Review by Paddy Gallagher for MPM
Right, a head’s up here folks. Metallica have been a constant in my life since I sat listening to “Ride The Lightning” in 1984 wondering how the hell could the band follow that! I still get that tingle of anticipation prior to any Metallicactivity.
Apart from “Lulu” which I must be in a unique state of mind to listen to, I have enjoyed all their releases for the snapshots of where they were at that time. That bloody drum, or empty beer keg on St Anger? I consciously listen past it to the music it accompanies. And let’s not forget “Load” and “Re-Load”, two damn fine Heavy Rock albums, elements of progressive ideas evident. Then again, progressive can easily be applied to “The Call of Ktulu” and “Orion” too.
Each step Metallica takes seems to bring out copious amounts of negative comments. It obviously is part and parcel of success and longevity. Dream Theater and Opeth fan forums can be head scratching in their negativity. But at least they are populated by Dream Theater and Opeth fans. Sometimes it feels as if there’s a long queue of punters waiting to comment negatively and sometimes viciously on anything the Metallichaps do. Personally, I’m thankful the band haven’t turned into a tribute act or a nostalgia act, touring having released 3 albums in the 1980’s and nothing since. After all, it’s not that Metallica needs the money.
“Screaming Suicide” follows “Lux Æterna” as advance releases from the forthcoming album “72 Seasons” scheduled for release on April 14th, 2023. I’m seriously enjoying the vibe from these two songs and the direction it appears the band’s song writing is heading. So far it feels refreshing, angry, and carrying a distinct feel of “Kill ‘Em All” brought into the 2020’s. The band has done the metal that’s long, complicated, progressive, thrash, instrumental, the heavy, progressive rock. This may be a return to the less complex, even basic sounds of very early Metallica, but it exorcises demons, the lyrics to “Screaming Suicide” conveying a very important message in current times:
“‘Screaming Suicide’ addresses the taboo word of suicide. The intention is to communicate about the darkness we feel inside. It’s ridiculous to think we should deny that we have these thoughts. At one point or another I believe most people have thought about it. To face it is to speak the unspoken. If it’s a human experience, we should be able to talk about it. You are not alone.” – James Hetfield
I’m buzzing for the new album. It’s a special day when possibly the most successful band of our genre can still be bothered to make new music. The two pieces of outstanding music we’ve heard so far building up the excitement levels.
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