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
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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