The Seven-Year Cycle and Metallica’s Latest Album 72 seasons as it hits number 1 in the UK.
Psychology, biology, and astrology all have theories based on the seven-year cycle, and Metallica’s latest album, 72 Seasons, seems to be influenced by this concept. The album’s premise is that the first 18 years of life shape us into the adults we become, which can be seen as a nod to the cycle theory.
However, the real question is why Metallica’s albums consistently follow a seven-year pattern. Since their 1996 album Load, all of their studio albums have been around an hour and 15 minutes long, and 72 Seasons continues this trend with an hour and 17 minutes. The band seems to prioritize releasing a lot of music for their fans, even if it means making them wait for seven years between albums.
The album features several long songs, including the 11-minute closer “Inamorata,” which is Metallica’s longest song ever. The album’s first track, the nearly eight-minute title track, might seem like a bold move, but for the biggest metal band in the world, it’s a statement of their artistic freedom.
The album’s sound is filled with vintage thrash and nods to Metallica’s early influences, like Diamond Head, Thin Lizzy, and even Pantera. The song “Screaming Suicide” deals with the heavy topic of suicide and “You Must Burn!” could have been on the iconic Black Album from 1991.
Overall, 72 Seasons seems to be a reflection of Metallica’s history, with songs like “Room of Mirrors,” “Sleepwalk My Life Away,” and “Crown of Barbed Wire” touching on self-reflection. Despite the album’s hints to the seven-year cycle, its meaning remains a mystery, leaving fans wondering what the future holds for Metallica.
The band shows no signs of slowing down or losing their edge, proving once again that they are truly one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. This album is a powerful reminder of why Metallica remain absolute legends in the world of rock music.
Words By Jonni Davis
