72 Seasons
by Metallica
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Apr 14, 2023
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 126
  3. Negative: 17 out of 126
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  1. SuperPantsBG
    Sep 9, 2023
    8
    This new album by Metallica isn't something revolutionary but its still 'Metallica".

    Yeah not every song in the album is that good, but the songs that are good are VERY good like "Lux Æterna", "72 seasons", "Shadows Follow" which are really fast tracks. They give similar vibes of Hardwired, but in my opinion they are better. The longest song in the album "Inamorata" is slower than the    This new album by Metallica isn't something revolutionary but its still 'Metallica".

    Yeah not every song in the album is that good, but the songs that are good are VERY good like "Lux Æterna", "72 seasons", "Shadows Follow" which are really fast tracks. They give similar vibes of Hardwired, but in my opinion they are better. The longest song in the album "Inamorata" is slower than the other but it sounds amazing and for sure makes an impression from the first listen.

    We should all accept the fact that Metallica is an old band and we can't expect the same as the 80s, but even with that we should appreciate what they are releasing, because they still sound good and James' vocals sound even better.

    Also the songs in 72 seasons are still as long as their previous releases which is awesome!    … Expand
  2. Lialo1889
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    Good very good in fact pretty nice may I say pretty okay very nice and warm like the hair of a 5 year old I love ice cream especially the one with the chocolate chips on top unfortunately I cannot go to ice cream store anymore because I’m a registred sex offender but I can still get my **** on the dark market you the stuff with brownie cookie dough all sort of extra on the side anywayGood very good in fact pretty nice may I say pretty okay very nice and warm like the hair of a 5 year old I love ice cream especially the one with the chocolate chips on top unfortunately I cannot go to ice cream store anymore because I’m a registred sex offender but I can still get my **** on the dark market you the stuff with brownie cookie dough all sort of extra on the side anyway pretty good album… Expand
  3. Loukall2007
    May 14, 2023
    10
    No bad song while not on the level of injustice for all i cant find any complaint
  4. aledelf
    Jun 23, 2023
    8
    I really liked this album, even if it doesn´t sound as good as we know metallica can be, after all of those years of career i think that´s a really great record with awesome songs and reminds of past metallica moments, makes us feel relieved that it is good
  5. Lajaleaa
    May 27, 2023
    8
    For my first time paying a deep and complete attention to Metallica, they become something tiring to hear very quickly on this album. Yet, I'm dragged across the whole album easily thanks to their energy. They are really putting sweat and muscle in here, and I can't just help to applaud the strength they have to play full of youth and fun. They still have some tricks under the cords, andFor my first time paying a deep and complete attention to Metallica, they become something tiring to hear very quickly on this album. Yet, I'm dragged across the whole album easily thanks to their energy. They are really putting sweat and muscle in here, and I can't just help to applaud the strength they have to play full of youth and fun. They still have some tricks under the cords, and each one of the songs have a space and time that is worth to hold on to. This is not something one can come back easily, not even them with 5 + years in between their latest albums, but I do feel Metallica deserves to be something we should be holding strong just as much as they keep pushing the boundaries of their creativity and energy. Long live Metallica, hell yeah.… Expand
  6. billyboggins
    May 21, 2023
    10
    honestly in the days to the albums release i was incredibly skeptical. i thought it would be like a copy of hardwired, but i was wrong. the vocals are amazing, lars really stepped up his drumming game, rob's bass was aggrssive and complemented the drumming nicely. and kirk took some of the best things about "portals" and put them in the form of harmonies and melodies. honestly im blownhonestly in the days to the albums release i was incredibly skeptical. i thought it would be like a copy of hardwired, but i was wrong. the vocals are amazing, lars really stepped up his drumming game, rob's bass was aggrssive and complemented the drumming nicely. and kirk took some of the best things about "portals" and put them in the form of harmonies and melodies. honestly im blown away by this album.… Expand
  7. pendrik
    May 14, 2023
    10
    An unbelievable album. After all this year, ageing didn't affect the band neither their impressive will to give, more and more. With the characteristic and unique tone of voice of Mr Heathfield "MetallicA' 72 Seasons" arises above and beyond any expectations. The "frantic" rhythms and the deep vocalisations didn't flinch, but what is to be noted are the thematics. What would happen, if weAn unbelievable album. After all this year, ageing didn't affect the band neither their impressive will to give, more and more. With the characteristic and unique tone of voice of Mr Heathfield "MetallicA' 72 Seasons" arises above and beyond any expectations. The "frantic" rhythms and the deep vocalisations didn't flinch, but what is to be noted are the thematics. What would happen, if we could have the chance to obtain instantly the wisdom of a 50 years old ourselves? This is why 72 Seasons is here: to bring us there, in the future, giving the chance to gaze everything differently. Same topics, from a new perspectives resembles different observers. From the bottom of my soul, thanks.
    You might have saved me from one of the most terrible years of my life. I'll never scream your name, I'll keep it inside.    … Expand
  8. almeidafreak
    May 11, 2023
    10
    Fantastic, dudes are almost 60 and rocking like this, gotta give them props.
  9. Twoak
    May 6, 2023
    8
    New Metallica album is always good news. They are enjoying themselves, putting out songs that sound exactly good as their first albums, the difference is just in modern mixing and mastering. Really good album, the more you listen to it, the more you like it. Anyways.. It is still better than if Metallica quit and stopped making music for millions of people that are in love with them :)
  10. iliad2003
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Metallica had set the bar too high so fans expecting master pieces so dont expect from it as their first five albums but its their best work after the black album. Inammorta was another great song from them Too Far Gone?, Room of Mirrors and Lux Æterna was nice ones other songs were good and enough entertaining for fans to enjoy them live. I just think production could be better songs wereMetallica had set the bar too high so fans expecting master pieces so dont expect from it as their first five albums but its their best work after the black album. Inammorta was another great song from them Too Far Gone?, Room of Mirrors and Lux Æterna was nice ones other songs were good and enough entertaining for fans to enjoy them live. I just think production could be better songs were unnecessary long and i think they had a lot of potential and could be better but totally a good release 8/10… Expand
