Metallica photo by Blackened Recordings
“Moth Into Flame” is Metallica’s second single from their much anticipated latest studio release ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct’ which is the legendary band’s newest proper album since their 2008’s ‘Death Magnetic.’ ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct’ is scheduled for a worldwide release on November 18, 2016.
Whether you are a Metallica fan or not, this is a “must own” album because it has been rumoured in the last few years–and now reported–that should Metallica decide to release a brand new album there is a high probability that it could very well be their last.
So, get their newest album ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct’ if you can and appreciate it for what it is. Once Metallica stops releasing records, there will be a huge and gaping void that will be left in the music industry that can never be filled in by any other band.
Bands like Metallica are unmistakable for the music they offer. They are one of the cornerstones to the metal genre and are the forefathers of the movement they have been representing for decades. On a much larger scale, to lose Metallica is the equivalent of losing one of the “pillars” in the history of rock n’ roll! That is how important and historically significant Metallica is. In the music industry, Metallica is an institution in itself.
“Moth Into Flame” might very well be one of the last singles the band will release. That is why doing a proper single review of “Moth Into Flame” by Metallica is an absolute must for me and should be done without question.
It is the responsible thing to do on my part.
***
What is the overall meaning of “Moth Into Flame?”
The unquenchable desire of some to become famous no matter what the cost may be on their lives is often the very thing that burns them. We have seen people doing self-destructive things to themselves which are often life threatening, in hoping their antics will become a viral hit on the internet. We hear of others “selling their souls” wishing to be overnight celebrities! We know of “pop stars” who are treated and viewed as “expendable properties” and are forgotten just as quickly by the public only to be replaced by the next batch… a never ending cycle, it is.
That burning bright “flame” alluded to in Metallica’s “Moth Into Flame” is the irresistible magnet that draws many towards it… with the promise of fame and fortune for those who come close to the light. The “moth” are often the misinformed and overly ambitious young who are eventually destroyed by that “flame!”
For me, this is one of the most socially aware songs to have ever come from Metallica in recent memory. I like to believe that one of the reasons James Hetfield and company decided to make this song comes from a sense of responsibility from them to promote self-reflection and introspection for the listeners in light of the increasingly “wicked and disturbed” society we live in nowadays.
Metallica photo by Blackened Recordings
Indeed, Metallica–consisting of James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich–have lived and survived virtually all of the “pitfalls” that have come with their being famous. Their nearly four decade “journey” gives them the insight that others have not attained and the wisdom to talk about it in this single. “Moth Into Flame” encapsulates everything that has to be possibly said about “fame and misfortunes,” done the Metallica way.
***
What is the production value of “Moth Into Flame?”
From the beginning to the end of “Moth Into Flame,” it is a display of ‘classic Metallica’ at its very finest. With the dual guitar riffs coming from James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett that just blaze through the entire track with so much ferocity that they recapture the youthful enthusiasm found in some of their earliest albums. The extended guitar solo of Kirk Hammett a little bit past the halfway mark of the nearly 6 minute duration of this song is truly epic!
James Hetfield’s vocal delivery here is so reminiscent of such landmark albums from the band like ‘…And Justice for All.. It is as if he was able to turn back the hands of time in “Moth Into Flame.” You just have to hear it to believe it, then you will be able to tell the difference. The signature qualities of his voice that we have all grown up to hearing and admired are nearly all here. It certainly has brought back memories for me.
Lars Ulrich’s drum work here is tight and intense. Frankly, it is one of the best performances I have heard from him in years in any recording. Lars Ulrich hits the skins of his drums like a well oiled-machine going from the hi hat, snare, crash cymbal, etc. at such a frenetic pace that you forget he is already in his 50’s! Again, he proves that he is the “backbone” of the band’s sound and why Metallica would not be the band it has become now were it not for him.
Bassist Robert Trujillo is so complementary to Lars Ulrich; he provides that “extra bite” that goes well beyond his rhythm section duties in the band. He also provides back-up vocals for lead singer James Hetfield in “Moth Into Flame.” Robert Trujillo, before being handpicked to join Metallica in 2002 after the abrupt departure of long time bassist Jason Newsted, was a member of such bands like Suicidal
Tendencies and has worked with Ozzy Osbourne.
If you are a loyal Metallica fan, or at the very least, are familiar with some of their songs as a casual listener, then “Moth Into Flame” is a “must hear” track for you. This single will rekindle your fascination with Metallica when you had first heard their music being played on the radio or got to watch any of their music videos in a music channel.
I have purchased all of Metallica’s albums except for this yet to be released ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct.’ I have been a follower of Metallica since the ‘The Black Album’ era of the legendary band. Hence, I have come up with this conclusion and that is, their newest single “Moth Into Flame” without doubt will go down in history as one of Metallica’s masterpieces!
Thumbs up!