What makes Portals by Kirk Hammett notable?

This EP received critical acclaim for its innovative approach, with particular praise from outlets like Revolver and Metal Injection. It showcased Hammett's growth as a composer and was notable for its instrumental storytelling, garnering attention in a genre often dominated by lyrical content. After decades as Metallica's lead guitarist, 'Portals' marks Kirk Hammett's first solo release, highlighting a new artistic direction. Released in 2022, this EP signifies his evolution from thrash metal to a more experimental sound, allowing him to explore instrumental compositions without the constraints of traditional song structures.

How many songs are on Portals?

Portals has 4 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Portals

Kirk Hammett · 2022

27 min · 4 tracks · thrash metal

A haunting blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes, showcasing Kirk Hammett's virtuosity beyond his thrash metal roots.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Maiden and the Monster — Opening the EP, this track establishes an immersive atmosphere through ethereal guitar work layered over intricate rhythms, setting the tone for the entire project.
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The Jinn — This track features a powerful display of dynamic shifts, seamlessly blending heavy riffs with melodic passages that showcase Hammett's signature style while pushing creative boundaries.
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High Plains Drifter — With its cinematic feel, this piece utilizes haunting melodies and layered textures to evoke vivid imagery, illustrating Hammett's skill in crafting narrative-driven instrumentals.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Kirk Hammett's 'Portals' showcases strong composition and craft while exploring new sonic territories, though its impact remains limited.

What we noticed

Each track features a distinct thematic progression, with 'Maiden and the Monster' opening with a heavy riff before transitioning into more atmospheric sections.
The final track, 'The Incantation', concludes with an extended ambient outro that contrasts sharply with the preceding heavier material.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Maiden and the Monster 7:17
2 The Jinn 6:57
3 High Plains Drifter 4:45
4 The Incantation 8:07

What to play next

Listen next

High Plains Drifter

2022

Full Kirk Hammett discography Artists like Kirk Hammett

thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata