Metallica at the Forum

Hetfield exhorted the fans, “You’re the fifth member of Metallica, you know that.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

James Hetfield, left, and Lars Ulrich and the other two members revved up the volume. But what most impressed Times pop music critic Ann Powers was the “unbreakable communion” among the four.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Hetfield, left and Ulrich. The four band members “locked into one another’s grooves without even having to exchange glances,” Powers wrote.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Midway through the show, simple orange flash pots surrounded Hetfield. Later, two rows of flames in changing colors took over the middle of the stage.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

“You come here to release some energy,” James Hetfield told the crowd at one point. “Don’t take it with you, leave it here.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Hetfield and Metallica came to prominence in the 1980s, then faded the next decade. They now appear intent on reclaiming their power.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Trujillo is with the band for a second time.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

James Hetfield, ever the showman.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Hetfield puts his all into the performance. Metallica juxtaposed its new songs with favorites from throughout the group’s 30-year career.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Hetfield’s lyrics focus heavily on horror and death.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)