Hardwired...To Self-Destruct
by Metallica
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2016
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 399 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 332 out of 399
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 399
  3. Negative: 34 out of 399
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  1. jmneeley06
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    A wonderful return from an old friend. Metallica is back with Hardwired....To Self Destruct with some of their strongest material in over 25 years. They sound passionate, inspired and re-energized after 8 years since Death Magnetic.
  2. Bonovox
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    Metallica is back to glory! Spit out the Bone is already a thrash metal classic to me. Cannot wait to hear these song in a live setting. See you in tour 2017!
  3. TiffanyStarrxxx
    Nov 22, 2016
    10
    This album is like a mix between all of Metallica's other albums (minus the horrible St.Anger) There's something on this album for every Metal(lica) fan to enjoy. Some may be disappointed there's no instrumental track in Hardwired...To Self-Destruct, but with such a great set-list already you won't miss it too much. Pick it up since it's fairly cheap for a new Metallica release.
  4. amkosh
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    Проблема практически всех новых альбомов большинства легендарных исполнителей гигантов индустрии, заключается чаще всего в том, что им никак не удается избежать сравнения с их прошлыми работами. Даже самые преданные фанаты ждут не новых песен любимой группы, а повторения тех эмоций, которые они испытали, когда только лишь познакомились с ее творчеством. В итоге получается, что оценивают наПроблема практически всех новых альбомов большинства легендарных исполнителей гигантов индустрии, заключается чаще всего в том, что им никак не удается избежать сравнения с их прошлыми работами. Даже самые преданные фанаты ждут не новых песен любимой группы, а повторения тех эмоций, которые они испытали, когда только лишь познакомились с ее творчеством. В итоге получается, что оценивают на новых альбомах, прежде всего не музыку, а степень схожести нового материала с наиболее любимым и успешным альбомом прошлого.
    Пионеры трэш-металла из Сан-Франциско Metallica, за свою вот уже 35-летнюю деятельность, не раз попадали под удар из-за своих творческих поисков. Начав свой музыкальный путь со сверхэнергичного, необузданного альбома “Kill’em all” 1983 года, уже своей второй пластинкой они вызвали бурю в фанатском стане и музыкальной прессе. Баллада Fade to Black стала причиной обвинения группы в продажности и чуть ли не уходе в попсу (эх, не знали фанаты тогда еще, что ждет их в 90-х). Но на протяжении всей своей истории участники группы никогда не шли на поводу у поклонников, не обращали внимания на едкие отзывы в прессе, а продолжали отстаивать свои творческие взгляды. Бесконечные поиски, эксперименты со звучанием, жанрами, стилями за три десятилетия вылились в 9 уникальных альбомов, каждый из которых остается объектом бурных дискуссий по сей день – у каждого альбома есть как преданные поклонники, так и ненавистники. Но в этом и ценность Metallica как творцов – не пожелав становиться заложниками одного единственного жанра, они не прекращали расширять свои музыкальные рамки, завоевав тем самым сердца миллионов поклонников рока по всему миру.
    Но даже у такого колоссального успеха есть обратная сторона. Теперь, в эру интернета, когда каждый может делиться своим мнением, не выходя из дома, непосредственно доносить свою оценку до исполнителя, ориентиры группы пошатнулись. Это стало видно в 2008 году с релизом альбома “Death Magnetic”, которым Metallica постаралась угодить поклонникам, бесконечно призывающим группу вернуться к своим корням и записать “второй Master of Puppets”. И несмотря на то, что альбом, за исключением совершенно ужасной работы звукоинженера, получился весьма неплохим и, действительно, полон отсылок к раннему творчеству группы, но все же при этом, он создает ощущение вымученного и совершенно неискреннего. Разумеется, фанаты вновь остались не удовлетворены. И снова недовольные комментарии заполонили интернет, но теперь уже громче всех кричали о самокопировании и жалких попытках играть так же яростно, как в молодые годы, забыв, что сами же и подтолкнули группу к этому.
    Джеймс Хэтфилд, в одном из недавних интервью рассказал, что больше Металлика больше не обращают внимание на критику в интернете и это очень похоже на правду. Новый альбом – не бездумная попытка сделать все как в старые времена (с обязательной баладой, инструменталом и Unforgiven 4), а бережное использование всего накопившегося за 3,5 десятилетия опыта. Там, где на Death Magnetic было самокопирование, на Hardwired лишь слабо уловимые отсылки. Альбом наполнен новыми для группы идеями и решениями, он разнообразен – тяжелый, мрачный, агрессивный, быстрый, техничный, прогрессивный. Приятно слышать, что Металлика вновь не боится экспериментов, вновь не идет на поводу у зацикленных на Master of Puppets поклонников, а продолжает заниматься творчеством и писать музыку, которую они любят.
    Отдельно хотелось бы отметить звук нового альбома. После богомерзкого звучания Death Magnetic, новый альбом радует прекрасным сведением – все инструменты хорошо слышны и не заставляют уши кровоточить спустя пару треков.

