Album Review: Metallica - Hardwired...To Self-Destruct
After sitting out nearly the entire Obama administration (unless you count Lulu , which I think most of us would prefer to forget) it’s nice to finally see the boys in Metallica up and at it again. Hardwired…To Self-Destruct doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it does take everything the band has done before and refines it into a collection of heavy-hitting songs that offer something for everyone, even if it overstays its welcome in places. Right off the bat we’re treated to “Hardwired”, a blistering slice of thrash that clocks in at just over three minutes long. It’s shocking to hear Metallica write something so direct and brief that the first time I listened I was sure this was just a preview of the full track. Previous records were never lacking for an energetic opener and this LP continues that precedent in style. Throughout this double-album we’re treated to tunes that recall all of Metallica’s previous work with celebratory ease. “Atlas, Rise!” is very melodic and instantly remi...