British hard rock icons Girlschool have unleashed an electrifying new take on Metallica’s Hit The Lights, taken from the Japanese edition of No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All. Released via King Records in collaboration with Silver Lining Music, the Japanese CD arrives on 24 December 2025 and features Girlschool’s explosive version of Metallica’s classic debut album opener as a bonus track.
The new recording finds Girlschool tearing into Hit The Lights with all the grit and attitude that has made them icons of Heavy Metal, joined by shred lord Joe Stump and Alcatrazz. The digital single and official video are out now, giving fans a full-throttle taste of the tribute album’s energy. The video was created by Natalia Jonderko Smiechowicz of N.STATION Animation & Design Studio.
No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is a full-blooded celebration of one of the most propulsive debut albums in Heavy Metal history, re-imagined by the bands who inspired Metallica and the generations they, in turn, inspired.
The veteran likes of Saxon, Diamond Head and Motörhead, three of Metallica’s all-time favourite bands, line up alongside rising forces such as Tailgunner and Swedish Prog Metallers Soen, creating a true who’s-who of Heavy Metal paying tribute one track at a time.
The Almighty deliver a particularly confrontational version of The Four Horsemen, recorded with their original line-up in the studio for the first time since 1991. Contributions from thrash giants Testament, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and New Wave Of British Heavy Metal mainstays Tygers Of Pan Tang show the label reaching far beyond their own roster to assemble the strongest Heavy Metal line-up possible.
Closing the record are the legendary Raven with a thundering, anthemic take on Metal Militia, a fitting nod from a band who were part of Metallica’s first-ever tour, 1983’s Kill ‘Em All For One venture.
The Japanese CD edition track listing for No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is as follows:
1. Hit The Lights (Tailgunner)
2. The Four Horsemen (The Almighty)
3. Motorbreath (Soen)
4. Jump In The Fire (Tygers Of Pan Tang)
5. (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (David Ellefson)
6. Whiplash (Motorhead)
7. Phantom Lord (Saxon)
8. No Remorse (Diamond Head)
9. Seek & Destroy (Testament)
10. Metal Militia (Raven)
11. Hit The Lights (Girlschool feat Alcatrazz, feat Joe Stump) [Bonus Track]
The No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All Japanese CD edition is available to pre-order now, with the Girlschool bonus track making this an essential addition for collectors and die-hard Metallica fans alike. The digital single Hit The Lights (feat. Alcatrazz, feat. Joe Stump) by Girlschool is available to download and stream on all major platforms.
Girlschool will also hit the road in Europe with Alcatrazz in support of the release, with the following European tour dates confirmed:
25.11.25 – Kortrijk, DVG (BE)
26.11.25 – Tilburg, Little Devil (NL)
27.11.25 – Kassel, Goldgrube (DE)
28.11.25 – Passau, Zauberberg (DE)
29.11.25 – Steyr, Kulturverein Roda (AT)
30.11.25 – Vienna, Escape (AT)
02.12.25 – Olomouc, Bounty Rock Cafe (CZ)
03.12.25 – Leipzig, Hellraiser (DE)
04.12.25 – Nurnberg, Hirsch (DE)
05.12.25 – Selb, RockClub Nordbayern (DE)
06.12.25 – Morlenbach, Live Music Hall (DE)
07.12.25 – Dortmund, Musiktheater Piano (DE)
No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is by the fans and for the fans, reaffirming the Four Horsemen’s ironclad influence and continuing their mission to shove Metal up your ass, with Girlschool’s bonus track standing loud and proud among its most essential moments.