    Hardwired...To Self-Destruct – альбом, которого ждали все – многие чтобы облить его грязью, многие, чтоб в очередной раз обругать группу в отсутствии идей, паразитировании на прошлом, кто-то ждал, чтобы в очередной раз заявить, что раньше было лучше, а кто-то ждал потому что верил. Верили в то, что музыканты еще способны творить, способны удивлять и радовать своих поклонников, быть искренними и честными с ними. И знаете – все эти люди ждали не напрасно и каждый из них найдет в новом альбоме именно то, чего он ждал. Ненавистники – продолжат ненавидеть, завистники – завидовать, скептики и зацикленные на прошлом фэны все так же будут тосковать по старым времена, ну а те, кто любит группу, принимая все ее творчество, находя в каждом альбоме музыку себе по душе, получат то, что любят больше всего – Металлику. И последние останутся довольны на 100%, потому что группа пишет музыку для них – тех, кто с ними всегда и до конца.    … Expand
  5. ji_alireza
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    The album is very divergent ,It is like ,they created an album which represents Metallica's 35 years of career in 13 songs(including Lords of Summer). Thrash metal, heavy metal, and hard rock all combines together in this album and this happened for the first time for Metallica. Anyone can pick up his favorite songs from it.
  6. OnlyOneKenobi
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    Love them or hate them, Metallica is a force to be reckoned with in the music arena. Being the one most recognised names in Hard Rock and Metal, they do what they want to do whenever they feel like it. The band has dabbled in different genres of metal and hard rock music, and this album - their first full studio album in eight years, is a celebration of their tenure in the industry. ThereLove them or hate them, Metallica is a force to be reckoned with in the music arena. Being the one most recognised names in Hard Rock and Metal, they do what they want to do whenever they feel like it. The band has dabbled in different genres of metal and hard rock music, and this album - their first full studio album in eight years, is a celebration of their tenure in the industry. There is something for everyone on this album. Some tracks such as Now That We're Dead and Here Comes Revenge is reminiscent of their work on the Black album, where Moth Into Flame and Atlas, Rise! would feel right at home on Death Magnetic. If you like heavy, then Tallica gives you heavy baby - with tracks like Dream No More being similar in feel to classics such as The Thing That Should Not Be and Sad But True. Tracks such as Lords of Summer and Spit Out the Bone harken back to the band's trash-metal origins. The songs Confusion and Am I Savage feel like a blend of the Load and Ride the Lightning styles... In my opinion, this sits right next to (or slightly above) the Metallica, aka Black Album which had been my personal favourite. In closing, the production quality on this album is superb. There are no Death Magnetic - type sound clipping issues here and no trace of the "garage band" quality recordings that were present on St. Anger.
    In short, if you like Metallica, then waste no time and go buy this album NOW!    … Expand
  7. Ratz81
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    A blistering return to form for the gods of metal. Some will bemoan the length but after 8 years its exactly what i was craving. While there are undoubted lulls the majority of album is a belter and is some of the best stuff Metallica have ever done let alone recently.

