It’s been quite a while since Metallica performed on air. There was an SNL performance that happened, to quote James Hetfield, “a hundred years ago or something”. Well, add the Colbert Report to the shortlist – the legendary metallists recently stopped by for a a quick set and a quicker interview with Colbert.

Photo Credit: Marv Watson

Ever wondered how many dick jokes Stephen Colbert can slip into an interview? Lucky you, we’ve got the answer: a lot. Seriously, you know the Report’s going well any time the phrase “anger viagra” shows up. Ignoring the issue of temper dysfunction, the band showed up in fine form. Lars Ulrich may look more like a gremlin than ever, but my goodness can the man play.

Metallica absolutely shredded their way through classics “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Master of Puppets.” The performance was equal parts fun and epic, with devil horns aplenty. A recent promotional drive for an upcoming IMAX feature has Lars and the boys more active than ever. Their June performance at the Orion + More Music Festival shocked concertgoers – the band played under the alias “Dehaan” for the event. Yet another appearance on September 21, this time at the Apollo, was also in support of the film, entitled Metallica Through the Never. Check out the Colbert set below: