72 Seasons: The philosophical and psychosocial mechanics of Metallica’s lyrical universe

Abstract

This article provides a conceptual theoretical review that disentangles the philosophy which has shaped Metallica’s lyrics in the post-Binge/Purge period, from 1996 to 2023. This period takes in Metallica’s sixth album Load (1996) ending with their eleventh album 72 Seasons (2023). The article discusses the double entendre of Metallica’s lyrics, through a philosophical and/or psychosocial critical lens. To varying degrees, there are several themes that Metallica have written about repeatedly in their long and illustrious career. There are the usual suspects, for example, alcohol, power and rage. However, Metallica have also been verbally adept, in writing about alienation, isolation and religion, albeit in a more nuanced manner. The article articulates how the latter subject played a clear role in James Hetfield’s developmental years, from high school to adulthood. Religion is one of the key concepts in the lyrical content of Metallica’s latest release 72 Seasons , the first eighteen years of someone’s life.