Mark Tremonti, renowned for his role in Alter Bridge, openly embraces his admiration for Metallica. He attributes much of his musical journey to the influence of the thrash metal icons, particularly citing their seminal 1986 album, “Master of Puppets,” as a pivotal inspiration. However, it’s not merely Metallica’s relentless guitar solos and аggressive anthems that resonate with Tremonti; rather, it’s their adept utilization of dynamics that truly captivates him.

 

In an interview with Guitar World, Tremonti expresses, “Honestly, I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for Metallica and Master Of Puppets!” He emphasizes the significance of dynamics in Metallica’s music, noting that unlike many heavy bands of their era, Metallica incorporated intricate variations in their compositions. Tremonti specifically highlights the evocative intros of tracks like “Battery,” “Damage, Inc.,” and “The Call Of Ktulu,” which influenced his development of a fingerstyle technique. Moreover, he appreciates the nuanced shifts in songs like “To Live Is To Ԁie,” recognizing the band’s ability to balance quiet introspection with thunderous crescendos.

For Tremonti, Metallica’s distinctive sound lies in their ability to seamlessly transition between subdued moments and explosive climaxes. He singles out “Orion” as a prime example, admiring the contrast between its gentle verses and powerful choruses. Tremonti’s admiration extends to Metallica’s guitarist duo, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, noting their complementary styles. He acknowledges Hammett’s proficiency in alternate picking and his penchant for using wah pedals, which have left a lasting impression on Tremonti’s own musical preferences.

Drawing a parallel to his collaboration with Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy, Tremonti underscores the importance of complementing each other’s sounds. Just as Hetfield and Hammett fill distinct roles in Metallica, Tremonti and Kennedy leverage their individual strengths to create a cohesive musical tapestry in Alter Bridge. Tremonti recognizes Metallica’s mastery in this regard, acknowledging their ability to utilize different sonic elements to craft a rich and expansive sound palette.