Released 10 years ago
Hardwired… to Self-Destruct
Metallica · 2016
77 min · 12 tracks · heavy metal
A relentless fusion of thrash and melodic elements that showcases Metallica's aggressive energy and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hardwired Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its blistering pace and incisive lyrics about modern anxieties, encapsulating the album’s themes right from the start.
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Moth Into Flame — This track combines catchy hooks with a dark narrative about fame's destructive nature, showcasing Metallica's ability to blend melody with heavy riffs.
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Spit Out the Bone — Closing the album with ferocity, this track features rapid-fire instrumentation and complex arrangements, making it a standout representation of Metallica's legacy in thrash metal.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines thrash elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing Metallica's evolution while maintaining their signature sound.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Hardwired', opens with a fast-paced riff that sets a high-energy tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature tempo shifts, such as 'Halo on Fire', which transitions from a slow build to an aggressive climax.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic range with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- introspective themes amidst aggression
- cathartic release through heavy riffs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike lengthy, evolving pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Metallica's continued vitality and relevance after a long hiatus.
- Themes
- fame's toxic allure· digital age disillusionment· thrash metal revival
- Career context
- Released on November 18, 2016, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct marked Metallica's first studio album in eight years, following the divisive Death Magnetic. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their status as heavy metal titans while navigating changing musical landscapes and fan expectations. This album reflects a return to their thrash roots while incorporating new sonic explorations.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Hardwired Start here 3:09
- 2 Atlas, Rise! 6:28
- 3 Now That We’re Dead 6:59
- 4 Moth Into Flame 5:50
- 5 Dream No More 6:29
- 6 Halo on Fire 8:15
Disc 2
- 1 Confusion 6:41
- 2 ManUNkind 6:55
- 3 Here Comes Revenge 7:17
- 4 Am I Savage? 6:29
- 5 Murder One 5:45
- 6 Spit Out the Bone 7:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Dystopia
Megadeth
Shares aggressive riffs and themes of societal decay, echoing disillusionment in a modern context.
Repentless
Slayer
Maintains the same thrash intensity and dark lyrical themes, emphasizing aggression and personal struggle.
Vulgar Display of Power
Pantera
Delivers heavy riffs and a raw emotional punch, resonating with themes of power and inner turmoil.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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