Metallica are renowned for their precision, power, and sheer endurance on stage, but even for a band that has spent more than four decades dominating the world’s biggest stages, some songs still come with a sense of danger. According to drummer Lars Ulrich, there is one Metallica track that continues to make him nervous every time it appears on the setlist.
That song is “Dyers Eve.”
A Song That Pushes The Limits
Originally released on …And Justice for All in 1988, “Dyers Eve” is widely regarded as one of Metallica’s fastest, most aggressive, and technically demanding songs. From its relentless double-bass drumming to its rapid-fire tempo changes, the track leaves virtually no room for error, especially for the drummer.
Ulrich has openly admitted that whenever Metallica decide to play “Dyers Eve” live, a familiar thought crosses his mind: “I hope I don’t screw this up.” Coming from a musician of his stature, the confession highlights just how extreme the song really is.
Why “Dyers Eve” Is So Difficult
Unlike many Metallica staples that lock into a steady groove, “Dyers Eve” is unforgiving from start to finish. The song features:
- Continuous high-speed double bass patterns
- Sudden transitions and stop-start moments
- A tempo that rarely lets the band, or the drummer, breathe
Ulrich has described the track as a “full sprint,” requiring total concentration and physical stamina. One slight lapse in timing can throw the entire band off, making it a high-risk choice in a live setting.
Rare But Revered Live Performances
Because of its difficulty, “Dyers Eve” was rarely performed live for many years. When it finally began appearing more frequently in Metallica’s setlists during the 2000s and 2010s, it quickly became a fan favorite precisely because of its intensity and rarity.
Each performance feels like a test, not just of Ulrich’s drumming, but of the band’s collective discipline. When they pull it off, the payoff is enormous, often ranking among the most explosive moments of any Metallica show.
Respect For The Challenge
Ulrich’s honesty about struggling with the song has only increased fans’ respect for him. Rather than pretending every performance is effortless, he has acknowledged that some Metallica songs were written at the absolute edge of the band’s physical limits, and “Dyers Eve” sits right at the top of that list.
In a catalog filled with classics, it’s telling that one of Metallica’s most ferocious tracks still makes their drummer nervous decades later. Every time “Dyers Eve” is played live, it’s not just a song, it’s a high-wire act, and Lars Ulrich knows it.
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