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4 out of 5 stars

Metallica, Hardwired...To Self-Destruct... © Blackened RecordingsMetallica 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-Destructon 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
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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