  11. ferijs
    Apr 28, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ..and finally metallica back to metallica style.... sense the cliff soul in this album… Expand
  12. hectorsft
    Apr 25, 2023
    10
    Excellent album. There are so many things to explore and riffs to analyze. Well done Metallica for this fantastic record.
  13. terryfying
    Apr 24, 2023
    7
    Great album, not on the level of their first 5 albums, but still excellent music to headbang to.
  14. irv_
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    This album is perfect! Every song has a riff that reminds you of Metallica's best times. James is singing like never before! Impressive the work of these guys at 60 years old! For more Metallica albums! Metallica is life!
  15. Argyboy
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    This is a solid Metallica album, no more and no less. There's nothing particularly new here but I'm not sure what people would expect from 4 guys that are almost 60 and are 40 years into their career. I'm just happy that they're still out there and still putting out solid records for people to enjoy.
  16. luizgcorreia
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    A great Metallica record! Not the most innovative, but there are some really strong riffs, the production is good and James' vocals and lyrics are fantastic! It's like a weird mix of Kill'em All and Load/Reload. Inamorata is my favorite track!
  17. Thrillip1
    Apr 18, 2023
    8
    This Album ist really good. It is Not the fastest one but it has a few of the best Songs of the band within the last Two decades. For Sure it is not as good as the Albums of the 80's but it has its own unique Sound and i like the bass parts as well as the drumming parts. The vocals are rough and strong but fits into the Riffs. My individuell Highlights are Lux aeterna, you musst burn, IfThis Album ist really good. It is Not the fastest one but it has a few of the best Songs of the band within the last Two decades. For Sure it is not as good as the Albums of the 80's but it has its own unique Sound and i like the bass parts as well as the drumming parts. The vocals are rough and strong but fits into the Riffs. My individuell Highlights are Lux aeterna, you musst burn, If darkness had a son and of course inamorata which is the best Song of the Album in my opinion...… Expand
  18. Patocan32
    Apr 18, 2023
    8
    Bad ass and heavy. More simple than Hardwire, but definitely delivers. Metallica formula on point and reminiscing on their first albums. Some songs too long, but overall its a solid 8/10, good album.
  19. MaHolsback
    Apr 18, 2023
    9
    Não espere um album que "desce redondo" nos ouvidos, como o Black Album.
    Muito menos o trash dos clássicos Master of Puppets ou Ride the Lightning.
    O que temos aqui é um heavy metal extremamente maduro, rifs que variam constantemente mudando os andamentos das músicas e letras introspectivas. Sim, ele necessita de algumas audições para compreensão plena da obra... prima. Imperdível, o    Não espere um album que "desce redondo" nos ouvidos, como o Black Album.
    Muito menos o trash dos clássicos Master of Puppets ou Ride the Lightning.
    O que temos aqui é um heavy metal extremamente maduro, rifs que variam constantemente mudando os andamentos das músicas e letras introspectivas. Sim, ele necessita de algumas audições para compreensão plena da obra... prima. Imperdível, o melhor desde Black Album!    … Expand
  20. Gbesp
    Apr 14, 2023
    9
    72 seasons is a great álbum, too far gone its my favorite Song . it's worth listening
  21. Velgar
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    Wow! Metallica has done it again with 72 Seasons. This is a must-listen for any metal fan, or anyone who appreciates heavier music. The album is full of powerful riffs, epic solos, and catchy melodies that will stay in your head for days. The lyrics are also deep and meaningful. Metallica have proven that they are still the kings of metal for me. I just love the album, along with most ofWow! Metallica has done it again with 72 Seasons. This is a must-listen for any metal fan, or anyone who appreciates heavier music. The album is full of powerful riffs, epic solos, and catchy melodies that will stay in your head for days. The lyrics are also deep and meaningful. Metallica have proven that they are still the kings of metal for me. I just love the album, along with most of the previous ones.… Expand
  22. MajestikMelvill
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    All I need to say is, I was sceptical for some reason going in, but its rare in 2023 that an album comes out where theres no skips on your third and fourth play. Its been out 3 days and its probably already my most played album on spotify this year. Metallica back on form.
  23. mdbandeira
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Excelente disco, MetallicA mostrando pq é a maior banda de metal do mundo. Volta às origens, com o pé no atual …
  24. turboboi
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This album is a perfect fusion of their 80s, and especially 90s sound, mixed well together, and sprinkled with a bit new metallica, and also some hardwired. However, I would say the soundscape is more consistent than Hardwire, and in my humble opinion; this is their greatest work since the black album. Never have I heard a metallica album where I instantly liked so many song, maybe thereThis album is a perfect fusion of their 80s, and especially 90s sound, mixed well together, and sprinkled with a bit new metallica, and also some hardwired. However, I would say the soundscape is more consistent than Hardwire, and in my humble opinion; this is their greatest work since the black album. Never have I heard a metallica album where I instantly liked so many song, maybe there fewer songs that really sticks out, compared to MOP, RTL, Black album, and Kill em all, but the overall quality is great. If you didn't like it the first time, listen to it a few more times.… Expand
  25. Xavier31
    Apr 15, 2023
    9
    "72 Seasons" is a great album, with almost no low points, there is no bad song here. The initial feeling when listening to this album is that it is a very mature work, where it seems that each member of the band had their importance, which in itself, for me, already makes this album more interesting than its predecessor, "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct," from 2016, a work in which the"72 Seasons" is a great album, with almost no low points, there is no bad song here. The initial feeling when listening to this album is that it is a very mature work, where it seems that each member of the band had their importance, which in itself, for me, already makes this album more interesting than its predecessor, "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct," from 2016, a work in which the creative power of the album seems to have been almost entirely on frontman James Hetfield.

