by Volbeat drummer Jon Larsen recently spoke in defense of Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, praising his influence and drumming style in an interview featured on Metal Journal.
When asked about his favorite drummers, Larsen didn’t hesitate to include the often-criticized Metallica co-founder on his list.
“And if we go slightly further again, you cannot avoid [Metallica’s] Lars Ulrich,” Larsen said. “I mean, love him or hate him — I don’t care what people think about him. To me, he’s still an amazing drummer.”
Larsen emphasized Ulrich’s significant impact on the thrash metal scene and countless drummers who followed.
“And there’s so many people who were inspired by him,” he continued. “When ‘[Ride The] Lightning’ came out and ‘[Master Of] Puppets’ came out, a lot of people started picking up on not only Metallica, but that whole probably thrash scene. I mean, he was the guy — I mean, he was. And I still believe he’s a great drummer. He has his own style, his own way of playing. You can always hear when it’s Lars playing. So he would be one.”
Larsen’s defense comes at a time when Ulrich continues to prove his endurance and commitment to metal music. Metallica maintains an intensive touring schedule that includes groundbreaking performances.
Drummerworld reported that at 61 years old, Ulrich continues to perform demanding sets with vigor and creative instinct as Metallica tours extensively. The band has notable upcoming shows in the Middle East in late 2025. His high-energy presence behind the kit demonstrates that his drumming abilities remain strong despite decades of criticism from some quarters of the metal community.
Ulrich’s drumming philosophy has always prioritized serving the song over technical showmanship. Wikipedia noted that his drumming style focuses less on flashy technique and more on feel, intensity, and timing. These elements fundamentally shape Metallica’s distinctive sound. This approach has evolved throughout his career, from the fast, aggressive thrash beats of the ’80s to a more song-supportive style in the ’90s. He later blended back thrash elements in recent albums like Death Magnetic and Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.
Beyond his work behind the drum kit, Ulrich’s influence on metal extends to his role as a co-founder of Metallica. Loaded Radio highlighted that he has significantly influenced the band’s image, sound, and legacy. He also oversees remasters and archival releases that further shape Metallica’s cultural footprint. His unique equipment preferences, notably favoring a China cymbal over a ride cymbal, contribute to his signature sound that remains instantly recognizable.
The comments from Jon Larsen highlight a perspective shared by many professional drummers who recognize Ulrich’s lasting influence on metal drumming. Debates about his technical abilities continue among fans and critics.
