If you heard the thunder of thrash in Stranger Things and yelled “YESS MUN!”, you’re one of us. Season 4 didn’t just bring back monsters, mind powers, and nosebleeds – it brought METALLICA into the Upside Down and made metalheads scream at their TVs with pride and tears. 🖤
Here’s how one legendary song, one heroic solo, and one absolute legend of a character gave the world one of the most iconic music moments in TV history. 🤘
🧠 WHAT’S OCCURRING WITH METALLICA AND STRANGER THINGS?
Stranger Things Season 4 was already chaotic in the best possible way: killer plotlines, nightmare fuel villains, and that terrifying undead Nosferatu known as Vecna. But then came Eddie Munson, the metal-loving outcast dungeon master we never knew we needed.
In the finale, as the gang attempts to distract the bat-demons of the Upside Down (because normal people would just run), Eddie climbs on top of his trailer, plugs in his axe, and unleashes METAL HELLFIRE. 🔥
🎵 The song?
“Master of Puppets” – Metallica, 1986.
🎸 The mission?
Distract the Demobats with a face-melting solo.
💀 The outcome?
The most METAL moment in Netflix history.
🎧 THE SONG: “MASTER OF PUPPETS”
Let’s talk about that track for a sec. Released in 1986, “Master of Puppets” is one of Metallica’s most complex, brutal, and beloved songs. Clocking in at over eight minutes of pure speed, darkness, and madness – it’s about addiction, control, and destruction.
“Come crawling faster, obey your Master…”
Perfect theme tune for Vecna and the horror show brewing in Hawkins, right?
🎬 THE SCENE THAT SHOOK THE UPSIDE DOWN
With Dustin by his side, Eddie gears up for the most important set of his life. On top of his trailer in the middle of the red-sky doomscape that is the Upside Down, he hammers out the opening riff.
Cue wind. Cue lightning. Cue fans losing their minds.
🗣 “THIS IS FOR YOU, CHRISSY!”
Cue the bats. Cue the chaos. Cue the sacrifice. 😢
We’re not crying – you are.
🥁 THE AFTERMATH: METALLICA IN THE CHARTS (AGAIN!)
Here’s where it gets properly bonkers:
After that scene aired, “Master of Puppets” did something no one expected:
➡️ It re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 – for the first time since it came out, 36 YEARS AGO.
➡️ It climbed the UK and global Spotify charts
➡️ TikTok went full mosh mode
➡️ Metallica posted a reaction video, calling it an honour
This wasn’t just a soundtrack drop – this was cultural fusion of the highest order, butt.
🤟 METALLICA’S RESPONSE: “EDDIE IS FAMILY”
Instead of getting grumpy about licensing or fandoms, Metallica went full-on wholesome (and loud). They called the moment “f**ing awesome,”* jammed along with Eddie Munson in a TikTok duet, and even declared:
“We were all blown away… it’s an honour to be such a big part of Eddie’s journey.” – Metallica
That’s the spirit of rock right there – welcoming new fans, no gatekeeping. Just riffs, respect, and roaring approval. 🎤
🎻 HONOURABLE MENTION: “NOTHING ELSE MATTERS” IN WEDNESDAY
Now this is a cheeky bonus – another Metallica banger made it into a Netflix show too, but not in Stranger Things.
🎻 “Nothing Else Matters” (Apocalyptica cover) appeared in Wednesday – Tim Burton’s delightfully gothic Addams Family rework. It played during one of those slow, brooding, violin-heavy moments and honestly? Lush.
Imagine Metallica finding themselves soundtracking both teen horror AND gothic romance in the same month. Versatility: unlocked.
🧠 BONUS GEEK FACTS: EDDIE REALLY PLAYED!
🎸 Joseph Quinn – the actor who plays Eddie – actually learned how to play most of “Master of Puppets” himself!
But because we all know that solo section is basically a demon summoning spell, the ultra-complicated parts were performed by none other than Tye Trujillo, son of Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo. That’s right, metal LEGACY lives on!
🏆 WHY THIS MATTERS TO METALHEADS (AND THE WORLD)
Stranger Things didn’t just use “Master of Puppets” for a cool moment. It:
- Celebrated the power of music
- Showed that metal isn’t just scary – it’s heroic, emotional, and epic
- Made thousands of teens Google Metallica and then disappear into a riff-shaped rabbit hole
Most importantly, it gave us a TV moment where a guitar solo saved lives. Show us another scene where metal becomes the actual weapon of good. Go on. We’ll wait.
🎤 FINAL THOUGHT: EDDIE MUNSON LIVES FOREVER
He may have fallen in battle (spoilers), but Eddie Munson didn’t run away – he shredded to the end, in the most glorious metal fashion.
He brought Metallica to a new generation, reminded us why music is our armour, and made every guitar nerd feel seen.
Rest in riffs, Eddie.
The metalverse salutes you. 🤘
🧨 RIFF REPORT VERDICT:
Master of Puppets x Stranger Things
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Iconic. Loud. Tear-jerking.
Proper job, Netflix. Proper job.
🧠 Still humming that solo?
Check out our Metallica deep dives and explore the most metal TV moments ever right here on The Riff Report.
👇 Drop a comment if you cried during Eddie’s solo – we won’t judge, promise. 🥹🎸
#EddieMunsonForever #Metallica #MasterOfPuppets #StrangerThings #TheRiffReport
