Therapist Reacts to Metallica - Fade to Black For the First Time  

Alright folks, yes! I said epitome wrong accidentally. English is not my first language. There you go 🙂 turns out when your multilingual you're allowed to make mistakes sometimes. 😉hope you can still enjoy the video. Still new to the world of metal, but loving the journey. ❤ p.s. I am sorry however that I paused during the solo. Definitely won't happen again. :)

Can u imagine yourself at the age of 17 or 18 writing and playing this on a track and it still hits a first time listener over 40 yrs later?!? Amazing

During live performances James Hetfield always opens the song with a message "You are not alone"

This song is credited for saving many lives. Sometimes just knowing someone else feels what you're feeling strongly enough to put it to paper....sometimes that's enough.

That song was my favourite as a teenager and still is as an older man.. Metallica are the best !!!

I was 14 when this album came out and going through some very dark times, this song saved me. Every word in the lyrics was what I was feeling but the final solo was so inspiring, so uplifting so impactful that it showed me that there was a little light within the darkness and there was hope... I'm 54 now and have had battled depression all my life yet this song is my life line...

My father committed suicide when I was 14. I had a hard time with it as one would. I always wondered why and could I have done anything. Then I discovered this song and it helped me. While it couldn't answer the "why" question. It gave me a glimpse into what might have been going through his mind in his final days. It really helped me come to terms with his death. Fade to Black continues to be my favorite song of all time because even though it's a very dark song and reminds me of a very dark time in my life, it also pulled me through it.

I've heard james wrote this after their gear was stolen on tour. Part of the stolen items were the amp and guitar his mother gave him just before she passed. Needless to say, they were precious to him and irreplaceable, and he was devastated.

I’m 54, loved Metallica and still do today. I believe I’m one of the lucky ones who never felt depressed or unaliving myself. I can see how people who are dealing with depression use this song as their anthem!! Love your content!!

Fade to black and Master of puppets both from Metallica helped me through my deep depression and drug use I've been clean and sober for 20 years now and I will always say that Metallica helped save my life

the anguish in that guitar solo its beautiful

One of the best Metallica song.Incredible lyrics, amazing tell story guitars.

The memories with this song are sad and beautiful!. I remember being a little lonely kid, grabbing a broom 🧹 and pretending to play this solo in my house. Music is an escape to your problems, as Dany from “The Warning” said “Music is that one companion that always be there when we need it, music is passion, music is hope, music is life ❤.

I recently lost my identical twin brother and this song I will be playing this at his celebration of life in his honor!!😢.. Thank you for reacting to it..

I'm 51 and here, because of Metallica as a teenager u tried so many times to take my life. I always put on Metallica and especially Fade to Black. When listening to fade to black the song made me feel that I was not alone I grew up in Religion but never had faith but Metallica gave me a sense of faith in the music. Listening to fade to black by the time you finish the song you are so pumped with emotion but a somewhat good emotion I'm not alone. The song was like a long hug helped me everytime. I come out feeling alive.

James is an incredible song writer. A true poet. Musically many of their songs would be just as good without words. Many of their albums have an instrumental song and they are all great. The combo of great lyrics and great music is what makes them so loved tot his day. I’ve been a fan since around 1985!

“the guitar is speaking to us“ … I love your channel. I just started listening to your reaction. ^^

I can't help but relate this song to classical music like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach

This song was with me in my darkest time in my teens and 20’s. A couple times it kept me from going too far in my suicidal thoughts. I had to choose to live and continue to move forward. It expressed my hurt, my anger, my frustrations and allowed me to realize my feelings were valid. Therapy hadn’t helped. I had to choose to move forward.

Hail to Cliff!

This song has saved my life because every time I feel so alone, I listen to this song, and it helps me to understand that Im not the only one who feels this way.

This along with many other songs was so therapeutic for me as I lost my Father at 14 and my Mother at 19 and songs like this helped me go through the emotions realizing I wasn’t the only one that was going through it. Metal has been my psychiatrist my whole life. Letting me get the emotions out and process them. I am now 56 yrs old and I am so happy that I chose to continue life. I have three awesome young Men(Sons) and I couldn’t be happier in my Life. Music is so powerful.

I saw Metallica for first time last year and at the end of Fade to Black, James was in shock how we (audience) loved hearing the song played live. Poor James didn’t know we all had that thing in us and that song helped us come together.

