Mustaine and the band's early history.