2016 Metal Album Review - "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" by Metallica
We all knew that this was inevitable. I realize that the band of choice has received QUITE a bit of mixed reviews and verdicts, be it on social/public remarks or studio albums. Regardless, you all must have seen this coming, as they are admittedly one of the many bands I grew up listening to from my mother's vast selection of tapes and CD's. They were a staple in the evolution of my moderately complex taste in metal. They are arguably the godfathers of thrash, and to some are the biggest metal band in recorded history.
Could I possibly be talking about anyone else? They're the band we love, as well as love to hate on (thanks for the minor shit-talk at your expense, Lars!). Ladies and gentlemen....
METALLICA
It was bound to happen. For the past eight years there have been long waits, teasers from various band members (bassist Robert Trujillo being the first one, back in 2011), and now the wait is finally over. Though it may not be their heaviest release, I think at least most of us can agree that it is a step up from previous releases (yes, I'm talking about St. Anger, their absolute worst effort in their entire career.... and let's not forget that "Lulu" collaboration release with Lou Reed). Even "Death Magnetic" wasn't too bad, but "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" is an album that I think we can all agree is one that people will remember. The studio quality was a big step up from "Death Magnetic" and it really sounded like they were just trying to get back to basics.... to put out a raw and organic set of thrashy tunes. True, there are a few tracks that are, for lack of a better term, "slower", you can still feel the power behind them. And the fact that they are still going strong after over three decades of doing what they do best shows that they still have some gas in the tank.
It is no secret that Metallica has seen their fair share of scrutiny (some of which I must admittedly agree with). From Lars shooting off a rant about the Napster craze of the early 2000's to how crappy their 90's records were ("Load", "Reload", etc.), even the way James Hetfield ended almost every line from the "black album" to "Death Magnetic" (you know, when he goes "-eeaahh!"), it was all a multitude of negativity that seemed to have cascaded over the public's view of them as a band, and completely obliterated all they accomplished in the 80's. But now they are back. And with a vengeance. You thought "Death Magnetic" was heavy and raw? Think again, because this album will change that perception! And now, without further anticipation, here are four tracks from "Hardwired" especially for your listening pleasure. Enjoy, and Stay Metal. \m/
"Hardwired"
"Moth Into Flame"
"Murder One"
(I have such a profound appreciation for this song, and just as much respect for Metallica for putting this one on the record. It was written in memory of the late great metal god Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, and the whole music video is an animation of his journey, and to top it off, the song's lyrics feature many of Lemmy's own words, as well as song titles from Motorhead's music. Really heart-wrenching but beautiful all at once. I tip my hat to them for making this one, very well done.)
"Spit Out the Bone"
One of my favorite bands. I wasn't looking for the date of album release, but now that I know it is out, it looks like this will be my Metallica day! Great review btw.
Thank you! It does my heart good to know that my two cents can be appreciated by fellow music lovers. I will admit, when the first announcements of this album were coming out, I was VERY pessimistic. But I will be the first to say that I was pleasantly proven wrong, they did a great job on this album.