Back in the early 80’s, there was a little band in California making some serious noise with a type of super heavy music that would eventually breathe new life into the world of heavy metal and create an entirely new genre of music. The band of course was Metallica who would go on to become the biggest of the Big 4 of thrash metal and sell over 110 million records worldwide. It’s been eight long years since the band’s last album, 2008’s “Death Magnetic,” and after practically breaking the internet this summer with the release of the first song “Hardwired,” Metallica has finally released their 10th studio album, “Hardwired…To Self-Destruct.”
The new record is a 2 CD set with over 80 minutes of adrenaline fueled, hold on to your hats, old school thrash. Due to some technical difficulties (the loss of an iPhone containing hundreds of riffs) for the first time ever guitarist Kirk Hammett did not contribute to the songwriting duties. But the band clearly had plenty of material in its arsenal because it just delivered its best album since 1991’s quintessential self-titled “Black”album. Frontman James Hetfield is in top form with his signature growls as the band kicks off with the blitzkrieg attack of “Hardwired.” The song is lightning fast clocking in at just over 3 minutes but makes a hell of a statement with Hetfield shouting “We’re so f*cked, Sh*t outta luck, hardwired to self-destruct!” While Hammett may not have put in his usual songwriting contributions, he more than makes up for it with some of his best chops since “Ride The Lightning.” Playing with a speed and precision unmatched by anyone, Hammett is in total control, often teetering on the edge of complete abandon but never quite falling over the precipice. His guitar work on “Spit Out The Bone” and “Atlas, Rise!” are simply the best he has done in a very long time. Drummer Lars Ulrich drives the whole package with his work behind the kit and some assistance from bassist Robert Trujillo as they add a powerful backbone to the mix. Don’t miss the melodic spin of “ManUNkind” and the classic hard rock vibe mixed into the epic “Halo On Fire.” A deluxe version of the album is also available which includes Metallica’s 2014 tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio “Ronnie Rising Medley” as well as the full frontal assault of Iron Maiden’s “Remember Tomorrow.”
With “Hardwired…To Self-Destruct,” the kings of thrash have dug deep and returned to their early roots proving once again they have what it takes to sit atop the heavy metal throne.