I have been a fan of Metallica since the 80’s. I wish I could say this song saved me like so many others battling depression and anxiety, but it didn’t. This song encapsulates everything I’m thinking every day. This is something I am going to deal with the rest of my life. Since my attempt in September, I have been searching for answers, solutions. I’m on two different meds, see a therapist every week, a nurse practitioner to monitor my meds every two weeks, try to find solace in family, friends, religion, music, even reactors like yourself and Mental Amanda, who I also followed for a while. This is real. When people find out they are supportive, briefly. Then they think you’re back to “normal”. What’s normal? Normal is dealing with these thoughts every moment of every day. It could be your coworker. It could be your neighbor. It could be your spouse. It is me.

A favorite song of mine. I've suffered depression all my life. I'm still here, thanks to this song

I've struggled with depression my entire life and the music perfectly encapsulates the internal swing in emotions from helpless to frantic. It does something to me that makes me want to fight it.

This song actually helped me through 1 of the darkest periods of my life still gives me goosebumps to this day

This song. Goodness. Gosh at 17 years old. This entire album literally was my drug. I would sit for hours and hours and hours listening and learning guitar licks. In 1990 if you cld play Metallica riffs you were the coolest cat around. Even now, it impacts me the same way. The double kick bass drums at the end and that solo will squeeze the tears out of you. Metallica literally changed the game.

Holy shit, listening to your last bit about experiencing music made me respect you even more than I already did. Thank you for being such a unique being that understands the world.

Listen to 'Master of Puppets' the emotional roller coaster of the pains of addiction... A genuine 'Master-piece'

This song always pushed me through depression due to the fact that you always need to fight through any and all struggles in life wich is why this is my favorite band cause that's the feel this band has always given me. Fight for what you want

Great reaction. :) What you wrote at the end was cool. If you look at live versions of this song from the latest shows at the Metallica RU-vid Channel, you can see that in the middle of the song, they stop, and James says some words and ends it with: You are not Alone. :)

There were many reasons we loved this music when it came out and why it still stands out and blows minds to this day. Thank you for being open minded musically.

If Metallica can do anything it is evoke emotion with their Music. Also the band and especially James are big advocates for mental health. At live shows when they do this song almost always James makes sure to let people know if they are feeling this way they are not alone and there is someone who will listen.

I love that a song can speak to so many people and help them through tough times. This is one of the first songs that I heard that legitimately caused an emotional reaction and connection. Like many others, I credit this song for saving my life.

All talkie talkie at the beginning then snuggled in for the ride!! No stopping till the end!

I have bipolar depression and this song mimics how I feel most of the time. From the soft calm parts of the song to the hard heavy parts and then the constant battle between the two. I can see how this song has helped people to see they’re not alone with their mental issues.

Great talk and advice! Thanks a lot for taking time to share your ideas.

This song brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it, it helped me some of my most difficult times in my life and I greatly appreciate your measured, thoughtful response and reaction to this absolutely timeless piece of art

I absolutely love the fact that your shirt just says "Running"

Im glad that you apreciate any detail and give credict to the other members in a band!

Hey Rosalie. So happy you reacted to this song . One of my all time favorites by favorite band. As always, great insight. Found your channel when a while back (Hi Ren). We had the same reaction when Ren stood up from the wheelchair and it felt like we're were connected then. Have an outstanding weekend and hope 2024 is excellent for you!

I first heard this song at 13 years old back in 1984. This entire album had such an impact on me musiclly. This song is one of the main reasons I picked up the guitar.

My youth was filled with despair and self loathing. Ride the Lightning came out when I was 13. I remember finding some solace in thinking that maybe there were other people that suffered and endured the pains of living when you didn’t want to. I never considered suicide because I knew a family that was torn apart because of it, and I didn’t want my family to go through something similar. So I chose misery every day, waking up to a world I hated almost as much as I hated myself. Listening to this gave me comfort, and then I found a little strength and perseverance in their angrier songs. Heavy metal has always been a boost for me, a reprieve from reality that I still hate, and has helped me accept who I am with less loathing.

Happy birthday to the channel Rosalie

This is a great video. I saw Amanda’s video as well but was so disappointed she chose to use the live version of the song. By choosing the original version you have found the depth and emotion of the song that was missing from her video. Thanks for this!

Man who would have thought my favorite song means something to others as well. My favorite album by my favorite band!!!

Ya got a new sub here! I love reaction videos but I've never hear/seen from a therapist prospective...im very intrigued thank you!