    "72 Seasons" in turn conveys much less of this feeling, with the members being on top from beginning to end. But still, for me, the Metallica member who was the least impressive was Kirk Hammett, who sometimes resorts to using techniques that already sound very repetitive in solos in the band's more recent songs.

    In any case, there are great solos here, and overall a great work by the band as a whole. The obvious highlight goes to James, who shines a LOT on vocals (one of his best vocal works, if not his best), with extremely heavy and great riffs. It is impressive that after all these years, he can still bring creative things. In addition, the lyrics of this album are much more penetrating than the majority of the band's albums.

    My highlight goes to the song "Inamorata," which, for me, although it is too early to say due to the hype, is one of the best songs technically speaking by the band.

    But it doesn't stop there, because out of 12 songs, for me, this record only has two slightly more forgettable songs, which are "Sleepwalk My Life Away" and "Crown of Barbed Wire," all the rest are good, with some standing out and being more prominent.

    "72 Seasons" is a great album, with excellent and heavy riffs, and the band members shining throughout most of the record, with a lot of creativity from Mr. Hetfield. Rating 8.5."    … Expand
  26. d001
    Apr 15, 2023
    10
    Metallicaaaaaaaaaaa. King! There is a lot of energy served in a different way!
  27. bryan101384
    Apr 14, 2023
    10
    I feel 100% confident about giving this album a 10 out of 10. The riffs are catchy from start to finish and this album has some of the best songs that Metallica has produced since the 80s and early 90s. Room of mirrors and too far gone are two of my personal favorites but I love every song on this album even the slower songs have some badass doomy riffs. There's so much to digest here forI feel 100% confident about giving this album a 10 out of 10. The riffs are catchy from start to finish and this album has some of the best songs that Metallica has produced since the 80s and early 90s. Room of mirrors and too far gone are two of my personal favorites but I love every song on this album even the slower songs have some badass doomy riffs. There's so much to digest here for people that think that the songs are too long I don't know how you could be a fan of Metallica's old music because all of the songs were long. I swear the majority of people that reviewed this album as far as critics go aren't Metallica fans at all. Not that they all gave it bad reviews it's that the content of the reviews is very misleading from what the album actually sounds like. Metallica has aged like a fine wine into 2023.… Expand
  28. Arik90
    Apr 15, 2023
    10
    It's rare to find a music band in this world that releases yet another album with almost all of the original band members in their fifth decade of activity. Metallica could have stopped creating new music in 1991 and avoided many negative comments from social media critics who claim everything they have done since the Black Album sucks because they had already reached the top of the musicIt's rare to find a music band in this world that releases yet another album with almost all of the original band members in their fifth decade of activity. Metallica could have stopped creating new music in 1991 and avoided many negative comments from social media critics who claim everything they have done since the Black Album sucks because they had already reached the top of the music world in their first decade of activity. However, Metallica never stops and never quits, as they said in their first album. They love being on stage, trying new experiences, and being creative and dynamic has kept them an extraordinary band and kept them alive, because they always take risks without fear of the consequences, and time has proven that they were right about some of the choices they have made.

