This is a classic throwback review to a May 2017 Metallica show, as the band are currently out on tour:
Overcast clouds, on and off rain showers and a slight chill in the air were not able to stop Metallica from absolutely rocking Philadelphia to its core Friday night. Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles served as host to the Bay Area thrash legends on the second night of the North American leg of their WorldWired Tour. For the thousands of die-hard metal heads in attendance, it was no doubt a special evening.
When seeing Metallica live in 2017, there are a couple of shocking truths to be dealt with. The quarter’s reign as the greatest American metal band is in its thirty-sixth year. The band members themselves are all now in their early-to-mid-fifties. But the most shocking truth is that Metallica sounds better than they have in years. To be fair, the band has been consistently sounding fresher, tighter and more inspired since the release of 2008’s Death Magnetic. To be honest, the band performs with more energy and with more passion than band’s half their age. Not an easy task for any band; especially one whose discography is filled with as much beautifully brutal and aggressive music as Metallica’s.
Just as dusk had fully taken form, the house lights went dark as the screen on the back of the stage began playing a clip from the 1966 Western masterpiece, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Simultaneously that film’s theme song, “The Ecstasy of Gold,” Metallica’s longtime entrance music began playing, sending an already highly energized crowd into a near frenzy. Right as anticipation reached a fever pitch, Metallica burst into their first song of the night, “Hardwired.” Played faster and tighter than how it appears on their latest album, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct, the song set the stage perfectly for the set to follow.
Without as much as a second for the audience to catch their breath, Metallica ripped right into another cut from their latest album, “Atlas, Rise!” Not surprisingly, the band’s set highlighted material from their latest offering. Playing a total of five cuts from Hardwired, the only other album to receive as many tracks in the set list was (understandably) the band’s groundbreaking self-titled album, The Black Album. The intensity of the crowd only escalated as lead singer/guitarist James Hetfield engaged the crowd riling them and raising the level of anticipation.
At certain times, the screens behind the band played clips from their 2013 concert film, Through The Never. At others, video clips or parts of accompanying music videos such as “Halo on Fire” played to heighten the experience. The light show itself was enough to make Pink Floyd jealous. Multi-colored lights spread throughout the stadium during “One” and “Fade to Black,” mesmerizing audience members. In front of drummer Lars Ulrich’s drum rises a flame raced back and forth, side to side, while bursts of fire shot into the early summer air from the side of the stage.
Undoubtedly, a highlight of the night took place following “Halo on Fire.” Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and Bass guitarist Robert Trujillo too center stage for an impromptu jam. The duo jumped right into Metallica’s 2000 single from the Mission Impossible II soundtrack, “I Disappear.” The surprise was received with an overwhelmingly positive reaction with audience members singing the songs verses in place of a momentarily absent Hetfield.
While winding down “I Disappear,” Trujillo made his way to the side of the stage. Behind him, the screens showed footage of original Metallica bassist, the late Cliff Burton. Trujillo began playing “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth).” This proved one of the biggest, if not the biggest pop from the crowd all evening. Long considered Burton’s signature song, the Kill ‘Em All track showed off the band’s willingness to show off all eras of their illustrious career while paying their respects to their fallen brother.
With nearly each song that came up, so can the argument that “this song is the definitive Metallica song.” Whether “Creeping Death” or “Sad But True”, Metallica have a ridiculous amount of awesome, extremely well known songs. Speaking of “Creeping Death”, if you want awesome personified, just experience the “Die” chant by sixty thousand amped up fans. Amazing.
The band’s set closed out with the foursome of “One”, “Master of Puppets”, “Fade to Black” and “Seek & Destroy.” Without four of the band’s most beloved songs, Lead guitarist Hammett shined throughout these songs. Hammett’s approach and ability to master these solos continuously all these years later is truly unbelievable. He plays with the precision and passion of his younger self mixed with the virtuosic finesse of a true master of the instrument.
You’d be hard-pressed to really have an issue with Metallica’s live performance. Even drummer Lars Ulrich, who at times has been criticized for his drumming style was an absolute beast. It cannot be easy for a fifty-three man to play the drums that intensely. As evidenced during their encore. Ulrich owned “Battery.” You could feel with each beat of your own heart the rapid double-bass drumming. But one aspect of criticism can be the set list itself. Yes they are promoting a new album so it makes sense to showcase it. But they have ten studio albums. There was no representation of mid-90’s Metallica. Say what you will, but it’s just as important and awesome as any of their other eras.
Music was no doubt the main focus of the night. But you can’t understate just how impressive Metallica’s entire stage show is. As their encore came to a close with a thunderous, mostly sung by the audience rendition of “Enter Sandman,” fireworks shot up over Lincoln Financial Field, illuminating the night sky. Metallica started the show off with a bang. And they were going out with one also; both sonically and visually. A truly masterful performance by absolute innovators and masters of heavy metal music.
What is most respectable about Metallica is that despite being this far into their career, they strive to make each of their concerts an all-encompassing experiences to the senses of their loyal fan base. They’ve earned the right to be lazy. They don’t need to go to these extremes. But that is what makes Metallica great. They are not only musicians. They are fans. From day one, James Hetfield has spoken about how Metallica are just four lucky fans. But thanks to Metallica, thousands of lucky fans had the concert experience of a lifetime.
Setlist:
Hardwired
Atlas, Rise!
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Creeping Death
The Unforgiven
Now That We’re Dead
Moth Into Flame
Wherever I May Roam
Halo on Fire
Motorbreath
Sad but True
One
Master of Puppets
Fade to Black
Seek & Destroy
Encore:
Battery
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