    A Triumphant Return
  8. Pitovnikov
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    This is exactly what I expected to hear from Metallica. There are awesome midtempo songs: Dream No More, Now That We're Dead, Am I Savage?, Murder One which reminds of Black album and Load-Reload era, but also there are thrashy old school songs: Hardwired, Atlas, Rise!, Here Comes Revenge, Moth Into Flame and of course Spit Out the Bone. Songs like Here Comes Revenge, ManUNkind and Halo onThis is exactly what I expected to hear from Metallica. There are awesome midtempo songs: Dream No More, Now That We're Dead, Am I Savage?, Murder One which reminds of Black album and Load-Reload era, but also there are thrashy old school songs: Hardwired, Atlas, Rise!, Here Comes Revenge, Moth Into Flame and of course Spit Out the Bone. Songs like Here Comes Revenge, ManUNkind and Halo on Fire are totally new kind of stuff for Metallica. Overall it's a fantastic album. Metallica is back MFs!… Expand
  9. GMMULLER
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    Good album of Metallica, with great sound variety! Moth to Flame, Hardwired and Here Comes Revenge are excellent songs of this album. Spit Out the Bone is masterpiece of all time!
  10. powerchord
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    another sensory overload, will take a few spins to sink and when does its awesome.
    songs that stand out early beside the 3 singles "are here comes revenge" and "murder one" (great videos as well !!)
  11. Heshton
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    Excellent album, very groovy and catchy, it has all the elements that we needed in a Metallica album, there are slow songs but very heavy also fast ones very thashy, its pretty balanced!
  12. Valeri12580
    Nov 19, 2016
    10
    Metallica is back with Hardwired...T Self Destruct after 8 years since Death Magnetic.This album is great!All songs have videos..the riffs are heavy..perfect
  13. Adriandanaila
    Nov 22, 2016
    10
    A wonderful return from an old friend. Metallica is back with Hardwired....To Self Destruct with some of their strongest material in over 25 years. They sound passionate, inspired and re-energized after 8 years since Death Magnetic.
  14. deringerx
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    The album is amazing...James voice is great.They create some amazing riffs,simple but amazing...Start with Hardwired to Spit ot of the bone...maaan Spit out of the bone is Insane.Again,James voice is amazing ... m/
  15. raphapira86
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Simply pure thrash with a dash of melodic metal! Thumbs up for Metallica again! m/
    It really was worth waiting for it! Thanks again, kings of thrash music
  16. Uros1987
    Dec 10, 2016
    10
    Great record,more diverse and progressive than last one. Hat off to the FOUR HORSEMAN !! Album contains instant classic songs such as Spit Out The Bone, Halo on Fire, Moth Into flame...
  17. hetfieldrocks82
    Dec 14, 2016
    10
    Let's get this out the way first off: I'm a HUGE Metallica fan. I've loved their music since a very young age after hearing Master Of Puppets and have followed their every release with bated breath.

    I am not a thrash purist who hated on the Black Album then Load eras because bands should be free to express themselves in any way they like without being labelled as sellouts etc. The    Let's get this out the way first off: I'm a HUGE Metallica fan. I've loved their music since a very young age after hearing Master Of Puppets and have followed their every release with bated breath.

    I am not a thrash purist who hated on the Black Album then Load eras because bands should be free to express themselves in any way they like without being labelled as sellouts etc. The Black Album and subsequent Load/Reload eras are important because they reflected where Metallica as a band, and the musicians themselves were at - at those times.

    Right, on to Hardwired To Self Destruct.

    I LOVE this album. There, I said it.

    From the trickle releases of Hardwired, Moth Into Flame and Atlas, Rise!, my excitement for the album grew by the minute until I got my hands on the deluxe edition. A culmination of their entire career, Hardwired To Self Destruct is a brilliant album with heavy riffs, melody, harmonies and Hetfield's trademark snarl.

    Hardwired starts the album off with a nod to their debut album - Kill Em All. Thrashy, fast, short and full of spite - Hardwired was the last song to be written for the album and kicks off the energy by turning up the intensity to 11. Next up is Atlas Rise which is my favourite song on the whole album. The verses are punchy - the chorus insanely catchy and the breakdown and dual harmonising section hair-raising. Now That We're Dead is a slower chugging rocker with a catchy chorus and great guitar work; Moth Into Flame - which has possibly the finest chorus Metallica have written in years - is another powerhouse track which is then followed by Cthulhu-based Dream No More. Dark, foreboding and powerful - much like Cthulhu himself - Dream No More is a monster of a track. Finishing off the first disc is Halo On Fire which has some really enticing tempo changes and a great chorus.

    Confusion starts the second disc off and is one of the strongest tracks on the whole album. Kinda reminds me of Harvester Of Sorrow if it was written in 2016 - chugging riffs, soaring chorus and Hetfield's growls throughout. ManUnkind starts with a Cliff Burton-tribute bass section by Robert Trujillo which is superb and the song itself is pretty damn catchy. Here Comes Revenge is another powerhouse track followed by Am I Savage which is probably my least favourite on the album but still a good track either way. Murder One is next with some great riffs and James snarling away in tribute to Lemmie from Motorhead before we get to the magnus opus of the album - Spit Out The Bone. Wow - this track. It blew me away the first handful of times I listened to it and still makes me go kinda nuts when I listen. Thrashy, powerful, angry and fast with some awesome vocals, lyrics and some of the best guitar playing by Hetfield and Hammett in years.

