Metallica, Hardwired | Track Review 🎵

Metallica packs a mighty punch on up-tempo, ambitious, comeback single, “Hardwired.” The metal veterans aren’t playing around. 

It has been eight years since Metallica released a proper studio album. Eight years! After a lengthy wait, the metal veterans return with the highly anticipated Hardwired…To Self-Destruct… on November 18.  Leading the promotional campaign for Hardwired is single “Hardwired.” Appropriate, to say the least.  

“Hardwired” is electrifying from the start. The jagged rhythmic riffs are a catalyst for head banging early on. Featuring a great bass line, the riff packs a mean punch throughout the record. Lightening quick speed makes the record both ambitious and utterly insane.

Ultimately, “Hardwired” features few lyrics, but a few is sufficient. Exceptional instrumental work is atonement, though none is needed.  The few featured lyrics pack a punch.  James Hetfield is definitely feeling unapologetic:

“We’re so fucked

Shit out of luck

hardwired to self-destruct.”

Other noteworthy mentions include superb soloing and concluding with a bang.

Final Thoughts

Quite the adrenaline rush, “Hardwired” is alluring. The quick tempo is hella impressive. Hetfield sounds passionate as hell…literally. Enjoyable through and through, “Hardwired” packs a mighty punch in its three-minute package.

Metallica • Hardwired…To Self-Destruct… • Blackened Recordings • Release: 11.18.16

Photo Credit: Blackened Recordings