Scrawl from The Saw’s Butcher Shop: If Darkness Had a Son — Metallica (2022) SINGLE REVIEW

/ THE SAW

Welcome to The Saw’s Butcher Shop! It’s Ya Girl, The Saw. And Metallica have dropped a third single from their upcoming album, 72 Seasons (Blackened Recordings), due to be released on April 14, 2023. The new song, “If Darkness Had a Son,” harkens back to the Metallica of old; sounding a lot like the B-Side of …And Justice for All. I say that for one simple reason – the Hetfield riff!

We’ve previously talked about how, late last year (2022), celebrating their 40th anniversary, Metallica announced a new album, a new tour, and a new single. “Lux AEterna” marked the celebration of all things Metallica, and the new era for the band and the live experience. In January of this year (2023), Metallica dropped the 2nd single from the upcoming album – “Screaming Suicide.” It featured a very familiar sound, but with a modern feel. As we mentioned, what is most striking about the track is the lyrical content.

Now, March of 2023, they have dropped the third single (and video) from the new album – “If Darkness had a Son.” The first thing that catches my attention is the riff! In classic Hetfield style, the driving riff is big and thrashy. If you don’t bang your head to this, you’re not paying attention! Of the three singles, this has by far the most iconic sound. Hetfield’s lyrical delivery is modern Metallica, but I can’t say enough about the giant hook in the song – THE RIFF!

A new announcement by the band has also been made: Metallica will be holding a global listening party for the premier of 72 Seasons. On Thursday April 13 (the night before the official release), the new album will be played in full, with studio videos of the band and commentary for each track, exclusively for cinema audiences worldwide. Go to Metallica.film for more info, a list of cinema participation, and tickets to the premier.

With the new album, Metallica are doing some new and innovative things. The live experience of the “No Repeat Weekend” is brilliant! Two nights of Metallica, with two different sets, and different bands in support both nights. And the worldwide premier of the new album, in surround sound cinemas. Once again, Metallica are breaking new ground!

Stay Metal,

THE SAW