Hardwired…to Self-Destruct marked the launch of Metallica’s own record label, Blackened Recordings. It’s their only double–album to date, unless you count Lulu. The album released 5 singles, and was their 6th consecutive album to debut at #1, and is certified Platinum.
Members:
James Hetfield: vocals, guitar
Kirk Hammett: guitar
Robert Trujillo: bass
Lars Ulrich: drums
The Tracks:
- “Hardwired”: What a way to start! Lars’ drumming is explosive!
- “Atlas, Rise!”: The single release of this song came with a mask because it was released around Halloween. The guitars are fierce.
- “Now That We’re Dead”: I’m not a fan of this song, but the rhythm is cool.
- “Moth Into Flame: There’s an actual solo on this! The bass line is good.
- “Dream No More”: Not bad, but a little repetitive.
- “Halo On Fire”: The song is a little too long, but I like it. On to disc 2!
- “Confusion”: Not a good start for the second disc. I’m beginning to think the album is a bit overloaded.
- “ManUNkind”: We’re back on the good side. Some solid drumming on this one.
- “Here Comes Revenge”: Another one of my favorite songs. Just some incredible thrashing.
- “Am I Savage?”: Another solid banger! The guitars are pretty cool.
- “Murder One”: This feels like it would’ve fit in on one of their older albums. It’s great!
- “Spit Out the Bone”: This is my favorite single on the album, and an excellent closer.
Final Verdict: My friends hyped this album a lot, so I was intrigued. While I think the album could have worked better as a single album, it’s lived up to the hype.
Grade: B
Aspie Catholic 