What makes Screaming Suicide by Metallica notable?

The album's lead single, 'Lux Æterna', debuted at number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, demonstrating Metallica's enduring commercial appeal. Furthermore, the album addresses critical issues surrounding mental health, resonating deeply in today's cultural landscape and showcasing the band's commitment to meaningful lyrical content. With 'Screaming Suicide', Metallica continues its evolution into the 2020s, marking their first release since the acclaimed 'Hardwired... to Self-Destruct' in 2016. This album showcases their ability to tackle contemporary themes, reflecting a maturation of sound while retaining the raw power synonymous with their legacy.

How many songs are on Screaming Suicide?

Screaming Suicide has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Screaming Suicide

Metallica · 2023

8 min · 2 tracks · heavy metal

A visceral exploration of mental anguish, blending thrash metal energy with introspective lyrical depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Screaming Suicide — This title track encapsulates the album's thematic focus on mental health struggles, pairing heavy riffs with poignant lyrics that reflect vulnerability.
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Lux Æterna — 'Lux Æterna' stands out for its energetic thrash elements and catchy hooks, serving as a powerful commentary on the fleeting nature of life.

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

Metallica's latest single combines technical skill with thematic depth, though its impact remains to be fully seen.

What we noticed

The title track features a dynamic shift between aggressive thrash riffs and slower, more melodic sections, creating a contrast that highlights the lyrical themes.
The production emphasizes heavy guitar tones and layered vocals, with a prominent use of harmonies in the chorus of 'Lux Æterna'.

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 3/10

Known within its scene. 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 — Continues evolution and showcases vitality in Metallica's sound in the 2020s.
Themes: mental health struggles· raw despair· heavy riffs of vulnerability
Career context: With 'Screaming Suicide', Metallica continues its evolution into the 2020s, marking their first release since the acclaimed 'Hardwired... to Self-Destruct' in 2016. This album showcases their ability to tackle contemporary themes, reflecting a maturation of sound while retaining the raw power synonymous with their legacy.
Stylistic neighbors: Megadeth· Slayer· Anthrax