Metallica: 72 Seasons [Album Review]

by

Metallica
72 Seasons
Blackened Recordings [2023]

Metallica’s 72 Seasons is a true testament to the band’s longevity, power, and unbridled creativity. It is their first studio album since 2016’s Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, and their second album to feature bassist Robert Trujillo as a full-time member. With its 12 tracks, 72 Seasons is a masterful blend of the classic Metallica sound and a modern edge that showcases the band’s growth and maturity over the years.

The album kicks off with the title track, which immediately sets the tone for what’s to come with its grinding riffs, rapid paced drums and aggressive lyrics. From there, the album takes you on a journey through a range of emotions and styles, from the thrash-inspired “Lux Æterna” to the moody and contemplative “If Darkness Had A Son”. Throughout the album, the band showcases their impressive musicianship and technical ability, with James Hetfield’s signature growling vocals and Kirk Hammett’s shredding guitar solos shining through on tracks like “Too Far Gone?” and the over 11-minute closer “Inamorata”.

One of the standout tracks on the album is “Shadows Follow”, a blistering paced track that harkens back to the band’s early days while also showcasing their growth and evolution. The lyrics are intense and thought-provoking, as the darkness/shadows follows you everywhere you go and refuses to leave you. Another standout track is “Room Of Mirrors”, which features a driving rhythm, some memorable guitar transitions and a chorus that can get stuck in your head.

Overall, 72 Seasons is a solid album that delivers everything you could want from a Metallica record in 2023. It’s powerful, raw, and unapologetic, with each track showcasing the band’s signature sound while also pushing the boundaries of what they’re capable of. The production is probably the best we have heard on a Metallica record in decades, with each instrument and vocal perfectly balanced to create a cohesive and impactful listening experience.

One criticism of the album is its 78-minute runtime. This record could have come in under an hour easy and been 10x more impactful. However, this is a minor flaw that doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the record because every track still holds a punch. If you’re a fan of Metallica or heavy metal in general, 72 Seasons is definitely worth a listen. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring power and creativity, and a reminder of why they’ve remained at the top of the metal scene for over four decades.

KEY TRACKS
“Shadows Fall” / “You Must Burn!” / “If Darkness Had A Son”

ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
Baroness / Machine Head / Avenged Sevenfold

METALLICA REVIEW HISTORY
Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (2016)

METALLICA LINKS
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Thomas Wilde
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