Metallica
Lux Æterna

We could start this review by saying that many bands would deserve to be talked about as the behemoths of their music genera and Metallica fits the bracket very well.

Oh, wait, they’re recognised as a behemoth. Let’s rewind and start over.

We don’t write about Metallica at all but when we do, it’s often something that matters, as is the case of Metallica‘s “Master of Puppets’’ in Stranger Things.

Hetfield & Co. are about to release a new album and we’ve had the chance to listen to four of the new songs already:

• 72 Seasons
• Screaming Suicide
• Lux Æterna
• If Darkness Had a Son

Let’s have a look at “Lux Æterna”.

How does Metallica’s “Lux Æterna” feel?

First of all, I have to admit I didn’t like the last three albums.

Down the memory lane

Although I bought the St. Anger CD (yes, there was a time when people actually bought CDs), I never really listened to it. Thrash metal, the combination of heavy metal and hardcore punk, never was anything for me – too hardcore, well more aggressive than I can take. I just prefer good old heavy metal Metallica. Or their melodic metal phase.

Skipping St. Anger, Death Magnetic, and Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, I found out a few weeks ago there is a new album coming out – 72 Seasons – so naturally became curious, because I wanted to know if they ditched thrash and returned to what I appreciate them for.

I listened to the four songs and, guess what, I’m back on the Metallica wave. Metallica is great again.

So, how heavy metal is the song?

I appreciate the irony of the previous paragraphs saying I didn’t like Metallica’s thrash metal phase only to get into reviewing a song that sounds melodic and trashy. Oh, well.

The song is one of those that won’t disappoint – the main riff delivers exactly what you expect. Ulrich’s drums give the song speed and keep it at a good and fast pace. After all, James does sing ‘full speed or nothing’ – which comes from Kill ‘Em All’s “Motorbreath”.

Don’t stop for nothing, it’s full speed or nothing
I am taking down you know whatever is in my way
Getting your kicks as you are shooting the line
Sending the shivers up and down my spine

Metallica – Motorbreath; verse 2

What is “Lux Æterna” about?

The song is a call to unite against the darkness that’s now more present than ever before.

Russia invaded Ukraine, the US supreme court ruled there is no constitutional right to abortion in the US (Roe v Wade), populism everywhere, and, of course, the impending doom of climate change. The list doesn’t stop there.

Only when we unite and act as one, only then we’ll be able to manage and improve the situation:

A sea of hearts beat as one, unified
Magnification
All generations
Approaching thunder awaiting the light

Metallica – Lux Æterna; verse 1

The chorus is just four lines and focuses on ‘full speed or nothing’, meaning that if we don’t put everything into fixing things, we’ll fail big time. And ‘lux aeterna? That’s the guiding light.

Because… the kindred and united alliance can help us cast out the demons:

Kindred alliance connected inside
Commiseration
Sonic salvation
Cast out the demons that strangle your life

Metallica – Lux Æterna; verse 2

This could be interpreted in another way, though. Hetfield is back in rehab and divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Substance abuse often has a negative impact on people’s lives as well, and as we all know, alcohol and drugs are demons some can’t escape.

What does ‘lux æterna’ mean?

‘Lux æterna’, ‘lux aeterna’ or, to simplify it even more, ‘lux eterna’ (my Latin teacher would not appreciate this one), is a Latin phrase that means ‘eternal light’ and is used as a communion antiphon for requiem mass by the Catholic Church. Simply, “Lux Aeterna” is a hymn chanted by Catholics to honour the dead.

However, the song doesn’t ask anyone to honour the dead, in the present life or afterlife, lux æterna, eternal life, is meant to unite us behind a single idea – making the world better.

Final thoughts on the song and upcoming album

Before I let you crack through the lyrics, I think it’s fair to say the song is good – that kind of good you listen to even in ten years. “Lux Æterna” is an anthem. It’s a song you’ll be singing on the upcoming Metallica tour.

The four released songs suggest we should expect a brilliant album on the 14th of April 2023.

Do I have to remind you that many journalists and critics wrote Metallica off? In your face, people with fake crystal balls!

From what I’ve heard so far, these guys have outdone themselves on the new album and I fucking can’t wait to go to the next gig.

Watch Metallica – Lux Æterna

Metallica’s “Lux Eterna” lyrics

[Verse 1]
Anticipation
In domination
A sea of hearts beat as one, unified
Magnification
All generations
Approaching thunder awaiting the light

[Chorus 1]
Full speed or nothing
Full speed or nothing
Lux æterna
Lux æterna, yeah

[Verse 2]
Exhilaration
Frenzied sensation
Kindred alliance connected inside
Commiseration
Sonic salvation
Cast out the demons that strangle your life

[Chorus 2]
Full speed or nothing
Full speed or nothing
Lux æterna
Lux æterna, yeah
Lux æterna

[Verse 3]
Emancipation
Kill isolation
Never alone for the feelings alike
Amplification
Lightning the nation
Never alive more than right here tonight

[Chorus 3]
Full speed or nothing
Full speed or nothing
Lux æterna
Lux ætеrna, yeah

Light it!

Written by Vinklarek on 9th April 2023

Petr 'Pete' Vinklárek writes mainly about music. Prior to entering the digital industry, he taught Translation Studies & British and American Cinema at a university. In his spare time, he hikes, listens to podcasts, watches films, and writes poetry. Petr studied the English Language and Literature at The University of Ostrava; his master’s thesis covered some aspects of Warren Zevon's work.

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