METALLICA - Hardwired... To Self-Destruct 2xLP (180g)

Label: Blackened

Eight years is a long time to wait for a record. During that time most bands would fret about their relevance and torture themselves with the complexities of a rapidly changing musical landscape. Most bands would worry. Metallica, the ultimate hard rock survivors, give zero f**ks. There are several indicators of this.

Firstly, they’ve drip-dropped the first three singles – three of the best tracks on the album – over the last few months. Next, this double record, their 10th, totals nearly 80 minutes. Finally, aside from first single and opener ‘Hardwired’, the average track comes in at a lengthy six to seven minutes. They play by their own rules.

In the four decades since their inception they’ve managed to transcend time and keep fans guessing. And while ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct’ isn’t dissimilar in delivery to their last record, 2008’s ‘Death Magnetic’, Metallica still – in their fifties – remain both vital and innovative. And nobody in rock has earned those plaudits more.