"Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" had brought Metallica back to a very acceptable level of quality. Its successor was a bit long in coming and created an incredible excitement worthy of the monument that is the band. With its flashy cover, '72 Seasons', an enigmatic title from the imagination of the ever-tortured James Hetfield, is almost as long as its predecessor, but this time on one disc.
With '72 Seasons' and 'Shadows Follow', Metallica follows in the footsteps of "Hardwired", offering two long and very Thrashy tracks with a perfect balance between power and melody. The refrains carried by a James Hetfield in shape are excellent and the soli always as fast and effective despite a certain classicism. 'Screaming Suicide', 'Chasing Light' and 'Too Far Gone...' are more direct in their heavy thrash style with catchy melodies.
The short 'Lux Æterna' has everything to be a hit with its simple and direct chorus and its galloping solo. The groovy, powerful and catchy 'Inamorata' is just as effective. A long, quiet break allows Trujillo to show off his bass before the track builds up again, with a strong feeling, leading to an effective instrumental part.
If we had stopped there, the record would have been perfect. Unfortunately, Metallica was too greedy and doesn't avoid some bland tracks that end up generating a deep boredom by dragging on. Despite these flaws, "72 Seasons" is still a good album. Of course, it's a massive work that needs to be digested but it contains its share of bravura pieces. Metallica's detractors will find that the band has said it all for a long time, but fans should enjoy this hard-hitting record that kept band's Thrash force intact.