72 Seasons
by Metallica
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Apr 14, 2023
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 126
  3. Negative: 17 out of 126
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  1. TcFalcon
    Apr 19, 2023
    5
    Yes it’s new Metallica, and that’s exciting. But newness aside, it’s a C+ album. Some good riffs here and there but too many songs where they just chugga-chugga for a minute or two sounding like they aren’t really sure where to go next, play the chorus, chugga some more, chorus, chugga, chorus, end. It’s a long listen.
  2. DrLoomis
    Apr 26, 2023
    6
    Sounds like a band going through the motions. Some decent riffs here and there with a few of solid tracks. Honestly, a lot of these songs would be better if they trimmed them down and sped them up.
  3. airmaverick
    Apr 14, 2023
    5
    I have always found something to love in all of Metallica's albums, however this time around with 72 Seasons, I struggle to find anything that resonates with me.
    Whilst an album should be cohesive with a strong theme, I feel that here it has gone too far. This just feels like one long bloated song.
    Hetfield's vocals, for the first time ever, are my least favourite part of the album -    I have always found something to love in all of Metallica's albums, however this time around with 72 Seasons, I struggle to find anything that resonates with me.
    Whilst an album should be cohesive with a strong theme, I feel that here it has gone too far. This just feels like one long bloated song.
    Hetfield's vocals, for the first time ever, are my least favourite part of the album - There is a lack of melody or variance.
    The drums for the most part feel like a metronome - cold and without personality.
    There are some great moments to be found (riffs, bass lines, solos) - however this largely buried under a large pile of sameness.
    This is what I imaging an A.I. might create if I asked it to create a Metallica album.
    A bad Metallica album is still good. For me however is just very 'MEH-tallica'    … Expand
  4. PhantomLordG
    Apr 15, 2023
    6
    Some great songs but a few that have no place on a Metallica record and another one or two that are bland generic rock. I'm just happy they are back with 3/4 songs they can add to their back catalogue for the impending massive tour.

    Welcome back boys!
  5. Winterdemon
    Apr 21, 2023
    5
    Well, if you remove some songs, then you have a good effort. average album.
  6. Neph84
    Apr 17, 2023
    4
    Ranking this as their weakest release to date. Apart from solid guitar work from James and Rob, I have few positives to share. Lux Æterna, If Darkness Had a Son and You Must Burn saves the record from an even lower score. I've been a fan since I first heard them in 1986, so it saddens me to say none of these songs will be on my playlist.
  7. jens76
    Apr 17, 2023
    4
    seelenlos, da müssen ein paar Volkslieder her und Marschmusik, ihr jungen Leute könnt doch immer was gebrauchen.
  8. mhmdv
    Apr 14, 2023
    5
    I guess critics are high or something. This is even worse than their previous album.
  9. CouchPotato200
    Jul 3, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. if Darkness Had a Son is the only song that I liked from this album. Admittedly, that song is really fantastic and one of my new favorite Metallica songs. However, the entire rest of the album is either boring or painfully average. A lot of the riffs and hooks on the songs just don't work. And, the album is way too long. I actually don't have a problem with the final track being how long it is, but the rest of the album is just boring all the way through. Despite all this though, the album is clearly important, and is still leagues above Metallica's worst. I didn't enjoy listening to this album, but I could understand why other people would love it. Not a must listen for sure, but if you think you'd like it, give it a try.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Mojo
    May 16, 2023
    80
    Lux Æterna [is] a prime example of 72 Seasons' astonishing vigour. ... Metallica are worthy again. [Jul 2023, p.82]
  2. The Wire
    May 9, 2023
    80
    Virtuosity quickly shades into something inhuman, as every plectrum and drumstick lands inevitably – and thrillingly – on target. [Jun 2023, p.54]
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 24, 2023
    60
    For all Hetfield’s soul-baring, however, as a whole 72 Seasons seems to mark the end of their late-career renaissance and is ultimately far more solid than spectacular.
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