Metallica – 72 Seasons (2023)

Artist: Metallica
Album: 72 Seasons
Released: April 14, 2023
Label: Blackened Recordings
Genre: Heavy metal, thrash metal
Length: ~77:14
Producers: Greg Fidelman, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich

72 Seasons is Metallica’s eleventh studio album, and their first full‑length record of new material since Hardwired… to Self‑Destruct (2016). The album features an ambitious blend of classic thrash energy and mature songwriting, exploring themes of personal growth and the lasting impact of early life experiences—the “72 seasons” referring to the first eighteen years of life that shape who we become.

Album Credits

Band Members

James Hetfield – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Kirk Hammett – lead guitar
Robert Trujillo – bass, backing vocals
Lars Ulrich – drums

Production & Technical

Produced by: Greg Fidelman, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich
Mixed by: Greg Fidelman
Engineered by: Sara Lyn Killion & Jim Monti
Mastered by: Bob Ludwig
Recorded at: Metallica HQ, San Rafael, California
Label: Blackened Recordings

Tracklist

72 Seasons
Shadows Follow
Screaming Suicide
Sleepwalk My Life Away
You Must Burn!
Lux Æterna
Crown of Barbed Wire
Chasing Light
If Darkness Had a Son
Too Far Gone?
Room of Mirrors
Inamorata

Musical Style & Themes

72 Seasons continues Metallica’s return toward energetic thrash metal and heavy riffs, blending complex song structures and melodic hooks reminiscent of their 1980s roots while also showcasing modern metal influences. Thematically, frontman James Hetfield delves into introspective territory, addressing identity, trauma, personal growth, and the psychological imprint of youth on adult life.

Commercial Performance

Debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, giving Metallica one of the biggest rock album debuts of 2023.
(Their streak of No. 1 debuts was halted, but the album still achieved very strong sales in its first week.)

Awards & Recognition

At the 66th Grammy Awards (2024), the title track “72 Seasons” won Best Metal Performance.
The album also won the iHeartRadio Music Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2024.

Fun Facts & Trivia

Longest song in Metallica’s catalogue: “Inamorata” runs over eleven minutes, making it one of their longest original tracks.
Multiple music videos were released from the album, including visuals for “Lux Æterna,” “Screaming Suicide,” and “If Darkness Had a Son.”
The band supported the album with the M72 World Tour (2023–2024), featuring rotating opening acts in different cities.

Did You Know?

The album’s title concept reflects Hetfield’s belief that the first 18 years—72 seasons—shape a person’s identity and psychological patterns.
72 Seasons is the band’s second studio album released on their own label, Blackened Recordings.
“Lux Æterna,” the lead single, is one of Metallica’s shorter songs, contrasting with epic longer tracks on the album.

Critical & Fan Reception

Critics generally praised the album for its energetic return to form and strong performances from the band, while some noted its long runtime and dense songwriting as ambitious but occasionally overextended. Metacritic cites generally favorable reviews overall.

Album Rating

⭐ 8.5/10

72 Seasons captures Metallica’s continued mastery of heavy metal: fierce riffs, introspective lyrics, and powerful dynamics, reinforcing their legacy while pushing their sound forward.