Which Metallica song appeared on the 1982 compilation "Metal Massacre"?

Which Metallica song appeared on the 1982 compilation Metal Massacre? The answer is “Hit the Lights.”

“Hit the Lights” was Metallica’s contribution to the first edition of Metal Massacre, a 1982 compilation released by Brian Slagel’s Metal Blade Records. The appearance gave the still-new band an early introduction to the underground heavy-metal audience and helped establish its presence before the release of a full-length album.

The recording history is unusually complicated. On the first pressing, the song featured Lloyd Grant playing the lead-guitar parts. A later pressing used a newer recording with Dave Mustaine on lead guitar. These different versions are why collectors and Metallica historians sometimes discuss multiple Metal Massacre pressings rather than one identical track.

“Hit the Lights” later appeared in re-recorded form on Metallica’s 1983 debut album, Kill ’Em All. It had originally been associated with James Hetfield and Ron McGovney’s earlier group, Leather Charm. The song’s appearance on Metal Massacre is therefore not the same as its later album version, making it an important early snapshot of Metallica’s developing lineup and sound.