Metallica Stealth Release New Single & Video, “Screaming Suicide”

Metallica have yet again surprised fans with another new single and music video for their upcoming 11th studio LP, 72 Seasons. “Screaming Suicide” is the band’s latest track and it follows a fairly similar sonic path as the previous single “Lux Æterna,” despite “Screaming Suicide” favoring a noticeably stronger mid-tempo groove. Apart from sonic differences, “Screaming Suicide” sets itself apart from many of Metallica’s previous works as it touches on the sensitive subject of suicide.

“‘Screaming Suicide’ addresses the taboo word of suicide. The intention is to communicate about the darkness we feel inside. It’s ridiculous to think we should deny that we have these thoughts. At one point or another I believe most people have thought about it. To face it is to speak the unspoken. If it’s a human experience, we should be able to talk about it. You are not alone,” says vocalist James Hetfield.

Whether or not you’re a fan the more ‘old school’ sound Metallica seem to be going with on this record, Hetfield’s lyrical themes are undeniably on point. With “Lux Æterna” and now “Screaming Suicide,” Hetfield’s lyrics, hooks, and new raspy vocal delivery are the stand out qualities from these new Metallica tracks. While the riffs and instrumentation have a familiar and at times uninspired quality to them, the production from this album drills home a youthful sounding Metallica that’s not been heard for quite some time.

One other key aspect to consider about Metallica’s latest music is the timing of their 11th studio album is at a very noticeably unique point in the band’s career. Much has happened to the band and its members over the last five years including Metallica seeing another pop-culture breakthrough in Stranger Things, singer James Hetfield starting rehab again and more recently going through a divorce, not to mention Metallica’s massively successful Black Album reissue in 2021. Given how personal songwriting often is, it’s likely these are factors that in some way or another have manifested their way into Metallica’s sound in 2023. For one, Hetfield speaking so candidly about this new record’s themes and lyrical subject matter are a welcomed surprise.

Overall, it’s always difficult to gauge how an album will sound based off of a couple singles, but with “Lux Æterna” and now “Screaming Suicide” Metallica are clearly on an ‘old school’ metal stride which has me cautiously optimistic for 72 Seasons.