New Release: Metallica- Lux Æterna

On April 14th, 2023, the 12th studio album by the one and only Metallica, “72 Seasons” arrives. This new 12-song outing was once again produced by Greg Fidelman along with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. The first single “Lux Æterna” is out now! Speaking on the album, James Hetfield said “72 seasons. The first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves. The concept that we were told ‘who we are’ by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of those core beliefs and how it affects our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is reenactment or reaction to these childhood experiences. Prisoners of childhood or breaking free of those bondages we carry.” The band also announced a full world tour with Pantera as part of the trek in the States!

Metallica- 72 Seasons Track Listing:

01 – “72 Seasons”
02 – “Shadows Follow”
03 – “Screaming Suicide”
04 – “Sleepwalk My Life Away”
05 – “You Must Burn!”
06 – “Lux Æterna”
07 – “Crown Of Barbed Wire”
08 – “Chasing Light”
09 – “If Darkness Had A Son”
10 – “Too Far Gone?”
11 – “Room Of Mirrors”
12 – “Inamorata”

Metallica- Lux Æterna:

Metallica Tour Dates:

04/27 Amsterdam, NET – Johan Cruuf Arena (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
04/29 Amsterdam, NET – Johan Cruuf Arena (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
05/17 Paris, FRA – Stade de France (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
05/19 Paris, FRA – Stade de France (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
05/26 Hamburg, GER – Volksparkstadion (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
05/28 Hamburg, GER – Volksparkstadion (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
06/16 Gothenburg, SWE – Ullevi Stadium (feat. Volbeat & Mammoth WVH)
06/18 Gothenburg, SWE – Ullevi Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/04 East Rutherford, NJ – Metlife Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/06 East Rutherford, NJ – Metlife Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/11 Montreal, QC – Stade Olympique (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/13 Montreal, QC – Stade Olympique (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/18 Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/20 Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/25 Los Angeles, CA – Sofi Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/27 Los Angeles, CA – Sofi Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
09/01 Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
09/03 Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
11/03 St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
11/05 St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
11/10 Detroit, MI – Ford Field (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
11/12 Detroit, MI – Ford Field (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
05/24 Munich, GER – Olympiastadion (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
05/26 Munich, GER – Olympiastadion (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
06/07 Helsinki, FIN – Helsinki Olympic Stadium (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
06/09 Helsinki, FIN – Helsinki Olympic Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
06/14 Copenhagen, DEN – Parken Stadium (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
06/16 Copenhagen, DEN – Parken Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
07/05 Warsaw, POL – PGE Narodowy (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
07/07 Warsaw, POL – PGE Narodowy (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
07/12 Madrid, SPA – Estadion Civitas Metrpolitano (feat. Architects & Mammoth WVH)
07/14 Madrid, SPA – Estadion Civitas Metrpolitano (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/02 Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/04 Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/09 Chicago, IL – Soldier Field (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/11 Chicago, IL – Soldier Field (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/16 Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/18 Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/23 Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
08/25 Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
08/30 Seattle, WA – Lumen Field (feat. Pantera & Mammoth WVH)
09/01 Seattle, WA – Lumen Field (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
09/20 Mexico City, MEX – Foro Sol (feat. Greta Van Fleet & Mammoth WVH)
09/22 Mexico City, MEX – Foro Sol (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)
09/27 Mexico City, MEX – Foro Sol (feat. Greta Van Fleet & Mammoth WVH)
09/29 Mexico City, MEX – Foro Sol (feat. Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills)

Deep Cuts: Metallica- Dyers Eve

The first Metallica album I ever heard was And Justice For All and from that point I was hooked. I was only 4 at the time but, it all made so much sense to me. Throughout the years of me listening to the album, I’ve come to love certain songs a ton. One of which is “Dyers Eve.” The songs lyrics is a rant from Hetfield to his parents and it’s such a poignant rant too. Musically, this song rips. It’s a “thrashterpiece” of epic proportions. Interestingly too, this song was debuted live in 2004, sixteen years after it was recorded, at a show in Los Angeles during the bands 2004 Madly In Anger With The World Tour. Also, as an album closer, what a way to end it on.

Metallica- Dyers Eve:

Metallica- Dyers Eve (Live At The Forum, 2004):

Alternate Versions: Metallica- Sad But True

Metallica’s “Sad But True” is one of the best tracks on their “Black Album.” It’s one of those songs that when they play it live, it’s even bigger than the studio version. A few days ago, Metallica announced a huge deluxe version of their now legendary “Black Album.” In this edition, there will be tons of bonus tracks including demos and alternate versions of songs. To get things going, the first one the band released is this badass version of “Sad But True.” According to the notes, this was take number 36 of the song and features a bunch of different things.

