“The Thing That Should Not Be” Explores Cosmic Horror Through Heavy Metal Virtuosity

“The Thing That Should Not Be,” an epic masterpiece from the American heavy metal band Metallica, transcends mere musical experience and plunges listeners into a chilling vortex of cosmic horror. Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, this track embodies the dread and existential fear that permeate the author’s tales of monstrous entities beyond human comprehension. Released on their 1986 album “Master of Puppets,” the song stands as a testament to Metallica’s prowess in crafting intricate musical narratives that delve into darker themes.

The Birth of a Horror Classic: Metallica and Lovecraftian Influences

Metallica, formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by James Hetfield (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Lars Ulrich (drums), quickly established themselves as pioneers of the thrash metal genre with their raw aggression and technical proficiency. Their music often explored themes of social injustice, war, and personal struggle, but “The Thing That Should Not Be” marked a departure into the realm of cosmic horror.

Hetfield’s fascination with H.P. Lovecraft’s works stemmed from childhood encounters with the author’s chilling tales of otherworldly beings and ancient conspiracies. The influence is evident in the song’s lyrics, which evoke Lovecraftian imagery of unspeakable horrors lurking beyond human perception. Lines like “In the void where nothing dwells / A nightmare wakes, a shadow swells” paint a vivid picture of the cosmic dread that permeates Lovecraft’s universe.

Metallica masterfully translated this literary horror into a sonic experience. The song’s opening riff, a relentless barrage of distorted guitar notes, sets the stage for the unsettling journey ahead. Kirk Hammett (lead guitar) delivers haunting solos that weave in and out of the rhythm section, echoing the unpredictable nature of Lovecraftian terrors.

Musical Virtuosity: A Symphony of Fear and Fury

“The Thing That Should Not Be” is not merely a heavy metal song; it’s a meticulously crafted musical journey through the depths of human fear. The track’s structure mirrors the narrative arc of a classic Lovecraft story, starting with a sense of foreboding and culminating in a climax of chaotic terror.

Metallica utilizes their signature technical prowess to paint a sonic landscape of horror:

• Intricate Drum Patterns: Lars Ulrich’s drumming drives the song forward with relentless precision, alternating between thunderous blasts and intricate polyrhythms that evoke the feeling of being hunted by an unseen entity.
• Layered Guitar Riffs: Hetfield and Hammett create a wall of sound with their intertwined riffs, building tension and atmosphere through dissonant harmonies and blistering solos.
• Vocal Dynamics: James Hetfield’s guttural vocals shift seamlessly from menacing growls to anguished screams, reflecting the emotional turmoil of confronting unimaginable horrors.

The song’s tempo fluctuates throughout, mimicking the ebb and flow of fear and desperation. Sections of frantic intensity give way to moments of eerie quietude, mirroring the psychological torment experienced by Lovecraft’s protagonists.

Lyrical Depictions of Cosmic Dread

The lyrics of “The Thing That Should Not Be” are a testament to Metallica’s ability to weave compelling narratives within their music. The song tells a chilling tale of a nameless protagonist who encounters an ancient and powerful entity beyond human comprehension:

“In the shadows I see, a form unseen / It beckons me forth, with eyes that gleam”

These lines evoke the sense of being drawn into the unknown by a force beyond our understanding. The lyrics describe the creature’s vastness and power:

“Across the void it stretches far / A twisted realm where nightmares are”

This imagery reinforces the cosmic scale of the horror, suggesting an entity that transcends human limitations and comprehension.

The protagonist’s struggle against this monstrous force reflects the themes of existential dread and helplessness often explored in Lovecraft’s fiction. Lines like “My sanity fades with every passing hour / I search for solace but find only terror” capture the psychological disintegration experienced by those who confront the unknowable.

Enduring Legacy: A Cult Classic

“The Thing That Should Not Be” remains a fan favorite and a critical darling, cementing Metallica’s place as one of metal’s most innovative and influential bands.

The song’s success can be attributed to its masterful blend of musical virtuosity, haunting lyrics, and Lovecraftian themes:

Metallica’s daring exploration of horror literature in “The Thing That Should Not Be” not only expanded the boundaries of heavy metal but also introduced a new generation to the terrifying universe of H.P. Lovecraft. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to tap into our primal fears and confront us with the vast unknown that lies beyond human comprehension.