James wrote the lyrics when his amplifier was stolen, which he wanted so much for what he had worked to have it...that's the wonderful thing: that each person gives meaning to the lyrics and helps them get ahead.Saludos desde Argentina,buen canal y contenido

Its exactly what you wrote in the end of your video. When I was young, listening to Fade to Black, it always told me: “you are not alone”. Thank you for this great reaction! 🖤

Thank you, your reactions are so precious, so wonderful! 😊 I enjoyed hearing your every story so far, and I'm sure that I will every time. Thank you in advance, in case I don't comment.. 😃

I loved the classic and electric guitars at the beginning, they worked perfectly together, the guitars carried this piece. And to get an incredible message on top of that is phenomenal.

I was there 4 all of this / I was a young teen / going thru rough times / one of the best songs ever written by any Musician / I play lead Guitar / learned this a million years ago /Me getting close to being gone as well / No one but me can save myself 4 its 2 late Geez EVH was still Gods greatest creation to all of us Out

Thanks for all you do. A subject that definitely needs to be talked about more. I'm attending a memorial service this Sunday for a friend who apparently was struggling silently. 💛🤘🤙✌️

I’ve read a lot comments on how this song saved their lives. I came from work one day and my roommate was blasting this song. Nothing unusual, then I heard a pop. I knew what had just happened. This was 35 years ago. He was a good dude, lost in his own thoughts.

The hope to this song is that James is still alive. He's still out there living his life and he truly loves his fans and his family. If he can make it through the feelings he had while writing this song then so can I.

Heard this song as a kid and listened to it for the first time as a adult The sad thing for me is it hits home for me. I cried like a baby

Great video and great reaction. Thank you

This song spoke to me as a teen. Now I occasionally enjoy listening to it as nostalgia. My teen self never considered that an option. Wasn’t sure if I’d make it past 30. Just turned 56 last week. Hang in there, life gets better.

I mean to these people facing this isolation and solitude, not feeling able to share these thoughts with the people around them for fear of "being put away" or treated differently, hearing James sing what they were feeling, they were no longer alone. Metallica has your back! Metallica UNDERSTANDS! For so many people being able to dish it out to this song with their favorite band was enough! I can't retell how many people who have told me that this song saved their lives!

This song. Cemetery gates. And the fact that I have a son is the only reason why I didn't follow my wife of almost 20 years, when she passed away suddenly. If I didn't recognize it, I would have followed so quickly you never would've known a difference.

Thank you Rosalie for putting word to the therapeutic nature of this song . I Ggrew up frustrated hurt and very angry then lost my father to cancer at 15 . This drove me into drug and alcohol addiction. Now 18 years sober i can see why Metallica and a lot of their songs gave me relief and let me feel the pain instead being a emotionally frozen rock inside. Thanks again .

As a teenager. The depression an anxiety of not knowing what to do with so many choices. Then comes 20's and 30's. Depression and anxiety of trying your best. Then comes 40's and 50's. The depression and anxiety of what could have been. After that it's the depression of just existing and nothing more to do. Fade to Black

What a timeless masterpiece - Danke für die klasse Reaktion, Rosalie 🙂

Best song ever written, performed by the greatest band that ever was, playing in my ‘04 F-150 8200 GVW with an Alpine stereo, 10,000 watts, 13 Alpine amplifiers, 16 vocal speakers, 6 10” subwoofers in a custom, two section sub box, dual alternators, dual charging systems, Alpine alarm, self built alarm for the amplifiers enclosure and so much More. Nothings better.

What make music so powerful is that we can interpret anyway we want. This song was written after the band had all of their equipment stole. They had nothing. It's James internal tormoil of losing everything they had worked so hard for just taken away. I was a teenager when the Suicide craze was going on. Music was making our youth take their own life. James has recognized how powerful this song is for so many people and allowed fans to interpret it anyway they want.

I'm hearing this and have heard since day one, but thanks for asking. Rip Cliff

Many have already said what is true. This song has saved so many people including myself. I am a 60 year old male and have been a fan since day one with Kill Em All. I have my own mental health issues and I will relate something that you might know about as well. I once was on a 3 day manic high without sleep and I became obsessed with a song by Faith No More called The Real Thing. It was like they were singing about me directly to me. It was like a revelation that all of lives questions were being answered and gave me a sense of finally understanding what life was all about. Anyway great reaction and if you know of anyone who has had such a huge manic episode maybe you can ask them about the song I just mentioned. You might even want to listen to it yourself. Again thanks for your reaction to one of the most powerful songs ever 🤘🔥❤

Fade To Black will always be my favorite Metallica song🤘🤘

It's always amazed that being a teen in the 80's and blasting this right in front of the adults around us and NO ONE put 2 and 2 together.