Metallica- Sad But True (Take 36- February 5th, 1991):

Deep Cuts: Metallica- The God That Failed

Metallica’s “Black Album” has so many hit songs it’s not even funny. Even with all those, there’s still some other gems that are often overlooked like this deep cut, “The God That Failed.” This song has an interesting story behind it as it’s based on James Hetfield’s experience with his mother’s death and her beliefs in Christian Science to rid her of the cancer that was killing her. This isn’t the first song nor the last to touch on this subject in the Metallica catalog. Another interesting fact about the song is that, this song was never released as a single, but was the first of the album’s songs to be heard by the public. “The God That Failed” has been played live over 100 times since the release of the “Black Album.”

Metallica- The God That Failed:

Instrumental Songs: Metallica- Orion

Since I started this topic, I made a giant list of songs to feature. The list is endless and the hardest part is figuring out what one to write about first. Thankfully, today I woke up with a riff in my head and I immediately remembered where it came from. Which now brings me to Metallica and their epic “Orion.” This song is so damn good. It’s absolutely one of the best instrumental songs ever. At over 8 minutes long, this song can take you on an adventure. It’s got all the best things about Metallica in it. Plus Cliff Burton’s bass parts on this song are superb!

Metallica- Orion:

Alternate Version: Metallica- Blackened (Acoustic)

About six months ago, Metallica released an alternate version of “Blackened.” This was obviously done during these very strange times we are living in. I really enjoy when bands break down their songs to the bare bones. Having a more acoustic feel to this song definitely gives it a different vibe. The original from And Justice For All is in my top 5 all time favorite Metallica songs. This new version, I have to say is quite fun. I’d really be interested to hear Metallica do a full on acoustic set in the same way the classic MTV Unplugged’s were.

Metallica- Blackened (2020):

Collaborations: Metallica with Dave Mustaine

We all know the story of how Dave Mustaine was once a member of Metallica. I don’t need to go into that. Instead let us focus on when Metallica did their 30th anniversary shows at The Fillmore in San Francisco. During those shows, Metallica played a ton of songs they haven’t in years and it featured many guests including, Ozzy, Jerry Cantrell, Danzig and especially, Dave Mustaine. The mini set they played with Mustaine was pretty awesome. It’s definitely one of those moments that should be celebrated. Who knows, maybe we’ll get to see it again one day or even one more “Big 4” show.

Phantom Lord/Jump In The Fire:

Metal Militia:

Hit The Lights (with Ron McGovney & Lloyd Grant):

Memorable Live Performances: Metallica- Live Seattle 1989

Back in 1993, Metallica released their live box set, Live Shit Binge & Purge. It was the bands first official live release and the contents of this set are truly something special. Besides the live audio CD’s/cassettes, there were 2 filmed shows in the box set as well. One from the LA Sports Arena in 1992 and another that has now become legendary from Seattle in 1989. The Seattle show in particular was from the bands Damaged Justice tour. This show is an absolute gem not only for the set list but for the unholy and ruthless approach the band had at the time. It’s all right there from the way the band played to their attitude. It’s truly one of those shows that if I had a time machine, I would most certainly go back and see. If you’ve never seen this, you are in for quite a treat. If you have, well, watch it again because it’s awesome!

Metallica- Live at Seattle Coliseum 1989:

 

 

Best Guitar Solos: Metallica- The Unforgiven

Metallica’s “Black Album” is quite a classic at this point. Not only did it mark a shift in style but, it’s also a game changer. Think about it, it truly is a game changing album when you examine the album. That’s a topic for a different day and one that will come up soon on Audioeclectica. There are a ton of songs on that album that deserve more acclaim and to be played live. One song that has been a staple for the most part since the album was released in 1991 is “The Unforogiven.” That song is absolutely epic. The melodic nature of the song and power that is emitted in this one is astounding. The other thing about this song that stands out is the guitar solo. Damn this solo is so good. Kirk Hammett really nailed a perfect complimentary solo to go along with the song. The video is pretty awesome too.

 

Metallica- The Unforgiven I:

Soundtrack Only Songs: Metallica- I Disappear

Metallica’s “I Disappear” from the Mission Impossible II soundtrack. The song that started the whole talk about illegal downloads and music on the internet and in the end, Lars was right. But, that’s not what this topic is about. One day I will go into more detail about my thoughts on that whole thing. This is about the song itself. Written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, this song is quite an interesting one. It’s got a bit of a “Black Album” meets Load/Reload vibe to it. Definitely not one of their best but, it’s still got a fun vibe to it. I remember the video to this song being pretty decent too. Another fun tidbit about this song is that since its release, Metallica has played it live 92 times (the most recent being in 2013).
Metallica- I Disappear (Video):

 

 

 

I Disappear (Live):