View Gallery

Metallica's highly anticipated appearance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 4th, was a true spectacle for fans, as it marked the second US show on the second leg of their massive M72 World Tour. This was no ordinary concert as it was part of Metallica's "no repeat weekend" takeover experience, where the legendary band would deliver two completely different sets with two unique opening acts, all while performing in the round at the 50-yard line of the New England Patriot's stadium.

The energy in the parking lot was over the top as adrenaline was pumping in anticipation of the sonic onslaught, but just as the faithful began to file into the stadium, the skies opened. Heavy rain was accompanied by brilliant flashes of lightning that split the heavens. The inclement weather forced the cancellation of Ice Nine Kills and a shortened 30-minute performance by Five Finger Death Punch.

Thankfully, the storm and lightning finally let up for James Hetfield [guitar and vocals], Kirk Hammett [lead guitar], Lars Ulrich [drums], and Robert Trujillo [bass] to take the stage. The opening chords to the breakneck fury of "Whiplash" sent shockwaves through the audience, prompting a frenetic cheer, a cathartic, communal sense of relief that the concert would occur after hours of rain delays. 

The sheer enormity of their production was immediately apparent when the spectacle lighting focused on the stage and the video towers lit up. As the closing notes of the third song, "Ride The Lightning," fans chuckled at its significance! Kirk ignited the audience's senses with his bluesy playing, which is instantly recognizable to Metallica fans. The mainstay of all his techniques is the pentatonic scale, which allows him to seamlessly transition between searing, high-gain runs and more emotive, lyrical phrasing. It's what gives his playing a sense of familiarity and relatability, even as he pushes the boundaries of speed.

Metallica unleashed a relentless barrage of their most celebrated and revered compositions, like "Wherever I May Roam," "Until It Sleeps," Welcome Home Sanitarium," and "The Call Of Ktulu." James' voice rang out from the strategically placed microphone stands, which allowed him to prowl the stage with a captivating intensity. He is an undeniable force, captivating audiences with his "everyman" charm and unparalleled stage presence. His signature gallop picking provided the perfect foundation for his gritty, gut-wrenching vocals, the vehicle for his lyrics. This combination of playing and singing propels Metallica's music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring generations of metal guitarists to push the limits of speed and intensity.

On seminal songs like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Blackened," James's fingers blurred across the strings. The sheer physicality and stamina required to sustain such a punishing rhythmic attack was staggering as he grinded his guitar pick to dust.

The band transitioned between classics and new songs like "Lux Æterna," "Screaming Suicide," and the 10-minute epic closer from the 72 Seasons album, "Inamorata," which were played with a ferocious intensity. The songs had the crowd surging and pulsing like a living, breathing entity on which the band fed off.

Seeking to add a touch of intimacy and vulnerability, Metallica took a brief detour from their signature bombast theatrics, showcasing their more introspective side. Stripping down the relentless intensity of their sound, they transfixed the audience with a stirring version of "Unforgiven" led by James on acoustic guitar. 

The shift in musical approach allowed the band to highlight the lyrical depth that has long been a hallmark of their songwriting, drawing the crowd into a more personal, reflective moment amidst the grandeur of their live performance. This interlude of subdued melancholy was short-lived, as the quartet soon reverted to stadium-shaking metal that cemented their status as titans.

During "One," Robert used his bass to provide a rich, textural undercurrent that gives the music a sense of depth and complexity. He understands that bass is the heartbeat of the metal genre, and he wields his instrument with both brute force and finesse, knowing exactly when to unleash the full fury of his playing to accentuate the band's heaviest, most intense moments while being attuned to the more subtle, delicate ones.

The band's engine room, Lars, was calling the shots. His critical and inflective rhythmic cues guided the band members as they consistently positioned themselves in front of the kit, locking eyes on his every movement. Lars was indeed in his element, unleashing an electrifying performance. The sheer physicality of his drumming elevated his heart rate and respiratory function, boosting his BMPs and raising his brain cognition to new heights as the adrenaline coursed through him. With sweat pouring down his face, he dazzled the captivated crowd with his complex, virtuosic techniques as he pounded the rhythms, keeping perfect time and anchoring the band's thunderous sound. 

The band closed the show with the fiery "Moth To A Flame" and "Enter Sandman." With the opening chords of "Enter Sandman," the roar of the crowd was deafening as massive black and yellow beach balls came cascading down on the stage. Fans' souls were crushed by the metal juggernaut that had just laid waste to Gillette Stadium. This was Metallica at their very best—a true testament to the enduring legacy of American heavy metal.

Tickets for Metallica's upcoming shows can be found at metallica.com/tour.