Lars defended the decision of his band to book Sheffiel-based Arctic Monkeys for Metallica's Orion Festival this summer.

The drummer also compared sticksman Matt Helders and his band to Canadian progrockers Rush, featuring Neil Peart on drums, by adding:

"If you listen to a song like Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But... there's almost a Rush element in there."

Orion Music + More festival will take place on June 23 and 24 in Bader Field, near Atlantic City in New Jersey.

Metallica will headline both nights, with The Gaslight Anthem, Modest Mouse, Cage The Elephant, Hot Snakes, The Black Angels, The Sword, and Liturgy among other acts also booked to play the festival.