While Metallica are the biggest metal band on the planet, one member consistently catches flak for his abilities. Lars Ulrich's drumming has come under fire throughout the decades, by fans as well as select musicians who believe the skinsman's chops are not up to speed. His bandmate, bassist Robert Trujillo, however, has a different stance, stating that Ulrich commands respect from his peers.

"I've played with the best drummers in rock, ranging from Josh Freese to Brooks Wackerman to even Dave Lombardo," Trujillo told Drum Magazine (via Blabbermouth). "And these guys respect Lars," he affirmed. "They know he has a unique style of playing and production. Some drummers who don't have the kind of success Lars has had are quick to pass judgment. I don't know if it's jealousy or whatever. But the really great drummers have mad respect for him."

Discussing his musical kinship with Ulrich as the two make up Metallica's rhythm section, Trujillo added, "From when I joined the band, Lars has just grown better. The pocket has come a long way. That's why I feel that his ability to groove has blossomed even more on the new album. We're growing as a rhythm section. That's a beautiful thing, because I feel that the whole band, as a unit, is still challenging itself."

"Lars likes to play. By that I mean that he likes the drums to have a voice," said Trujillo about Ulrich's distinctive style. "It reminds me of the way Jaco [Pasotrius] played — they both have a melodic quality that fits in really well with anybody they work with. There's a lot of personality in Lars's drumming. That's what makes it unique."

Metallica will be performing at the 59th annual Grammy Awards and will be looking to take home an award for Best Rock Song for "Hardwired." The event will air on Feb. 12 at 8PM ET on CBS.

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