The Year in Rock 2016 — Metallica Thrash Back with New Album

ABC/Randy HolmesThe day that never comes finally arrived in 2016 when Metallica released their long-awaited new album, Hardwired...to Self-Destruct.

--After months and months of hints and innuendo, Metallica finally announced the details of first studio album since 2008's Death Magnetic. Titled Hardwired...to Self-Destruct, the band's 10th studio effort would be a double album consisting of nearly 80 minutes of music. The first preview of Hardwired...to Self-Destruct came in the form of the song "Hardwired," a simple thrasher in which James Hetfield declares "We're so f*****."

--Along with "Hardwired," the album also included the singles "Atlas, Rise!" and "Moth into Flame." The week Hardwired...to Self-Destruct was to be released, Metallica also put out videos for every song on the album, including the track "Murder One," which paid tribute to late Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister.

--Hardwired...to Self-Destruct debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, keeping Metallica's streak of number-one albums alive. Every one of Metallica's past six albums, dating back to their 1991 self-titled release, has reached the top of the Billboard 200.

--In support of Hardwired...to Self-Destruct, Metallica played a batch of very intimate shows in the U.S. and Canada.  But prior to the album's release, they played much a bigger venue: they were the first act to perform at the newly-opened stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Metallica plans to tour the U.S. extensively in 2017.

--Metallica also hit the late night TV circuit behind the album. They performed "Enter Sandman" on toy instruments on The Tonight Show, and even played Metallica trivia with a super-fan on Jimmy Kimmel Live!  They won, by the way.

--In addition to releasing a new album, Metallica also celebrated milestone anniversaries in 2016 for two of their biggest albums. Master of Puppets turned 30 in 2016, while the band's 1991 self-titled release, commonly known as The Black Album, turned 25. Sadly, the Master of Puppets anniversary also marked 30 years since bassist Cliff Burton passed away.

--Other Metallica highlights of 2016 include being named Record Store Day Ambassadors, and drummer Lars Ulrich inducting his rock idols Deep Purple into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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