The edge of Metallica‘s 1980s peak can be heard in 72 Seasons, albeit it is dulled by the album’s lengthy tracks and lyrics that relate to James Hetfield’s continuing rehabilitation.
’72 Seasons,’ the band’s most recent album, was finally released after a seven-year wait, and it was well worth the wait. The venerable heavy metal band has once again produced a potent and moving collection of songs that serve as a reminder of why they are still a major influence in the music industry. The debut of a new album is usually eagerly anticipated by fans since it signals the band’s upcoming live performance schedule. Metallica has stayed true to its word and given fans a unique listening experience with “72 Seasons.”
Metallica’s most recent albums, like “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct” and “Death Magnetic,” have demonstrated a distinctive formula that is simple to recognize. If AI had the ability to compose music, creating a Metallica album would probably be one of the simplest tasks to do. Over the years, the band’s distinct and unmistakable sound has changed, and newer albums have built on this approach. Metallica’s music is easily recognizable thanks to its powerful riffs, thunderous drumming, melodic interludes, and lyrics that are both contemplative and pensive. This is also true with “72 Seasons,” which highlights the band’s classic aspects while still venturing into novel and intriguing areas. Metallica’s lasting brilliance and inventiveness are demonstrated by the album’s high intensity, thought-provoking lyrics, and impressive musicianship.
It may seem pointless to evaluate “72 Seasons” song by song because the 12-track album doesn’t veer too far from the band’s signature sound. It is, in many respects, a heavy metal-focused expansion of their previous album, “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.” Although less direct and uncompromising than on their contentious album “St. Anger,” released in 2003, the lyrics are nevertheless powerful and emotional. Despite not exactly breaking new territory for Metallica, “72 Seasons” is nevertheless a strong and reliable offering that will please the band’s devoted followers of their hard and uncompromising sound.
If you look at each Metallica member separately, it’s obvious that James Hetfield’s contributions had a significant impact on “72 Seasons.” He is the inspiration behind the music of the record, and the lyrics are created around his riffs. Although it would seem that Lars Ulrich’s primary function is drumming, his beats really support Hetfield’s riffs. The area of production is where Ulrich genuinely shines, and within lies his actual worth. His skill to handle the band’s complex sound is unsurpassed, of course, as seen by earlier albums like “Death Magnetic” and “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.”
However, Kirk Hammett doesn’t provide anything novel. His guitar tone and solos are constant and don’t feature any ground-breaking innovations. It is commonly known that Rob Trujillo doesn’t contribute much to composition and production. But in “Sleepwalk My Life Away,” he does have a bass opening that stands out and is evocative of KISS’s “I Was Made For Loving You.” Trujillo’s albums have grown to be known for their bass-heavy aesthetic.
72 Seasons is a classic. The fact that they are still making music at such an advanced age is astounding and encouraging for the future. When “Death Magnetic” was first published, it was called a “modern Justice album,” a description that also applies to “72 Seasons.” Metallica has released three albums in a row with a consistent sound, and despite their lack of any bold promises, their fans continue to like this sound. For their upcoming record, a big adjustment could be required.
Numerous stylistic changes have occurred over Metallica’s career, including pop-metal with the “Black Album,” progressive metal with the “Justice” album, and a more accessible rock sound with the “Load” and “Reload” albums. For their upcoming album, a significant change appears probable, and if they don’t make this adjustment, fans might not react as favorably.
Metallica has a long history of reinventing themselves, and it is this development that has helped them stay popular and in demand throughout time. We can only hope that Metallica’s upcoming album builds on its history of invention and development to ensure that they continue to be a dominant force in the heavy metal genre.
