Brant Bjork, the talented drummer and former member of the renowned stoner rock band Kyuss, had a candid and unexpected response when the band’s record label compared them to the legendary Metallica. This comparison, often a dream for many artists, did not resonate with Bjork, who had a distinct vision for his band.

Kyuss, known for their influential sound and unique style, was formed in the late 1980s. By 1991, they secured a contract with Elektra Records, a label that had previously signed Metallica in 1984. With the release of their self-titled album, more commonly referred to as The Black Album, in 1991, Metallica skyrocketed to global fame, establishing themselves as one of the most significant acts in rock history. This context added immense pressure on Kyuss as they began to gain traction in the early ’90s.

As Kyuss started to rise in popularity, Elektra seemed to hold them to the same lofty standards as Metallica. While many musicians dream of achieving similar success, Bjork felt quite differently about this pressure. He expressed his feelings of disappointment during an interview with Metal Hammer, highlighting how the continuous comparison affected his outlook on their music journey.

“Our guy at the label would always say, ‘You guys will be the next Metallica’, and that bummed me out,” Bjork reflected. He emphasized that he wanted Kyuss to be recognized for their unique sound and not merely as a copy of another successful band. Bjork believed that they had achieved an incredible synergy and creativity during that period, and while he respected Metallica and appreciated their support, he felt that aspiring to that level of fame and success wasn’t fulfilling for him.

Instead of following a predetermined path to commercial success, Bjork expressed a desire for Kyuss to focus on innovation and experimentation in their music. Unfortunately, his tenure with the band was short-lived, ending in 1994. Before his departure, however, he had the opportunity to open for Metallica during a tour in Australia, an experience that only solidified his feelings regarding large-scale success.

“Supporting Metallica was fucking bananas,” he shared, recalling the surreal nature of the experience. “It was weird; by the time our management told us about the offer, I’d already decided I didn’t want to be in Kyuss anymore. I felt like I was no longer on the same wavelength with the guys, and whatever magical connection we once had seemed to fade away. I didn’t want to stick around to witness what I felt was the decline of something truly special.”

Following Bjork’s exit, the remaining members of Kyuss, including Josh Homme, continued for only another year before disbanding in the summer of 1995. This decision came shortly after the release of their final album, …And the Circus Leaves Town, marking the end of an era for the influential band and their distinctive contribution to the stoner rock genre.

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