Samson McDougall, Journalist

Metallica may never top their earlier albums, but with a back catalogue this strong they’ll probably never have to.

They cement themselves as one of the most unique live beasts on the planet. And they fuckin’ know it.

"It’s such a beautiful country and so much fun and the shows are amazing and the people are great, so any chance I get to go there I’m going to be very excited... I’m comin’ out a week early to hang out. Save a refrigerator full of VBs and Big Ms for me.”

Cuomo hasn’t aged an iota – apart from, strangely, his hands... and his weird old-looking hands still shred.

"I’ve heard he likes to do things with the microphone. I think we played after him at one show and I think he may’ve had it down his pants.”

“It’s pretty funny really ‘cause I can’t really play any instrument. I don’t know what chords are or anything like that."

It was certainly a mixed bag of treats for Sam McDougall in 2012.

There’s no doubt this is a fine performance but it’s what he and his disciples believe it all means that’s frightening.

"Most of our songs are about greed, excess, desire, love and the conflicts that come along with those things."