What makes Hardwired by Metallica notable?

Upon release, 'Hardwired' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Metallica's sixth album to achieve this feat. The record was praised for its energetic sound and lyrical content, contributing to a resurgence in thrash metal's popularity during the mid-2010s. Released on August 18, 2016, 'Hardwired' marks Metallica's first studio album in eight years following 'Death Magnetic.' This album signifies the band's return to form, showcasing a blend of their iconic thrash roots with modern production techniques, as they sought to re-engage both long-time fans and new listeners.

How many songs are on Hardwired?

Hardwired has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Hardwired

Metallica · 2016

3 min · 1 track · heavy metal

Explosive energy combines with raw aggression, channeling classic thrash metal while embracing a contemporary edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hardwired — The opening track encapsulates the album's aggressive tone and thematic focus on societal decay, immediately drawing in listeners with its relentless pace.
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Atlas, Rise! — This track showcases intricate guitar work and layered vocals while exploring themes of resilience and struggle, making it emblematic of Metallica's enduring appeal.
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Moth Into Flame — 'Moth Into Flame' features a catchy chorus and sharp lyrics about fame's darker side, highlighting the band's ability to combine accessibility with depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track combines classic thrash elements with modern production, showcasing Metallica's signature sound.

What we noticed

The track features a rapid-fire tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and double bass drumming that drive the energy throughout.
Vocals alternate between melodic lines and harsh growls, emphasizing the lyrical themes of urgency and defiance.
The song structure is traditional, with verses leading into a powerful chorus, followed by a guitar solo that showcases technical skill.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Metallica's return to form with energetic sound after a long hiatus.
Themes: digital disconnection· modern societal critique
Career context: Released on August 18, 2016, 'Hardwired' marks Metallica's first studio album in eight years following 'Death Magnetic.' This album signifies the band's return to form, showcasing a blend of their iconic thrash roots with modern production techniques, as they sought to re-engage both long-time fans and new listeners.
Stylistic neighbors: Megadeth· Slayer· Anthrax