Legendary Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett is embarking on a major solo venture with the announcement of his debut solo album at age 62.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone on March 23, Hammett shared his excitement about the project, revealing that he’s actively gathering ideas and writing songs that fuse a wide range of musical styles.
Known for being Metallica’s lead guitarist since 1983—when he replaced Dave Mustaine—Hammett is taking this opportunity to explore new creative directions outside the heavy metal genre that made him famous.
While discussing his new book, The Collection: Kirk Hammett, which showcases his vast and beloved guitar collection, Hammett explained how his passion for music continues to evolve.
He described his upcoming album as a blend of styles, including classical progressions, heavy riffs, and even funk influences.
According to Hammett, this solo project is different from his previous instrumental work because the music he’s writing now “screams for vocals.”
However, he hasn’t decided who will handle the vocal duties yet, joking that he hopes it won’t be him since he already has “too much to do on stage.”
One of the songs Hammett highlighted is an instrumental piece titled The Mysterion, which he says sounds like it could be 2,000 years old.
The track is inspired by ancient Greek texts he’s been reading, proving just how far he’s willing to go creatively and intellectually for this album.
This deep dive into Greek literature influenced his songwriting in ways he didn’t expect, leading to new and profound musical ideas.
Hammett has previously released solo work, notably his 2022 Portals EP, a 27-minute instrumental project consisting of four songs.
However, this new album marks his first full-length solo project with a focus on adding vocals, signaling a new chapter in his career.
In addition to working on his album, Hammett recently released his book The Collection: Kirk Hammett on March 20, co-written with Gibson’s Editor-in-Chief, Chris Vinnicombe.
The book is a tribute to Hammett’s lifelong love of guitars, offering fans a rare look at the instruments he treasures the most.
Hammett expressed his hope that other guitar lovers will find joy and inspiration in simply looking at the photos of his prized guitars, emphasizing the deep emotional connection many musicians and fans share with their instruments.
Hammett’s dual projects—a solo album and a coffee table book—come as Metallica continues their successful M72 World Tour, which recently added 2025 North American dates.
Despite his heavy touring schedule with the band, Hammett’s dedication to his personal artistic growth and his passion for guitar history remain strong. Whether through music or his book, he continues to inspire fans and musicians alike with his creativity and devotion to the craft.
