This album is shaping up to be fantastic. If this is their last album, they're going out with a bang.
What makes you think this is their last? They have slowed their touring schedule down to accommodate for their age/not destroy their bodies - I haven’t seen any indication that this is their end. I’m not sure they’ll ever hang it up (until they physically can’t play anymore)?
they haven’t said anything about hanging it up, I just have this weird feeling they’re gonna call it a day soon. Mainly their age and the difficult nature of performing thrash metal, James making comments about his wrists not having what it takes anymore. There was also that rumor late last year that Lars is having health issues. I hope they go on forever but if not, this massive world tour and this seemingly great album would be a hell of a swan song.
I always pictured them as a Rolling Stones type band, really - going on despite the tolls of age! Of course, thrash/metal definitely has a much higher physical requirement than what the Stones do… and I can’t imagine them half-assing songs like Puppets, so who knows. I still don’t think this is the last record! Maybe one or two more in the tank still? I’d also like to hear them revisit a little more of the Load-era stuff live before they say goodbye for good.
Only got one listen in, but think it's their most consistent record in 30 years, doesn't have quite the highs of the last two, but better on average
Metallica had a Weezer-like bad run with Load-ReLoad-Garage Days-St Anger but I think they've rebounded well with Death Magnetic and Hardwired. This continues that trend.
I'm feeling the opposite; feels like a band completely out of any interesting ideas, that to compensate decide to drag on the songs for minutes longer than they should be. Not a fan of the production either, especially that kick drum
The only thing I can think is I definitely remember an interview where they said they didn't see themselves performing these same songs night in night out once they hit 60.
Albums alright. One of their better modern albums. Still suffers a lot of the same issues I feel a lot of modern Metallica suffers from where songs feel like great 3-4 minute ideas that they then stretch out into longer more repetitive versions thus suffering.
Never been a fan of this band, liked songs here and there I love this new record though, when 72 Seasons dropped something about that song clicked with me. Like the lyrics and journey of it? These new tracks are fire. I’m in love with this guy’s voice and lyrics. Went on a run and put this on and I’ve been vibing to it hard. Will be on heavy repeat this week.
Can’t wait to listen. Loved Hardwired more than anything since the glory days - Death Magnetics songs are there but the production is weird to me. “Spit Out The Bone” is a top 10 song in their catalog.