There are no harsher critics of Metallica's work than the group themselves. This unique book and film review draws on rare documentary footage of Metallica in performance and on tour alongside the candid reflections of Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield and Jason Newstead. This compelling film review is drawn extensively from the band's own views as expressed to the media.  Metallica's own promotional interviews, television and radio archives around the world are used to help strip away the layers of sensationalism and half truths and produce the ultimate critical review.

Other themes explored in the film include the effect of the changing line-ups and personnel upheavals with Metallica.  Newstead himself explains why he finally quit the band. The film centers around footage of Metallica live at Woodstock '94 when the band were arguably at their artistic and creative peak.