One of the best things about Metallica is that they aren't afraid f the hard subjects like depression/mental illness (Fade to Black, welcome Home:Sanitarium), Addiction (Master of Puppets), and the after effects of war (One)

Incredible reaction. So much reality! New fan here.

As a teen in the 80s there was no mental health awareness. We had no one to go to but our friends. This song was deemed bad back then due to the topic but many of us could relate to it and that helped us get through our struggles. We weren’t alone. When they play this live James always starts with saying “you are not alone” it means something to us. James writes lyrics that are very personal to him yet vague enough for the listener to interpret them to their own life’s experiences. I feel it’s a special talent to be able to do that and I feel that’s why hundreds of years from now people will still be reading his lyrics in awe.

The opening Solo mainly is one of my all time favourite solo. The others I enjoy as well, but that first one speaks to me. It is a very powerful song

This song (over 35 years later) still brings a tear to my eye. Every time it reminds me of when I was a teen going through very dark emotions (as far too many teens do) and how grateful I am to have had a friend introduce Metallica to me. I'm not sure I would be here today without their music to help me through those hard times as a teen. I'm sure there are countless others who feel the same.

What I have got from this song is this “No matter how dark it gets you are not alone”

In the early 80s, 82-85 - we'd get bootleg cassettes out of San Francisco in Sacramento where I grew up. The cassettes from shows were kinda different than the album or live shows... I wish I still had them 😮😂. The first 250 Kill 'Em All albums had the lyrics on the liner. My best friend & I were proud to find that out 10 years later, cuz we had those!! Metallica was our favorite band with Megadeth & Rising Force (Yngwie Malmsteen) 2nd & 3rd. #1Kill 'Em All #2Killing Is My Business (And Business is Good) #3 Rising Force My favorite albums of all time. Helps when you are headbangin to cassessts from shows you're apprx 8 yrs too young to get into but LOTS of bootlegs before they both got signed. Thank you for your channel 💚🎶🎙️

There was a Philadelphia rock station 94.1 WYSP that was around from the 70's until Sept 2 2011. Just before 3PM they played this as their last song. It was a sad day in Philly to lose this station. As the song was closing out it changed to silence for a few seconds and then a sports radio broadcast started. I will always remember this.

The guitar sings louder than words, screams louder than words, and yet, gently soothes where words fall short.

Wherever I May Roam is kinda close but this one has to easily be my favorite Metallica song ever.

Genuinely one of my favorite songs in their catalogue. I have depression, thought it’s lessened as I’ve gotten older, and thoughts like the ones in this song plagued me in high school. The knowing that I wasn’t alone really helped, not only from family and friends, but from musicians like Metallica as well. I’d be curious to see what you think of another of their songs, “Master of Puppets,” which is not told from the position of a person, but from the point of view of an addiction, pulling the strings and controlling someone through their need. James Hetfield, lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and lyricist of Metallica, has often cited music as his therapy, though rest assured, he does get traditional therapy as well. His writing is used to plumb the darkness he feels, that we all feel from time to time, and to get it out so it’s not trapped within. That expression has saved countless metal fans and, due to that, he often takes a pause during live performances of this song just before the shift to the falling triplets. During the pause, he reminds people that if they are feeling lost and helpless that they are loved and to seek help. Ironically, the acoustic intro, which Hetfield plays, was detested by metal fans at the time, seen as a betrayal of the thrash metal scene… however, over the years, it has become a staple of their shows and one of their most beloved songs.

During the last two stanzas, the bass tone: Iconic. The harmonics: Metallica’s best asset. Listen: That was Just Your Life, Battery’s intro, and most clearly heard: the Burton Waltz, AKA the middle section of Orion.

