Metallica have used the climatic score from Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack to Sergio Leone’s 1966 classic western The Good, The Bad And The Ugly for most of their career. The band recorded their own cover of The Ecstasy Of Gold for the 2007 tribute album We All Love Ennio Morricone, which was nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category. “The day we first played The Ecstasy Of Gold as our new intro in 1983, it was magic!” wrote frontman James Hetfield in a tribute to the late composer. “It has become a part of our blood flow, deep breathing, fist bumping, prayers and band huddle pre-show ritual ever since. I have sang that melody thousands of times to warm up my throat before hitting the stage. Thank you Ennio for pumping us up, being a big part of our inspiration, and a bonding between band, crew, and fan. I will forever think of you as part of the Metallica family.”
The greatest use of a film score in a metal setting, without a doubt.