Metallica are back with some of their strongest material since ‘Death Magnetic.’ And while that was only two official albums ago. When adding ‘Lulu,’ it makes three. Timing wise, it’s been fifteen years since Metallica really captured the rock and metal world. Or really the music world for that matter. And new ’72 Seasons’ delivers on all fronts.
The title track kicks things off in beautiful, old school thrash kick assery. Honestly, completely unexpected. Lars’ drumming sounds crisp and clean. The production being another winning element of the album. ‘Screaming Suicide’ is a typical track of latter Metallica. But there’s a ferocity and drive that hasn’t existed in the band for over a decade. And the fact that dudes in their early 60’s are playing at this level is quite impressive. ‘Sleepwalk My Life Away’ finally showcases how badass Robert Trujillo can really be in Metallica. We all know how incredible of player he is. So, it’s good to hear him carry an intro melody. The song goes into yet another excellent verse riff. And carries out in excellent fashion.
‘You Must Burn!’ may be the best track on the album. It’s tough to say though. A perfect combination of ‘Load’ and early era ‘Tallica. The bridge riff is straight doom to the core. ‘Lux Eterna,’ the first single, was originally what the album was going to be entitled. But the idea was replaced with ’72 Seasons.’ The amount of seasons one goes through during their first eighteen years of existence. It’s short, sweet and to the point. ‘Crown of Barbed Wire’ really rivals ‘You Must Burn!’ for best track on the record. An original power chord riff meets seamlessly with a sick nasty riff. With bridge that’s just got to heard over and over again. Making James Hetfield the MVP of the album. But not before a totally stellar Kirk Hammett guitar solo.
‘Chasing Light’ brings in the chugs. Plus an addictive cut time verse groove that’s sure to earworm into any music listener. It’s those moments that make Metallica the most commercially successful metal band of all time. If it was the technical stuff that mattered all the time than Metallica wouldn’t be as big. Proving it’s also about songwriting and feel. ‘If Darkness Had A Son’ is a bit long winded during the intro. But ultimately, the riff pays off. ‘Too Far Gone?’ is another direct metal moment. Clocking in at a ‘short’ four minutes and thirty four seconds. ‘Room of Mirrors’ once again brings in old school thrash. Displaying that Metallica really still have it where it counts. The album closes out with Metallica’s longest ever track. Entitled ‘Inamorata,’ it’s an attention getter through its entire eleven plus minute run time.
All in all, ’72 Seasons’ is a top to bottom banger. A sure fire candidate for best heavy album of 2023. Proof that Metallica still have it. And that heavy metal is alive and well. A massive tour is scheduled. With multiple nights at gigantic stadiums. It’s going to be historic. So celebrate and get on it. Live it, love it, crank it.
