25 Most Anticipated Albums of Fall 2016

Metallica, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, November 18th

Someone very dear to me, who I trust about rock and metal music very much, said the other day, “Metallica… another metal band trying too hard.” Could it be that we’ve seen the rise and fall of Metallica? I’m not sure I’m the right person to answer that question. In fact, I prefer to let the music answer those types of questions for me.

“Hardwired” the song, from the new album, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct is catchy enough. I do not hate it. But is it what we’ve come to expect from the gods of metal? Is it good enough to keep them afloat twenty-five years after their epic 1991 album Metallica(The Black Album)?

"Once upon a planet burning Once upon a flame Once upon a fear returning All in vain Do you feel that hope is fading? Do you comprehend? Do you feel it terminating In the end? We’re so fucked Shit outta luck Hardwired to self-destruct Hardwired to self-destruct -“Hardwired”"

It’s short for Metallica, but with as in your face as those lyrics are, I’m not sad about it. In fact, I hope to hear more punchy songs and less opuses from this new album.