Alone You Breathe by the band Savatage expresses similar thoughts from the view of the companions of the deceased. Lyrics: You were never one for waiting Still I always thought you'd wait for me And have you from your dreams awakened And from where you are what do you see Which of us is now in exile Which in need of amnesty Are you now but an illusion In my mind alone you breathe You believed in things that I will never know You were out there drowning but it never showed Till inside a rainswept night you just let go You've thrown it all away And now we'll never see the ending to the play The grand design, the final line And what was meant to be In the dark a distant runner Now has disappeared into the night Leaving us to stand and wonder Staring from this end into your life You believed in things that I will never know You were out there drowning but it never showed 'Til inside a rainswept night you just let go You've thrown it all away And now we'll never see the ending to the play The grand design, the final line And what was meant to be And if this is all illusion Nothing more than pure delusion Clinging to a fading fantasy Like Icarus who heeds the calling Of a sun but now is falling As the feathers of his life fall free Can you see See Tomorrow and after You tell me what am I to do I stand here believing That in the dark there is a clue Perhaps inside this midnight sky Perhaps tomorrow's newborn eyes Or could it be, we'll never know And after all this was the show What am I to do Gotta get back Gotta get back Gotta get back What am I to do Gotta get back Gotta get back Gotta get back What am I to do Standing on a dream isn't what it seems Could we then reclaim a dream refused Knowing what we know could we let it go Realizing that all the years are used Tomorrow and after You tell me what am I to do I stand here believing That in the dark there is a clue I am the way, I am the light I am the dark inside the night I hear your hopes, I feel your dreams And in the dark I hear your screams Tomorrow and after You tell me what am I to do I stand here believing That in the dark there is a clue

Thanks for the shoutout love!

I encourage you to find a live performance. Keep in mind they never play something exactly the same way as they like to make all i performances special. Kirk Hammit however plays this song with his guitar “Greenie” which has a story of its own and once was Jimmy Hendrix’s guitar. It is pretty ordinary looking with unique sound and sustain. The final solo you feel the persons heart racing as he climbs to the top floor and takes the plunge sometimes the lights will appear as though they are office windows racing upwards. It’s really dramatic artwork. The message James usually sends is that if you feel this way, you’re not alone, talk to someone, we’re a Metallica family, you’re not alone!

I always felt the final guitar solo was the soul leaving the body to freedom upon death. The staccato riffs hint at the method of death.

I'm 45 years old. There were moments when this song pulled me out of the very bottom. Everything you say is true and I so wish you had done a live version when James asks "do you feel what life feels like?" and when singing "Missing one inside of me" he stops playing for a moment to show the drama of this emotion. You would have an even deeper sound to this song.

I'm 48 years old. I've lived with severe depression my whole life. I grew up a Metallica fan and this song has always been my favorite. I can't even begin to count how many times I've listened to it. I cry every single time. It's a reminder of every single time I contemplated suicide over the years and I'm still here.

Im 50, I've listened to this song thousands of times. Your synopsis to this song gives me a different view. Love your reactions and thoughts !

One of the best interpretations of this song and application to how people might understand their feelings better.. Well done!

This is a metal classic by metallica one of my favourite songs an album be a big metallica fan a long time the guitar work in this song is awesome

One the master pieces of Metallica, we can see in your vídeo reaction the trully emotional response, you have a great soul for sure. Nice vídeo reaction.

Excellent reaction 🤘

Classical guitar, clasical music, heavy metal and a lot of talent. They invented (not alone, of course) thrash metal too... and helped a lot of people back in the days. I felt this song and I'm still feeling it until today. It's called art.

Thank you, Rosalie! Metallica for me is my therapie! I grow up with Metallica and I love them like my family! Dankeschön! 🤘

the intro of Fade to Black was the first thing i ever heard of my first metallica song, and i knew i was forever a fan! They are pure masters to create this. And the 'cliche stigma of metallica'.... is not this intro. except to a few who understand and appreciate how they created it

This song saved many of our lives back in the 80's, still a favorite of mine \m/

Feeling with others. Such a beautiful thing. Just feel ❤

Hi Rosalie, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, I don’t remember you being Elliott 😂 but when I saw your thumbnail I knew it was you. This is perhaps one of the most powerful of Metallica’s tracks, it’s beautiful and gives the feel that’s intended. Minor key = sadness, Major key = hope, happiness. The Warning covered two great Metallica songs, Enter Sandman and Atlas Rise, you probably already know as I can remember you liking them 🌹

I've suffered with depression my entire life. I've had a lot of loss . It has taken me decades to be able to listen to this song through. The song makes my dark times much darker. The song has even triggered my depression. So many times the only thing that has kept me alive is believing that going down this path is the unforgivable sin. Unforgivable because there is no way to ask for forgiveness once your gone