Metallica’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. After more than a decade of lackluster albums, last year’s terrific Death Magnetic put the veteran metal band back on track. On 2003’s St. Anger, they sounded like they were a million miles away from the action — literally (those drums may be the worst-recorded in the history of recorded music) and figuratively (musical therapy: good for them, bad for us). Metallica are clearly in your face on Death Magnetic, spitting, swinging and generally causing some major discomfort for anyone within earshot. It’s great, powerful stuff that oughta kick even more ass onstage. The band’s thunderous HOF performance was a highlight of two decades’ worth of the usual setup of old guys cleaning up and putting on a show for the rich folks. Metallica played for the cheap seats, scaring the hell out of the tux-and-gown crowd. That’s what rock ’n’ roll is all about, and that’s what Metallica are finally getting back to. They play Quicken Loans Arena (One Center Ct., 216.241.5555, ticketmaster.com) at 7 p.m. Tickets: $52.50 and $72.50. —Michael Gallucci
