Netflix Unleashes “The Beat of Metallica: Lars Ulrich” — A Powerful Tribute to the Rhythm, Rebellion, and Legacy of the Metal Legend
Netflix is turning up the volume once again with its latest music documentary, “The Beat of Metallica: Lars Ulrich” — a gripping and dynamic exploration of the man who helped build one of the most powerful and enduring bands in rock history. The film dives deep into the life, music, and legacy of Lars Ulrich, the Danish-born drummer and co-founder of Metallica, whose relentless energy and revolutionary approach to rhythm helped shape the sound of heavy metal for generations.
From his early beginnings as a young music fanatic in Copenhagen to his rise as one of the most influential drummers of all time, “The Beat of Metallica” captures the essence of Ulrich’s passion, precision, and perseverance. With exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and commentary from fellow musicians, producers, and family members, Netflix paints an unfiltered portrait of a man who has always lived life behind the kit — loud, fast, and unapologetic.
The Birth of a Legend
The documentary opens with Lars’s childhood in Denmark, where his father, jazz musician Torben Ulrich, introduced him to music and culture at an early age. A life-changing experience came in 1973 when Lars attended a Deep Purple concert — a moment he later described as “the spark that started it all.” Shortly afterward, his family relocated to California, where Lars’s passion for heavy music grew into an obsession with the emerging metal scene.
In 1981, that obsession turned into destiny when Lars placed an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper seeking musicians to jam with. The response came from a young guitarist named James Hetfield, and together, they formed what would become Metallica — a band that would forever change the face of rock.
Inside the Mind of Metal’s Master Drummer
“The Beat of Metallica” doesn’t just recount history; it dives into Lars’s creative mind. Viewers are taken inside the studio where Metallica’s groundbreaking albums — from Kill ’Em All to Master of Puppets, Metallica (The Black Album), and beyond — were brought to life. The film showcases how Ulrich’s technical precision, innovative drumming, and sharp ear for production helped define the band’s evolving sound.
Producers and bandmates reflect on Lars’s perfectionism and drive. Hetfield describes him as “the engine that never stops,” while guitarist Kirk Hammett calls him “the heartbeat of Metallica — both literally and spiritually.”
One of the film’s most memorable sequences focuses on the creation of “Enter Sandman” — perhaps Metallica’s most iconic track — showing how Lars’s rhythm and arrangement instincts transformed it from a simple riff into a timeless anthem.
Trials, Triumphs, and Transformation
But the documentary doesn’t shy away from controversy. It explores Ulrich’s role in the infamous Napster lawsuit, where Metallica took a stand against illegal music sharing in 2000. Though criticized at the time, the film revisits how Lars’s bold move ultimately changed the way artists’ rights are viewed in the digital age.
It also delves into the band’s internal struggles — from creative differences and personal conflicts to the emotional toll of fame. Rare behind-the-scenes footage from “Some Kind of Monster” is revisited, revealing a more vulnerable side of the drummer who’s often perceived as fierce and unrelenting.
“I’ve made mistakes, I’ve pissed people off, and I’ve fought for what I believe in,” Ulrich says in the documentary. “But that’s what Metallica has always been about — fighting, surviving, and making noise that matters.”
A Legacy That Beats On
As the documentary progresses toward the present day, it highlights Lars’s continued dedication to the music and to Metallica’s global fanbase. Now in his 60s, Ulrich remains as energetic and passionate as ever, still performing with the same intensity that defined his youth.
The closing scenes show him on stage, surrounded by roaring fans, the thunder of his drums echoing like a heartbeat — a reminder that the rhythm of Metallica continues to pulse strong after four decades.
Critics are already calling “The Beat of Metallica: Lars Ulrich” one of Netflix’s best music documentaries yet — a perfect blend of history, emotion, and pure rock energy.
It’s more than just a story about a drummer — it’s a testament to the power of persistence, rebellion, and rhythm.
As Lars himself says in the film’s final moments:
“You can stop the show, you can break the strings, but you can never stop the beat.”
“The Beat of Metallica: Lars Ulrich” is now streaming on Netflix — an unmissable journey through the thunder, chaos, and brilliance of a rock legend.