Metallica – Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016)
Artist: Metallica
Album: Hardwired… to Self-Destruct
Released: November 18, 2016
Label: Blackened Recordings
Genre: Thrash metal, heavy metal
Length: 77:08 (standard edition)
Producer: Greg Fidelman
Overview
Hardwired… to Self-Destruct is Metallica’s tenth studio album and their first full-length studio release in eight years, following Death Magnetic (2008). It continues the band’s return to thrash and heavy metal roots while blending modern production with classic Metallica songwriting.
The album was recorded at Metallica’s HQ in San Rafael, California, with production by Greg Fidelman. It was well-received for its aggressive riffs, melodic hooks, and polished yet heavy sound, reaffirming Metallica’s position as a leading force in metal.
Album Credits
Band Members
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James Hetfield – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
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Kirk Hammett – lead guitar
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Robert Trujillo – bass, backing vocals
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Lars Ulrich – drums
Production
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Producer & Engineer: Greg Fidelman
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Mixing: Greg Fidelman
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Mastering: Vlado Meller
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Label: Blackened Recordings
Tracklist
Disc 1
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Hardwired
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Atlas, Rise!
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Now That We’re Dead
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Moth Into Flame
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Dream No More
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Halo on Fire
Disc 2
7. Confusion
8. ManUNkind
9. Here Comes Revenge
10. Am I Savage?
11. Murder One
12. Spit Out the Bone
Note: Deluxe editions include additional live tracks and behind-the-scenes content.
Commercial Performance
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Debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 300,000 copies in the first week (U.S.)
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Certified Gold in the U.S. and multi-platinum in several other countries
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Singles such as Hardwired, Moth Into Flame, and Atlas, Rise! charted internationally
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Supported by the WorldWired Tour (2016–2019), one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade
Musical Direction & Themes
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Return to thrash and heavy metal roots with fast riffs, solos, and modern production
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Themes include:
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Human aggression and societal collapse (Hardwired)
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Mortality and inner struggles (Halo on Fire)
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Rebellion and survival (Spit Out the Bone)
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Combines aggressive thrash passages with melodic, emotional sections
Key Tracks
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“Hardwired” – high-speed opener, statement of renewed intensity
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“Moth Into Flame” – explores fame, obsession, and self-destruction
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“Halo on Fire” – epic, nearly 8-minute track with dynamic shifts and melodic solos
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“Spit Out the Bone” – fast, aggressive closer, praised as one of the heaviest Metallica tracks in decades
Awards & Recognition
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Nominated for multiple Grammy Awards
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Critical acclaim for combining classic thrash with contemporary metal production
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Solidified Metallica’s relevance in modern heavy metal, appealing to both longtime and new fans
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The album title reflects the band’s themes of human aggression and inherent self-destruction
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Murder One is a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, using his iconic bass rig
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The album was released under the band’s own label, Blackened Recordings, giving them full creative control
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Fans praised the mix of classic-style riffs with modern sonic clarity
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Artwork by Richey Beckett features skeletal imagery reflecting the album’s dark themes
Did You Know?
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Hardwired… to Self-Destruct was Metallica’s first double studio album since Reload (1997)
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The album was produced entirely in-house at Metallica’s HQ, emphasizing DIY control
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Spit Out the Bone is considered a nod to the band’s thrash legacy, often compared to early Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning intensity
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The album’s release was accompanied by a large-scale promotional campaign, including music videos and streaming events
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Songs from the album became staples of the WorldWired Tour setlists worldwide
Critical Reception
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Praised for:
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Heavy riffs and thrash elements
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Polished production and sonic clarity
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Strong songwriting and variety of tempos
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Minor criticisms:
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Some reviewers noted the double album felt long in sections
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Comparisons with 1980s classics led to mixed opinions among purist fans
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Album Rating
9/10
Hardwired… to Self-Destruct demonstrates Metallica’s mastery of combining thrash intensity with modern production and melodic sensibilities. It balances aggression, technical skill, and songwriting depth, making it one of their strongest studio albums in decades.
