Metallica and Lou Reed's infamous 'Lulu' album will likely go down as one of the most universally panned releases ever. However, the rabid vitriol aimed at Metallica and Lou Reed in response to the album hasn't stopped Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett from being proud of the disc. In fact, Hammett calls 'Lulu' "some of the best stuff we've ever done" in a new interview.

Before you flip your lids, check out what Kirk Hammett had to say about 'Lulu' during a recent conversation with the Verge. After being asked if fan reaction plays a significant part in Metallica's creative direction, Hammett affirmed that it did not. "No, because we're doing it for ourselves, man. 'Lulu' is a really good example. I think that 'Lulu' is some of the best stuff we've done," says Hammett. "I mean, the song 'Junior Dad' moves me to tears, and working with Lou Reed was such a cool, unique, and special thing for us. Maybe it's not for everyone. Maybe it's a challenge for our fans, but for us — Lars [Ulrich, drums], James [Hetfield, guitar / vocals], Rob [Trujillo, bass], and myself — we loved doing it and it was such a great experience. We look back at it very positively."

Lars Ulrich spoke with USA Today in 2011, where he compared fan reaction to 'Lulu' to metalhead reactions to the Metallica classic 'Fade to Black.' "In 1984, when hard-core Metallica fans heard acoustic guitars on 'Fade to Black,' there was a nuclear meltdown in the heavy-metal community," Ulrich says. "There have been many more since then. This is something they've never heard. Nobody hears rhythms or delivers poetry the way Lou does. It's not for everyone, but I think it's a fantastic record."

The band's latest venture is the 'Metallica Through the Never' film, which is currently playing in IMAX theaters and will debut in standard 3D theaters on Oct. 4.

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