    All in all a fantastic album by the kings of metal.
    I shall continue to ignore the naysayers and enjoy the album like I always do.

    Metallica forever!    … Expand
  18. ClaireW
    Jan 1, 2017
    10
    Another masterpiece of music! A superb album. Hardwired ........ To Thrill Me! Bring it on Metallica, you rock me heavy and hard!!!! Love, love, love it! xx
  19. MAFIAxMaverick
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Feels like a return to form. I haven't enjoyed Metallica this much in years. There's not a song on this album I don't like. You can definitely tell that James Hetfield's voice has started to drop off, but it's still a treat to listen to nonetheless. The band seemed to really be firing on all cylinders here, which was much needed after the disappointment that was Death Magnetic.
  20. HeavyMetal
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    With heavy tracks such as "hardwired", "moth into flame", "lords of summer", "spit out the bone", etc, this is by far the best Metallica album since the black album. This album really shows James Hetfield's riff writinglyric writing skills, Lars Ulrich's drumming skills, Kirk Hammet's awesome guitar solos, and Robert Trujillo's awesome bass lines. Metallica is back!
  21. TallicaDude83
    Sep 2, 2017
    10
    Well first i want to say that i don't get the bad reviews ???? I mean almost everyone even positive reviews compare it to their past,or to what's relevant to the times,but i would say compare it to what it is...music! A simple ear test is all you need,no need to get too scientific about it,that has been a huge problem that ive seen,everyone bringing up the past,but onto my review...tbhWell first i want to say that i don't get the bad reviews ???? I mean almost everyone even positive reviews compare it to their past,or to what's relevant to the times,but i would say compare it to what it is...music! A simple ear test is all you need,no need to get too scientific about it,that has been a huge problem that ive seen,everyone bringing up the past,but onto my review...tbh there is an element missing from this and DM for that matter,and i think i have finally figured out,it's the honesty..and not like it sounds,i think it is honest but tue way it is honest is different,it's not like load n reload where they are honestly expressing their self with complete originality...no they are being honest by that plus they purposely make a point to touch on other topics i.e ptsd in "Confusion" or thrashy rebellion in "Hardwired" not that specific topics aren't original it's that it has a feel of let's do this because it is a topic of todays society or at least in some form it is,in other words being relevant,and that us fine,no problem with being relevant as long as you don't overdue it or make it the end all be all and on this album i feel like they got specific with it more than any other album but not so much so that that they come off as "sell outs" bc after all for them in todays world you would have to a little or there would be no point in making an album,it is also an artistic expression to have relevancy in your music albeit it should come more naturally than purposely,as far as tracks go everyone blows "Hardwied" out of proportion imho,it is great and although for me comparing Metallica songs is like comparing which is more important your heart or brain,there are differences and i do not see it like everyone else,i think every track is great in it's own way just like their whole catalogue,i honestly just love every original and some cover songs Metallica has done,the way i judge Metallica is simply if they are truly being themselves,not by genre,my own preferences,their past etc...i feel the only way to correctly hear them or any artist as it applies,is to not make excuses,for Metallica that means none for or against 80's and 90's styles,i love and respect that they aren't being bland with thrash from the 80's or commercial 90's..necassarily.I got what i wanted and feel like where they are from this album 10/10...metal up m/… Expand
  22. Captiosus
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    Frankly this is the best Metallica has been since the Black Album. This isn't to say there haven't been good elements of "Load", "ReLoad", "St. Anger", or "Death Magnetic" but, frankly, all of those albums were lackluster as Metallica kept experimenting with changing styles. "Hardwired..." sees the band go back to their roots and, while not the thrash metal epic some had hoped, it'sFrankly this is the best Metallica has been since the Black Album. This isn't to say there haven't been good elements of "Load", "ReLoad", "St. Anger", or "Death Magnetic" but, frankly, all of those albums were lackluster as Metallica kept experimenting with changing styles. "Hardwired..." sees the band go back to their roots and, while not the thrash metal epic some had hoped, it's definitely in the same spirit as "...And Justice" and "Black" (with, yes, a few elements of "Load" thrown in, but not too much).

