The Call of Ktulu - Definition and Overview

The Call of Ktulu is an instrumental song by the metal band Metallica inspired by the writings of H. P. Lovecraft, particularly The Call of Cthulhu. It appeared on their second album, Ride the Lightning.

It starts out spooky and melodic, as tension is created. The song gets heavier and then explodes with a blisteringly fast guitar solo and then all of the tension is released with frighteningly fierce guitar riffs.

It can be argued that this song defined the metal instrumental. Although Metallica has made instrumentals in the past, Ktulu set the standard for Metallica's other instrumentals (namely, Orion and To Live is to Die).

Example Usage of Ktulu