It really shocked me just to hear of the fans' response to 'St. Anger' not having guitar solos.

Guitar playing is both extremely easy for me and extremely difficult for me at the same time.

I would have to say I'm bored with the standard rock, guitar solos, but I've done it for five albums now, and this time I wanted to go in a completely different direction. I wasn't interested in showing off any more.

Kirk Hammett, lead guitar and attempted vocals

Guitar players in the nineties seem to be reacting against the technique oriented eighties.

I didn't want to fall into the trap of competing with all these other great guitar players. I just want to sidestep the whole thing and get out of the race.