“I have this whole other side of my musical personality”

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett is exploring new sounds on his first solo project. His aim: “to do something that’s never been done before…”

- Ellie Rogers

As lead guitarist of one of the biggest-selling bands in history, Kirk Hammett needs little in the way of an introduction. While Metallica have been teasing fans with the promise of a new album since last summer, Kirk has emerged as the first band member to step from the mothership and fly solo with his new four-track, horror movie-influenced EP Portals.

Originally conceived as “background music” to accompany his It’s Alive! exhibition of horror flick posters and memorabilia, Portals, explains Kirk, evolved to become a collection of “soundtracks to the movies in your mind”.

Produced by Kirk, the EP is comprised of four high-concept instrumental tracks: Maiden And The Monster, The Jinn, High Plains Drifter and The Incantation - each inspired by a different era in horror movie history. The latter two tracks were co-written by conductor Edwin Outwater, whom Kirk first met while working on Metallica’s S&M2 concerts, and who leads orchestral players from the LA Philharmonic to give Portals its baroque-meets-metal aesthetic.

Speaking from his home in San Francisco, Kirk discusses the origins of his new music and his go-to gear for these new recordings. And yes, he says, there is a new Metallica album in progress...

After working as part of a unit for so long, what’s it been like to head out in your own creative direction?