Watch Metallica share pro-shot footage of '…And Justice For All' and 'The Call Of Ktulu' at Las Vegas Sphere residency

Metallica’s first night at the Las Vegas Sphere was a roar of lights and riffs that reverberated through the cavernous dome. On October 1, the band opened the “Life Burns Faster” residency with a visual spectacle that left the audience breathing hard. As the stage lights spiraled and the sound system thundered, …And Justice For All burst into the arena for the first time in more than a decade, followed by the atmospheric 1984 classic The Call Of Ktulu. The duo of tracks, captured in pro‑shot footage now shared on Instagram, showed the band in full formheavy, precise, and unflinching.

The decision to bring …And Justice For All back to the setlist after a ten‑year hiatus was a deliberate nod to the band’s roots. The song, once a staple of their early tours, had been absent from live shows for years. Its re‑introduction, coupled with the mind‑bending visuals that accompany it, signals a renewed commitment to the complex, layered music that defined the 1980s era of Metallica. The footage captures the guitar work of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett intertwining over the stadium‑wide LED display, evidence of the band’s enduring technical prowess.

The Sphere’s immersive environment allows for a level of visual storytelling that traditional arenas cannot match. The pro‑shot footage shows swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns that echo the song’s intricate arrangements. The dome’s LED walls transform into a canvas of color and motion, amplifying the emotional impact of each chord. For fans who have watched the band evolve from raw punk roots to polished metal giants, the visual experience feels like a bridge between past and present.

The residency is set to run through the rest of October, with shows scheduled for November 5 and 7, and a series of dates in 2027, including January 28 and 30, February 4, 6, 18, 20, 25, 27, and March 4, 6, 11, 13. Tickets remain on sale, and the schedule hints at a long‑term commitment to the Las Vegas venue. The band’s partnership with the Sphere underscores a broader trend of major acts seeking permanent residencies in high‑tech venues that offer both artistic freedom and commercial stability.

During the residency, frontman James Hetfield addressed the crowd on October 10, emphasizing that Metallica’s purpose was to provide an escape from the world’s problems, not to lecture them. He dismissed the notion that the band was “here to influence you with their bullshit.” The comment, though not directed at any specific individual, sparked speculation among fans that it might be a subtle jab at politically outspoken artists. The remark drew a quick response from Roger Waters, who called Hetfield a “complete prick” and dismissed his intelligence. While the exchange was brief, it highlighted the tension that can arise when musicians navigate the line between artistry and activism.

Beyond the residency, Metallica has hinted at a 2027 tour with Limp Bizkit and teased that they have 767 new riffs for a forthcoming album. The band’s willingness to revisit the 1990s sound suggests a desire to reconnect with the raw energy that first catapulted them to fame. Whether the new material will lean into that era or forge a new direction remains to be seen, but the announcement has already set a buzz among long‑time fans.

The pro‑shot footage of …And Justice For All and The Call Of Ktulu offers more than a visual treat; it is a declaration that Metallica is still alive, still evolving, and still committed to delivering the heavy music that has defined generations. As the residency continues, the band’s blend of technical mastery, immersive visuals, and unapologetic authenticity will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, reminding us that the power of metal endures in every chord struck.