REVIEW: Metallica 'Moth Into Flame'

As we inch ever closer to the release of Metallica’s new album Hardwired…To Self Destruct, the Bay Area behemoths have upped the ante of anticipation with the release of another video. Following on from the minimalist ‘Hardwired’, ‘Moth Into Flame’ not only gives more insight into the kind of album we can expect come November 18th, but also an intriguing hint of viral storytelling.

When I reviewed the ‘Hardwired’ video last month I was struck by how little was actually going on. Visually murky, with the individual movements of each band member hard to define beneath the glare of constant strobe lighting, Metallica weren’t allowing viewers to see much. Additionally the song itself was fairly basic by Metallica’s standards, with even Kirk’s customary solo seemingly just thrown in as a brief obligatory wah-wail.

Now, though, there comes a sequel. The link between ‘Hardwired’ and ‘Moth Into Flame’ is established in the first frames as the former video plays out on an ancient television set. As the new song begins, we find ourselves returned to that room inhabited by the band, only this time things are much clearer. There’s light and colour, we can see everyone in much higher definition. I’m hooked by the notion that what Metallica are actually doing is telling a story, step by step until the album is released, with each video a chapter in the narrative.

Having first grabbed focus with a short, snappy song accompanied by a vague and confusing video which didn’t reveal too much of a story, Metallica now draw the viewer in further. Everything that happened in the ‘Hardwired’ video is given much greater context now, and rather than compare and contrast the two videos it appears that what is desired of the viewer is to see both of them together as dual components in an ongoing tale.

Musically ‘Moth Into Flame’ is even more intense than ‘Hardwired’. The lightning thrash pace juxtaposed against transcendent guitar work and the towering Hetfield vocals (themselves harmonized at times for enhancement) make the song forcefully extraordinary. Kirk Hammett has stepped up his game since the last video too, unleashing lengthier and more intricate solos. The final thirty seconds comprise a number of false endings, hinting at the progressive nature of the album hinted at in interviews several months ago.

‘Hardwired’ was a nice quick burst of new life into the world of Metallica, now with ‘Moth Into Flame’ the group is definitely building upon that big bang. Intrigue is the order of the day. Is there some unseen viewer, like us observing the band? That television is on; might we see who’s watching it in the next video Metallica release? Is that the next chapter in the story?

For me one thing is certain, this number represents some of Metallica’s best work. Musically, visually and creatively I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Words: Michael Dodd

Rattle Rating: 9/10