Style

Metallica are now fashion models for $17,000 suits

by Richard Howard

When Metallica’s Load was released, fans absolutely lost their shit – and not in a good way. As expected, the decidedly gentler musical approach (even compared to the relatively tame Black Album) didn’t go over well with a large cross-section of their audience. But that wasn’t the only thing that drew accusations of “selling out.”

Album photography which featured a suited-up Metallica sporting, in some cases, black eye makeup and the inclusion of a song titled “Carpe Diem Baby” drew old-school fans to point to one of frontman James Hetfield’s own quotes from nearly 10 years before:

Savage. Well, those same fans that may have optimistically re-entered the fold following the band’s return to metal with Death Magnetic are probably pulling out what’s left of their greying hair if they’ve happened to see the band’s latest announcement:

“We are beyond thrilled to have been invited to be the face of Italian luxury menswear powerhouse Brioni as they kick off their first creative campaign under the direction of newly appointed creative director, über cool style star Justin O’Shea. The black and white Queen Bohemian Rhapsody inspired photos were shot last month in San Francisco by photographer Zackery Michael. We’re sporting Bespoke Brioni suits and tuxedos as well as sunglasses from their new eyewear collection.”

Yep. The underground thrash kings that forced heavy music into the mainstream are now models for suits that will set you back as much as $17,000 (and use the term “ûber cool”). Considering that cheese-tastic press release, how do you think the photoshoot fared? Oh man, just check out the gallery.