Kirk Hammett Releases Reading of The Raven Ahead of Shows
The guitarist performs the 1845 poem ahead of Metallica's October 29 and 31 residency dates at the Sphere.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Metal
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Fans of the long-running metal act Metallica can now hear guitarist Kirk Hammett reciting the Edgar Allen Poe classic The Raven. The audio features a backing track from the band's song Inamorata and was released as the band prepares for upcoming dates at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Why it matters
The release adds a gothic literary layer to the band's ongoing residency, offering a new piece of content for followers who have tracked the group's evolution since Hammett joined in 1983.
Metallica has sold over 150 million albums worldwide and secured 10 Grammy Awards since their formation. The band is currently scheduled for performances at the Sphere on October 29 and October 31, 2026.
The players
Kirk Hammett
The veteran guitarist of Metallica who joined the band in 1983.
Metallica
A world-renowned metal band currently holding a residency at the Sphere.
The details
Kirk Hammett, 63, provided the reading, which sets the 1845 poem to the music of Inamorata from their 2023 album 72 Seasons. This creative project arrives just days before the group returns to the stage at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The guitarist previously hosted the horror-themed Fear FestEvil convention between 2014 and 2015, highlighting his interest in dark aesthetics.
Timeline
The poem The Raven was originally written in 1845.
Kirk Hammett joined Metallica in 1983.
The reading of The Raven was released on October 27, 2026.
Metallica performs at the Sphere on October 29, 2026.
Metallica performs at the Sphere on October 31, 2026.
Beyond the Strip
This reading follows the pattern set by Kirk Hammett's Fear FestEvil convention by exploring horror-themed artistic ventures. It marks a departure from the band's traditional musical output by integrating 19th-century literature into their current promotional cycle.
Residents attending the upcoming shows at the Sphere should plan for increased traffic near the resort corridor on the evenings of October 29 and October 31. Fans interested in the new audio can stream the recording at their convenience following its October 27 release.
The takeaway
Fans should monitor the band's official channels for any additional thematic releases linked to their current residency. Keep an eye on local traffic reports for the dates of the upcoming Sphere performances.
What happens next
Metallica is scheduled to hold performances at the Sphere on October 29, 2026, and October 31, 2026.
Further reading
Find more coverage on upcoming local performances in our Metal section.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy incorporating horror-themed media into your holiday traditions?
