Kirk Hammett teases new, "very appropriate for the times" Metallica music

Metallica has been working on new music, and Kirk Hammett is hoping it will do more than just get people headbanging.

Speaking with Classic Rock magazine, the guitarist shares that he wants the metal legends' next album to "cut through the division" people have been feeling.

"Metallica has always been about bringing people together through music," Hammett says. "I think the sentiment now is that people need music more than ever to bring everyone together and collectively celebrate that we've got to this point."

He adds, "There's a lot of division in the world. Hopefully this Metallica album will cut through the division and bring people together in ways that are more beneficial for everyone overall."

Hammett also reveals that the new material feels "very appropriate for the times."

"Music should bring everyone together, it should be a celebration," he says. "That's what music is about. It's not about selling albums or getting Grammys, it's about putting out good music and helping the situation with that music."

Metallica's most recent album is 2016's Hardwired...to Self-Destruct.

Meanwhile, Metallica is prepping a deluxe reissue of 1991's The Black Album in honor of its 30th anniversary. That will be released on September 10, along with the 53-track Metallica Blacklist tribute compilation.

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