Metallica released “Eye of the Beholder” on October 30, 1988, as the second single from their fourth studio album, “…And Justice for All”. The song has everything that makes this period of Metallica interesting. Heavy riffs, sharp lyrics, and a musical structure that doesn’t always follow the rules.
But there is a strange story behind this track. While many fans appreciate it as one of the album’s deeper cuts, drummer Lars Ulrich has called it his least favorite Metallica song. And the reason comes down to the way the music moves.
A Song About Freedom That Isn’t Really Freedom
Written by James Hetfield, “Eye of the Beholder” takes aim at political control, civil liberties and the limits placed on freedom of speech. The lyrics question a society that claims people are free while still deciding what they can say, think and choose.
The line “You can do it your way, if it’s done just how I say” gets straight to the point. It describes a kind of freedom that exists only as long as you follow somebody else’s rules.
The song pushes that idea further with “Freedom no longer frees”. It’s a bitter conclusion, and it fits the mood of “…And Justice for All” an album full of anger at power, injustice and systems that don’t work the way they should.
There’s also an interesting detail in the title. There is no “Eye of the Beholder” in the lyrics. The lyrics don’t mention “Eye of the Beholder” at all. This phrase is a swap on the saying that beauty is subjective. But this time the idea changes to truth and freedom. Who is in power can affect what people are allowed to see or believe.
The Rhythm That Lars Ulrich Couldn’t Stand
Musically, “Eye of the Beholder” is one of those Metallica songs that keeps you listening because something feels a little different. Most of the track follows a 4/4 rhythm, but the chorus moves into a syncopated 12/8 feel, giving it a swinging, almost waltz-like character.
That change was exactly what bothered Lars Ulrich. He later compared the combination to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, explaining that the different rhythmic sections felt awkward together.
It’s unusual to hear a member of Metallica speak so negatively about one of the band own songs, especially when fans have embraced it. But that tension is part of what makes the track interesting. The arrangement may not work for everyone. Yet it gives “Eye of the Beholder” a character that separates it from more straightforward thrash metal songs.
The track was produced by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Flemming Rasmussen, with Hetfield on vocals and rhythm guitar, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar, Jason Newsted on bass and Ulrich on drums.
Why Did Metallica Stop Playing It?
The band relationship with the song became even more interesting when it disappeared from their full live performances. Metallica first played “Eye of the Beholder” live on September 11, 1988, in Budapest, Hungary. Its last full performance was on July 5, 1989, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
That means the song full live life was surprisingly short. Although it was occasionally brought back in shortened form as part of the “Justice Medley” during the early 1990s, the band didn’t perform the complete track live after 1989.
The medley appeared on the 1993 live release “Live Shit: Binge & Purge” giving fans a chance to hear parts of the song in a live setting even after the full version had been retired.
The arrangement wasn’t the only possible challenge. Hetfield higher vocal parts also made the studio version demanding to reproduce night after night on tour.
Still, it’s hard not to wonder what a full live performance would sound like today. For fans who enjoy the less predictable side of Metallica, this is one track that deserves another chance on stage.
A Single With a Bonus for Thrash Fans
The original 1988 single had another reason to attract attention. Its B-side featured Metallica’s cover of Budgie’s “Breadfan”. The band gave the song its own high energy treatment, making the single especially appealing to fans who wanted more than the album tracks.
“Eye of the Beholder” also found its way into the wider metal world through cover versions. Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames recorded their take for the 1994 tribute album “Metal Militia: A Tribute to Metallica” while Life After Death also covered the song.
These versions show that, whatever the band’s own feelings about it, the track has found listeners beyond the original album.
An Underrated Piece of “…And Justice for All”?
“Eye of the Beholder” might not be the first Metallica song people name when talking about “…And Justice for All” but there’s plenty to dig into here. The lyrics challenge the idea of freedom, the rhythm shifts give the song an unusual character and its short life as a full live performance only adds to its story.
Lars Ulrich may never want to hear it again, but that doesn’t mean fans have to agree with him. Sometimes the songs that divide the band and its listeners are the ones worth revisiting.
So… what do you think? Is “Eye of the Beholder” an underrated Metallica track or can you understand why Lars wanted to leave it behind?
By
By
