Metallica's lead guitarist Kirk Hammett is keeping busy both with personal projects and band commitments, revealing plans for his first full-length solo album and an impressive collection of new material for Metallica's next record.
In a recent interview, the 62-year-old guitarist disclosed that he has amassed exactly 767 new riffs for Metallica's upcoming album. However, fans will need to be patient, as the band isn't expected to begin work on the new record for at least another year, following the completion of their 72 Seasons tour.
Unlike his 2022 instrumental EP "Portals," Hammett's upcoming solo venture will likely feature guest vocalists. The project promises to be stylistically diverse, incorporating classical progressions, heavy metal elements, and funk influences. One notable piece, titled "The Mysterion," draws inspiration from ancient Greek texts.
Despite his age, Hammett maintains he's still ascending creatively. "I'm 62 years old, and a lot of artists, when they're 62 years old, they're winding things down. I feel like I'm still climbing the summit," he shared.
The guitarist's creative process remains spontaneous, avoiding overanalysis. "The stuff I don't think about is usually the best stuff because it just comes to me," he explained. "I refuse to work hard on anything."
Hammett also expressed optimism about Metallica's future, citing the band members' commitment to physical fitness and health. Both he and drummer Lars Ulrich maintain active lifestyles, with Hammett engaging in surfing, biking, running, yoga, and daily meditation.
The news comes as Hammett releases his new book, "The Collection: Kirk Hammett," showcasing his extensive vintage guitar collection, though he purposefully avoids counting the exact number of instruments he owns.