    Not to put too fine a point on it but outside of "S&M"'s two new singles -- No Leaf Clover and -Human -- very few of the aforementioned releases had any songs that particularly stuck in my head. Comparatively, "Hardwired..." has multiple songs I can't stop from bouncing around, including the title track, Atlas Rise!, Moth Unto Flame, Now That We're Dead, Halo on Fire, and Spit Out the Bone.

    The contingent of folks who yearn for a return of the "Ride the Lightning" or "Master of Puppets" era Metallica will likely be disappointed but these folks also seem to forget that the progenitors of the band are in their mid-50's and Lars banging out double drum thrash beats for an entire album is unlikely. Hardwired and Spit out the Bone illustrate that they still have thrash metal capabilities in their repertoire but can only use it in moderation. I get where those old school fans are coming from - I grew up on those albums also. But that was the 1980's and this is 2016. While it pains me to write this next line, consider: Megadeth keeps trying to relive their thrash days and look where that's gotten them (their last three albums have been forgettable).

    I'm a generally harsh critic (as my history here will attest) so to give this a 9 is high praise. If you liked "...And Justice" and/or "Black" and don't mind a few of the melodic elements of "Load" (specifically found on tracks like ManUNkind) then you're going to enjoy this album.    … Expand
  23. DavidXBOX
    Mar 6, 2017
    9
    Best album since Load. Atlas Rise, Now we are death... amazing tracks! Absolutely loved this album... we have Metallica for a long time! They have others tracks like Moth into flame or Spit out the bone that you have to listen to... very solid album
  24. NoMaDXT
    Dec 8, 2016
    9
    In a twist turn I completely did not expect. I saw the entry on Metacritic and immediately went out and bought the album and listened to it on the way home from work, and to work the next day. This album is a pays omage to Metallica's roots in Thrash metal, and to their later dabblings n hard rock. This is a beautifully balanced Album for every fan of Metallica. Wheter Reload or Ride theIn a twist turn I completely did not expect. I saw the entry on Metacritic and immediately went out and bought the album and listened to it on the way home from work, and to work the next day. This album is a pays omage to Metallica's roots in Thrash metal, and to their later dabblings n hard rock. This is a beautifully balanced Album for every fan of Metallica. Wheter Reload or Ride the lightning was your favorite album or whether you just love everything this band does. This album is a winner. I was a little let down by St. Anger. WIth this, the boys are back on form and have completely redeemed themeselves. A great Album for books boys well done!!… Expand
  25. harry939
    Nov 18, 2016
    9
    The first ever Metallica song I heard was "All Nightmare Long". It was more than enough to keep me hooked. After finishing up Death Magnetic, which is still my favorite Metallica album(I know, I am in the minority), I went on to AJFA and MOP, and enjoyed them thoroughly.
    I feel that Hardwired might very well be the last Metallica album, I certainly want them to end on a high note. And    The first ever Metallica song I heard was "All Nightmare Long". It was more than enough to keep me hooked. After finishing up Death Magnetic, which is still my favorite Metallica album(I know, I am in the minority), I went on to AJFA and MOP, and enjoyed them thoroughly.
    I feel that Hardwired might very well be the last Metallica album, I certainly want them to end on a high note. And this album is definitely a high note. They have beautifully revisited their masterpieces with this.
    Starting with the shortest, but the most in-your-face track, and ending with an amazing riff-laden "Spit out the bone", this album takes you on a ride.
    Even if you weren't taken to the album at first, this will surely grow on you. I absolutely loved it and I don't it will wear off on me in a long time.    … Expand
  26. rizzyD10
    Nov 19, 2016
    9
    I love it. The band as a collective coalesced a mix of heavy and energetic sound. So kudos to their sound engineers. In my opinion I can't say it's similar to any of their previous albums. This is probably their best work since the black album.
  27. nhand42
    Jan 4, 2017
    9
    Metallica re-embraces their thrash metal roots. Has the same energetic feeling as Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. They'll never have the same energy from 30 years ago, but they can still play a mean guitar solo, and kick out a wicked drum roll. Metallica continues to amaze after all these years.
  28. BIOHAZARD-R-US
    Dec 21, 2016
    9
    Absolutely loved this album, and I'm so happy to have some new Metallica music after waiting so long. With thrashy riffs to heavy riffs to melodic riffs, Metallica has it all on this album. Taking influences from Kill 'Em All, ...And Justice For All, The Black Album, Load/ReLoad and Death Magnetic, this album creates the definitive Metallica experience. The only 2 major gripes I have withAbsolutely loved this album, and I'm so happy to have some new Metallica music after waiting so long. With thrashy riffs to heavy riffs to melodic riffs, Metallica has it all on this album. Taking influences from Kill 'Em All, ...And Justice For All, The Black Album, Load/ReLoad and Death Magnetic, this album creates the definitive Metallica experience. The only 2 major gripes I have with this album is that it's on 2 discs, and the kick drum sound. At 77 minutes of music, this could've easily fit on 1 disc. Load was just over 79 minutes. It's bothersome to have to switch out CDs after 6 songs/35 minutes of music only. The kick drums sound like flicking a post-it note at some points, and other times have the heavy-weighted thud that a kick should have. I guess that might be because this whole record was recorded over a year-plus time span. But the snare sounds great!