    "72 Seasons" is a statement from Metallica as a band, which connects them together after James' rehab and during the pandemic. The song structures and time changes on this album remind us of their first four albums that met Load and Reload. However, unlike many Metallica songs, there is no clean guitar, except for a few seconds in "Inamorata" on this album. They didn't want to slow it down, and the fire that starts from the title track never stops, like "St. Anger" and "Kill 'Em All". They didn't try to make a record for someone else, rather than themselves, and they didn't follow a cheat sheet to "Please 'Em All". Instead, they tried to create something original that hadn't been done before, and I think they succeeded. Overall, every track has something to admire, and an old-school heavy metal fan won't be disappointed listening to this album.    … Expand
  29. jmneeley06
    Apr 15, 2023
    10
    Great album! It’s raw, heavy and some of James’ best lyrics, vocals! People are looking for reasons to always being angry with this band!
  30. Guitar1979
    Apr 15, 2023
    7
    Let me start off by saying this now, this is not a thrash metal album, and it is hard for me to call it a heavy metal album, though it does contain the gallop rhythm sound. This is really an alternative rock album mixed with elements of pop. Metallica's first 4 albums were heavy metal, the 5th album "the Black Album" is where they started introducing pop into their songs, and their 6thLet me start off by saying this now, this is not a thrash metal album, and it is hard for me to call it a heavy metal album, though it does contain the gallop rhythm sound. This is really an alternative rock album mixed with elements of pop. Metallica's first 4 albums were heavy metal, the 5th album "the Black Album" is where they started introducing pop into their songs, and their 6th album is where they left heavy metal and went in the direction of alternative rock, I can remember being a 16 year old kid in high school when Load come out and everyone was talking about how that album sucked and how Metallica sold out.

    Shortly after the release of Load a pissed off Kirk Hammett and Jason Newsted appeared on MTV to fire back at their critics for calling them sellouts. Kid Rock done similar meaning he came from a certain genre and then left it, Kid Rock being rap and then slowly leaving it for his Country/Southern rock gimmick and now you might get a teeny tiny bit of rap in an album currently released from him.

    If you take the album for what it is which is an Alternative Rock Album mixed with elements of pop which does have some heavy riffs at time, then it's a good album, if you try to compare it to the original thrash metal albums then it doesn't hold a candle to those and will be crushed in comparison.

    The album itself reminds me of Death Magnetic meets Load and Reload, though I think it sounds better than Death Magnetic because that specific album was too overly loud because of producer Rick Rubin's overly loud treatment/mix which ruined Magnetic, though someone uploaded the guitar hero version of that album on Youtube which sounded a lot better and didn't have the overly loudness to it.

    If you are a guitarist there seems to be popping up a lot of the 72 Season songs on Youtube with tabs showing how to play them, and the songs don't appear to be rather simple as they consist of mainly gallops, slides, single notes mixed with an occasional hammer on.....

    The opening Track 72 Seasons may be the fastest song on the album, Metallica often opens it's albums up with the fastest or one of the fastest tracks for their opener [Fight Fire with Fire on Lightning, Battery on Puppets etc.] Online clocks the song 72 seasons at 169 BPM. The second song of the album Shadows Fall
    the opening drum beat reminds me a little of Holier Than Thou from the Black Album, the 6th song on the album Lux Æterna reminds me a bit of Hit The Lights from Kill Em All and also their Killing Time Cover.

    I'll give the album 7 out of 10, but again I think the issue with many of us, and this also includes me, is it's hard to not compare this album to the earlier thrash albums Metallica put out, a lot of the people rating this 72 Seasons album were not alive in the 1980s when albums like Kill Em All, Lightning, Puppets, and Justice.. came out, so they don't understand the climate at the time.

    Rant over.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Mojo
    May 16, 2023
    80
    Lux Æterna [is] a prime example of 72 Seasons' astonishing vigour. ... Metallica are worthy again. [Jul 2023, p.82]
  2. The Wire
    May 9, 2023
    80
    Virtuosity quickly shades into something inhuman, as every plectrum and drumstick lands inevitably – and thrillingly – on target. [Jun 2023, p.54]
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 24, 2023
    60
    For all Hetfield’s soul-baring, however, as a whole 72 Seasons seems to mark the end of their late-career renaissance and is ultimately far more solid than spectacular.
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