Movie fans will recognize the song’s title from its inspiration, the classic 1973 Clint Eastwood western of the same name.
The song "was not meant to be specifically music for that film, but it was once it was written, I immediately thought it conveyed the same sentiment as the film, so the piece was christened accordingly,” explains Hammett. “The music for 'High Plains Drifter' initially came from a flamenco piece I had written. It was a two-and-a-half-minute piece, and I really liked it, but it was one of those riffs that would be hard to integrate into Metallica.
"I knew I wanted to do something with it, even though it came out spontaneously. I had been sitting outside messing around with a flamenco acoustic guitar I'd just bought, and it flowed out in the moment. I was determined it would have a life. It would have its moment."
Recorded around the world – from Los Angeles to Paris to Oahu – the four-song instrumental EP “Portals” is billed as “the result of Kirk’s life’s journeys and an invitation to tap into your own inner world.”
Heavily influenced by classical music, soundtracks, horror movies, and the work of iconic Italian composer Ennio Morricone, Kirk wanted the EP to span the decades and touch upon all the horror he loves.
“Initially, before I even had the idea for a solo EP,” Hammett explains, “I was inspired by the need to create some sort of soundtrack music to accompany The Kirk Hammett Collection for the first ‘It’s Alive’ exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, 2017. I wanted to conceive music to play on a loop in the background as people walked through the exhibit. I sat down one night with a progression, and before I knew it, all the parts were there for ‘Maiden and the Monster.’
“The initial concept for Portals started with that one song. Following that, I realized I could create different soundtrack moments. These songs are what I call ‘Audio Cinematic;’ I’m creating sounds and pieces of music for the movies playing in my head. Hopefully they’ll create movies in other people’s heads in a similar fashion.”
“Portals” will be available across digital platforms, on CD, and as an Ocean Blue Vinyl EP (including a download card).
Hammett and Metallica will begin a series of rescheduled South American shows in Santiago, Chile on April 27.
Kirk Hammett
“Portals” EP
Release date: April 23
01 – Maiden And The Monster
02 – The Jinn
03 – High Plains Drifter
04 – The Incantation
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Search Metallica at hennemusic
