…And Metallica ended eight years of silence! The first studio recording by the Californian gang since Death Magnetic released in 2008, Hardwired...To Self-Destruct was even a double album! The twelve tracks were essentially signed by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich (for the first time, Kirk Hammett didn't help with the writing), summarizing the multiple artistic sides of these masters of thrash metal. Indeed, this tenth album showcased everything James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo were capable of. With catchy tunes and haunting choruses, Metallica hadn't been this effective in ages, somehow going back to basics. So much so that the tracks recall their previous masterpieces, whether it's Master Of Puppets, Ride The Lightning, ...And Justice For All or the Black Album. On the solo side, Hammett revealed hallucinating sparks, which won't surprise his fans. On the mic, Hetfield's voice had matured like never before, capable of overpowering roars as well as more subtle passages. Above all, Hardwired...To Self-Destruct has some of Metallica's best songs, such as the impressive track Spit Out The Bone which closes this double album. Finally, on Murder One, the band pays homage to one of their deceased idols: Lemmy from Motörhead! © CM/Qobuz