Cherish The Mighty Metallica While We Have Them (72 SEASONS Review)

 For about 25 years or so, pop music has had a stranglehold on the mainstream. With Korean bands entering the scene, it seems to continue with much strength. Musical trends, so I've been told, go in cycles. This cycle, however, seems to have been unusually long. But I'm too old now to get upset over such things. I've grown to not care so much about what other musical genres take over the mainstream. It was a fools game to even care at all. People are going to like what they like. They aren't wrong about what they like either. Music is subjective. And who am I to deprive anyone of something that gives them joy?

Having said that, every now and then during this time of pop dominance a rock or metal album comes out and gets the mainstream spotlight again. And this time it comes from The Might Metallica. 

On November 28th of 2022, I woke up to an unexpected music video drop. For a brand new Metallica song called "Lux Aeterna." With no warning or announcement. And since their last official release was 2016's HARDWIRED...TO SELF DESTRUCT, this instantly gave me a jolt of overjoyed adrenaline. And soon we knew we were getting new music. 

Then followed "Screaming Suicide," which to be honest didn't hit me as hard but still...it's new Metallica. Then "If Darkness Had a Son." That one had such a great swagger and groove to it. I was officially excited for this new album, which would be called 72 SEASONS, representing the first 18 years of ones life and the rest of ones life trying to meditate on the lessons of those 18 years.

The final music video single release would be the title track. It was the thrashy Metallica that I was accustomed to. Yet all songs, having influences ranging from Motorhead to The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, had a modern sound to them. Few bands can bring a classic metal sound they ushered in, with their own musical influences, and give it a polished modern sensibility. But they are Metallica...after all.

The day before the album drop, I attended a listening party with a movie theater filled with Metallica loyalists. It's always great to have that kind of positive energy with like minded folk. The band introduced themselves and would give brief intros to the songs. I would once again hear these four releases, complete with the music video visuals. And then would hear the brand new songs. Which of course is hard to absorb on the spot, but we the fans were enthusiastic nonetheless. I really reacted positively to "You Must Burn!," a Sabbathesqe heavy plotter, and "Crown Of Barbed Wire," which had a great modern ambience to its sound. I was indeed enjoying myself through all of the playlist, but towards the end they released the 11 minute epic "Inamorata." Every now and then I will dub a new song from a band an 'instant classic.' This was one of those times. It had that modern riffage at the start, with Lars Ulrich's famous 'in the pocket' drum playing. A great groove. Then it quieted down to a halt, with Lars' cymbals imitating the great Ian Paice complimented by Rob Trujillo's Geezer Butler style bass. James Hetfield's sorrowful vocals made it such a beautiful moment, and then they hit the groove again. What made me absolutely giddy was James tagging with Kirk Hammett to play Thin Lizzy style duel guitars. I knew in an INSTANT that this song was special. It is my favorite song on the album. It felt like six minutes to me, and I wouldn't have argued if they tacked on another 5 minutes or so.

I came out of the theater ready for the mornings album drop. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to get a brand new blockbuster metal album in the year 2023. I know that this band is on borrowed time, so it makes it that much more special. 

I was introduced to Metallica way back in 1992, during my high school years. They were my gateway drug into metal music. I have since enjoyed discovering so many different bands and subgenres, but they will always be the first. And when I get new music, I do feel like I kind of time travel back to those days. Which I know is ridiculous but I'm a nostalgic type of guy and I feel so grateful to have them around. I will cherish them for however long they wish to continue. And hopefully that's for another decade or two. A man can dream.

Long Live Metallica.

By Jess Solis