What happened to Metallica?

They stopped drinking. The older songs when they were under the influence and now they are on the wagon. It has changed their music but at least they might not die driving somewhere.

I would say they just got older, settled down and moved on from the old stuff. It does happen us all, when sometimes we can not be as wild as we used to be. But at least the music will stay with us.

Being out from the scene for a long time simply affect their touch and originality .They dont seem to be the same band as they were before. But the best thing is they still workin togther.. i expect they can produce smthin better in their next album

I love metallica and always will. Thier new music just doesn't have what it once did. The age issue may be a factor, but I think the years of drinking has damaged lars throat. So he just doesn't have the sound he used to. Still awesome though.

Dude we have to accept the fact that they are getting older and their thinking is very much different from what they think during their heyday. In fact, I appreciate more of what Metallica is today as compared to the yesterday. I don't even think they are selling out. every album they make represents what feels good at them at that time and that the magic of it all. Some bands are just sell-out because they make an album and it sells, they just keep making the same album as compared to Metallica who are willing to take risk. They're not going down hill, they just keep evolving. and as a true music fans, its something we should appreciate.

I agree old Metallica is uber better than the new stuff. Still like them but they seem kinda commercialized. Money is the all attractive stimulant. They still seem sort of angry but not so much in touch with the basic metal fan anymore.