72 Seasons
Metallica's eleventh studio album, "72 Seasons", released in April 2023, finds the band reflecting on their past while delivering some of their most energetic music in decades. The album tackles themes of childhood trauma, identity, and the shadows we cast throughout our lives.
The album concludes with "Inamorata", which, at 11 minutes and 10 seconds, holds the record as the longest original studio song Metallica has ever released. It features a breakdown section with quiet bass and hi-hats that James Hetfield has cited as one of his favorite moments on the record.
The lead single, "Lux Æterna", was released as a surprise alongside the album announcement. Its short runtime and high-speed tempo reminiscent of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) shocked and delighted fans, drawing comparisons to their earliest work on "Kill 'Em All".
The album cover's striking yellow and black color scheme was a deliberate choice by James Hetfield to signify "light" and "darkness". It stands out starkly against the band's typically darker album art, signaling a fresh, vibrant chapter in their career.
Produced by Greg Fidelman alongside Hetfield and Ulrich, the album solidifies Fidelman's role as the band's trusted collaborator. Having worked with them since "Death Magnetic" (as an engineer) and "Hardwired" (as producer), he has been instrumental in shaping the modern Metallica sound.
For the first time in his tenure with the band, bassist Robert Trujillo has a vocal credit on a Metallica studio album. He provides backing vocals on the track "You Must Burn!", adding a menacing, Alice in Chains-esque harmony to the bridge.
Clocking in at over 77 minutes, "72 Seasons" is Metallica's second-longest studio album, falling just short of "Load". The band utilized the full capacity of a CD, packing it with lengthy, riff-heavy tracks that give each member room to shine.
The title "72 Seasons" refers to the first 18 years of a person's life (4 seasons per year x 18 years). James Hetfield explained that this period forms our "true or false self," and much of our adult experience is spent re-enacting or reacting to these childhood experiences.
"72 Seasons" proves that even four decades into their career, Metallica still has plenty to say. It is a powerful, introspective work that combines the wisdom of age with the ferocity of youth, ensuring the band's flame burns brighter than ever.