Metallica – 72 Seasons Review

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I gave a lot of thought before deciding to review this new Metallica’s album. Loads of consideration if it would be worth the while or, even, if I had the nuts to listen to a new Metallica album. Everyone here that reads my reviews knows what I feel about the band. Very hard feelings. Unforgivable to use a term that addresses to them. By all means, the things the band had done since they decided to sell out are unforgivable. From where I’m sitting, it was unnecessary to do things like they did. The band would get to stardom by all means. That’s what I think. So, knowing all this I can’t be impartial towards “72 Seasons” in no sense. But I kind of felt obliged to write it.

Out of respect to all the fans that still adore the band I’ll try not to slam the album so much. It’s a tradition here with Metal Addicts to be respectful with all the bands we review. I’ve been nothing else than respectful to all the bands I decided to review their albums. In fact, I don’t need to diminish the band because they, themselves, have been done that for all those years. Each speech, each public appearance, each questionable choice. Every time Lars opens his mouth something not good comes out. My dear fans know I’m not wrong. Even the ones who still love the band. They know I’m only telling the facts.

It’s okay, and even natural, to a band with a long career to lose the initial anger and strength. That happens. C’est la vie. But even seminal bands with long careers once in a while make a mistake. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon and many others had their share of mistakes. However, in each own way they kept their dignity. They still make an impact. The impact this band makes is laughter, denial, disdain or even rage.

Ok, then, the album. I made the ultimate effort to listen to it all. Yes, I did indeed. The first thing that comes to my mind is 1987’s “The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited” or 1998’s “Garage Inc.“ the two albums of covers the band released to honor the bands that were their inspiration. I’ll elaborate. It seems to me that the band is a now a pastiche of what it was. The songs of “72 Seasons” sound as if the band were trying to sound as the bands they used to love. My impression is of a band that is trying to cover itself or a band that lost all its references. If my dear child of the night listens to the instrumentals only without vocals only here and there – and only the most devoted fans – will recognize the band. I’ll go further, only with the guitar solos because they are unique. The Speed Metal traits of “Lux Æterna” don’t lie. The band is looking back. From the mirror.

I may have gone too far I know. Forgive me. I’m only a spoiled child that used to listen to albums as “Ride the Lightning” or “…And Justice for All.” “72 Seasons” is hard to swallow. Only that. Maybe I’m getting too old.

Metallica “72 Seasons” was released on April 14th via Blackened Recordings.

Track Listing:

  1. 72 Seasons
  2. Shadows Follow
  3. Screaming Suicide
  4. Sleepwalk My Life Away
  5. You Must Burn!
  6. Lux Æterna
  7. Crown of Barbed Wire
  8. Chasing Light
  9. If Darkness Had a Son
  10. Too Far Gone?
  11. Room Of Mirrors
  12. Inamorata

Watch “Lux Æterna” official music video here:

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