On February 3, 1989, Metallica unleashed a blistering performance at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, cementing their reputation as one of the most intense live bands of their era. This show was part of their “Damaged Justice” tour, supporting their 1988 album, …And Justice for All. Fans who were lucky enough to witness it were treated to a high-octane setlist that showcased the band’s formidable range and relentless energy.

SETLIST AND SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

The evening kicked off with the thunderous “Blackened,” a track that set the tone for the relentless assault of thrash metal to follow. The crowd was immediately thrust into a whirlwind of riffs and rhythms, a perfect warm-up for what was to come.

Next, the band launched into “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” its iconic bass line reverberating through the arena. This was followed by “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” a powerful track that melds the band’s heavy sound with an almost eerie sense of dread.

“Leper Messiah” continued the onslaught with its biting lyrics and relentless pace. Then came “Harvester of Sorrow,” a dark and brooding anthem that showcased Metallica’s ability to weave melancholy into their fierce sound.

The band then delivered “Eye of the Beholder,” a track that delved into the complexities of perception and judgment, before the blistering “Master of Puppets” had everyone in a headbanging frenzy. This classic song, with its complex arrangements and haunting lyrics, was a standout moment of the night.

The intensity didn’t let up as they moved into “One,” a song famous for its gripping portrayal of war’s horrors. Its dramatic build-up and powerful crescendo had the audience in raptures.

“Seek & Destroy” followed, a quintessential Metallica anthem that had fans chanting along and losing themselves in the music. This was a perfect lead-in to the next segment of the setlist: the entire …And Justice for All album performed in its entirety. This was a rare treat, showcasing the band’s ambitious musical range and lyrical depth.

ENCORE HIGHLIGHTS:

As the main set drew to a close, Metallica returned for an encore that was nothing short of spectacular. They kicked off with “Creeping Death,” a crowd favorite that elicited a massive singalong, before moving into the somber and emotional “Fade to Black,” a moment of respite amidst the relentless energy.

“Battery” was the final song of the first encore, a crushing track that delivered a final dose of thrash intensity. But the night wasn’t over yet.

For their second encore, Metallica revisited some earlier, fan-favorite tracks. They performed “Last Caress,” a cover originally by The Misfits, with a raw edge that fit perfectly into the set. This was followed by “Am I Evil?” and “Whiplash,” two tracks that showcased the band’s early influences and their ability to combine speed with ferocity.

The Frank Erwin Center was a cauldron of energy and enthusiasm throughout the night. Metallica’s performance was a masterclass in how to deliver a live show that combines technical prowess, powerful lyrics, and an unrelenting stage presence. Fans left the arena with a sense of having witnessed a true metal spectacle, one that would be remembered as a benchmark of their live performances.