    The weakest track of the album would have to be Dream No More, as every other song has something memorable from it, often times the chorus. Halo On Fire and Am I Savage? are great examples of this. The thrashy bookend of the title track and the fan favorite Spit Out the Bone is a nice format, wrapping everything in a nice barbed wire bow. The Lemmy tribute still keeping with the sound of the rest of the album and not a random trip off into Motörhead sound was well done. I think tribute songs should be done this way. The only thing I was confused on was the Black Metal theme that the video for Man UNkind had, which didn't really fit the song. The song does not have a Black Metal sound to it, but instead fits right in with the sound of the rest of the album. I must say, making a music video for each song was awesome, and to do all of them in 2 months is astonishing. Metallica have said that the wait for the next album won't be another 8 years, and Kirk is even using some of the riffs he didn't get to use on this album and some new ones to start shaping the next album. Rob has expressed that he is pumped up from this record and that his creativeness is flowing too, so that's even better. The Lords of Metal have returned!    … Expand
  29. bernardvm
    Nov 18, 2016
    9
    The album is pretty awesome. A good mix of some real heavy stuff. The album is way better off than the previous two, but comparing it to the much older albums (like the Black album) wont be doing justice to this one.
  30. luiseramirez
    Nov 18, 2016
    9
    I think Harwired to Self-Destruct is fantastic, not because it is similar or not to another album, influence or time in their career. I loved it because musically, at least for me, sounds great. Sometimes is fast, sometimes is heavy, sometimes is melodic! Personally, I didn’t like only 2 of the 12 songs (or 13 if you count Lords of Summer), but not because of this the album sucked, all theI think Harwired to Self-Destruct is fantastic, not because it is similar or not to another album, influence or time in their career. I loved it because musically, at least for me, sounds great. Sometimes is fast, sometimes is heavy, sometimes is melodic! Personally, I didn’t like only 2 of the 12 songs (or 13 if you count Lords of Summer), but not because of this the album sucked, all the contrary, it rocks big time.
    If you haven’t heard it already, please do, try not to compare it with anything else. For me, is almost logical to sound like a mix of different stages and influences Metallica has accumulated during 35 years, after all, If you don’t evolve in 35 years, something is very wrong with you.
    Hardwired to self destruct sounds like Kill ‘em All + AJFA + Black Album + Reload, with some influences from Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and even Alice in Chains (opinions will differ).
    Don’t expect a come back to the 80’s… That discussion has taken forever now, anytime a new Metallica album arrives, even when Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets were launched some people found them lame. Those albums took 20 years to become classics.
    Long live Metallica, solid 9/10 for Hardwired to Self-destruct.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2016
38
#38 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Record Collector
    Jan 26, 2017
    60
    Hardwired is a slightly less gripping version of the same, as is Moth Into Flame. There’s some sweet doom in the form of Dream No More, an obvious Sabbath homage, and a nod to their late mentor Lemmy with Murder One. In between, we’re treated to a lot of mid-tempo plodding.
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  2. The Wire
    Dec 21, 2016
    80
    This is the adult Metallica at last, monolithic, grandiose and grizzled. Maturity suits the band, makes them a weightier proposition than the pursuit of former glories ever could. [Dec 2016, p.62]
  3. No Ripcord
    Nov 30, 2016
    60
    It's too long, with too many tracks that go nowhere. But those songs that do work are some of their best in the last couple of decades.
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