Recently, Metallica made waves in the rock and metal world with the announcement of their long-awaited new album, 72 Seasons, slated for release on April 14, 2023. With this album, the legendary band continues to push the boundaries of their sound, collaborating with seasoned producer Greg Fidelman, who previously worked on Hardwired... to Self-Destruct. In addition, frontman James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich contributed their expertise to the production process, ensuring that 72 Seasons would be a powerful addition to their discography.
To build excitement for the album, Metallica released the single "Lux Æterna" and announced a world tour. The track offers a taste of what to expect from 72 Seasons—a blend of old-school thrash intensity with the band's evolved, more mature sound.
Let’s dive deep into the tracklist, the themes explored on 72 Seasons, and the meaning behind "Lux Æterna" lyrics.
Metallica's 72 Seasons: Tracklist Breakdown
Before we explore "Lux Æterna," it’s important to look at the full tracklist of 72 Seasons, which sets the stage for the band's sonic journey:
- 72 Seasons
- Shadows Follow
- Screaming Suicide
- Sleepwalk My Life Away
- You Must Burn!
- Lux Æterna
- Crown of Barbed Wire
- Chasing Light
- If Darkness Had a Son
- Too Far Gone?
- Room of Mirrors
- Inamorata
The album title, 72 Seasons, refers to the first 18 years of a person’s life, broken down into 72 seasons (a season being roughly a quarter of a year). This concept of formative years seems to reflect Metallica’s introspective take on the experiences that shape us, as well as the lasting impact they have on one's identity and view of the world.
The themes in the album seem to touch on personal growth, facing inner demons, the passage of time, and the pursuit of meaning in life—universal ideas explored through the band's signature heavy riffs and compelling lyrics.
A Look at Key Tracks
"72 Seasons" kicks things off, with anthemic, high-energy thrash that serves as a fitting introduction to the album’s themes. It’s likely a reflection on the personal and societal influences that shape one's early years.
"Shadows Follow" and "Screaming Suicide" seem to delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche, possibly touching on themes of mental health and the struggles that accompany personal growth.
"Sleepwalk My Life Away" suggests a disillusionment with the mundane and the search for purpose, while "You Must Burn!" likely addresses themes of rebellion and destruction—both internal and external.
"Crown of Barbed Wire" and "Chasing Light" continue the exploration of suffering and searching for redemption or hope, perhaps even in the midst of darkness.
"Room of Mirrors" and "Inamorata" may offer introspective moments, as they hint at themes of self-reflection and the complexities of human relationships.
Now, let’s focus on Lux Æterna, one of the most highly anticipated tracks from 72 Seasons.
"Lux Æterna" Lyrics Breakdown
"Lux Æterna" was the first single released from 72 Seasons, offering listeners a blend of aggressive, thrash-metal energy paired with a deep and reflective lyrical message. The title, "Lux Æterna," translates from Latin as "eternal light," a concept that has religious, spiritual, and philosophical connotations. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of yearning for light, liberation, and emotional release. Let’s break down the lyrics.
Verse 1:
Anticipation
In domination
A sea of hearts beat as one, unified
Magnification
All generations
Approaching thunder awaiting the light
The opening lines set a tone of anticipation and collective energy. “In domination” could suggest the band's frustration with a societal or personal power struggle. The "sea of hearts" beating as one speaks to the idea of unity, whether it's the band's connection with their audience or the universal human experience. The idea of “thunder awaiting the light” hints at a storm brewing, a buildup of tension, with light representing hope or salvation.
Pre-Chorus:
Full speed or nothing
Full speed or nothing
This repeated mantra sets the song's tone—there’s no half-measures, no slowing down. It’s about diving in headfirst, embracing life or chaos without hesitation. This theme of urgency and all-in commitment is prevalent throughout Metallica's music.
Chorus:
Lux Æterna
Lux Æterna
The chorus centers around the phrase “Lux Æterna,” invoking the idea of eternal light, a symbol of hope, freedom, or spiritual transcendence. The repetition creates a sense of longing and reverence for this unattainable or sought-after "light."
Verse 2:
Exhilaration
Frenzied sensation
Kindred alliance connected inside
Commiseration
Sonic salvation
Cast out the demons that strangle your life
Here, the lyrics take a more introspective turn, describing the cathartic experience of releasing inner turmoil. The phrases "sonic salvation" and "cast out the demons" suggest that music (the “sonic” element) plays a central role in liberating the listener from their emotional struggles. Metallica has always had a special connection with their fans, and these lines emphasize that shared experience.
Bridge:
Emancipation
Kill isolation
Never alone for the feelings alike
Amplification
Lightning the nation
Never alive more
Than right here tonight
This section speaks to a sense of collective liberation, the idea of music as a unifier, and the intense emotional release that Metallica’s live performances evoke. "Never alive more than right here tonight" speaks to the electrifying energy of the present moment, where fans and band come together in a powerful, shared experience.
Final Chorus:
Full speed or nothing
Full speed or nothing
Lux Æterna
Lux Æterna
The song culminates with the return of the powerful mantra, closing the song with the same urgency and intensity with which it began. The repetition of "Lux Æterna" at the song’s end leaves listeners with a lingering sense of the elusive light, the drive for freedom, and the catharsis of shared experience.
Themes and Meaning of "Lux Æterna"
The song’s lyrics, paired with its thrashy, high-energy sound, convey Metallica’s typical mix of introspective and external themes: personal liberation, the fight against inner demons, and the search for transcendence through music and community.
Conclusion: 72 Seasons and the Future of Metallica
With 72 Seasons, Metallica proves they still have the ability to innovate while staying true to their thrash-metal roots. "Lux Æterna" is just one example of the album’s emotional depth, combining complex themes with the band’s signature powerful sound. As the band embarks on their world tour and releases more tracks from the album, it’s clear that 72 Seasons will be another memorable chapter in their legendary career.
For fans of Metallica, this new album offers both a look back at their formative years and a fresh perspective on how far they’ve come—both as musicians and as individuals. Whether you’re drawn to the thunderous riffs, the introspective lyrics, or the unrelenting energy, 72 Seasons is shaping up to be a must-listen for metalheads everywhere.
Listen to Lux Æterna:
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