"Lux Æterna" by Metallica is one of the standout tracks from their 2022 album, 72 Seasons. It’s a powerful, energetic track that combines classic thrash metal with a fresh, modern sound. The song's title, Lux Æterna, translates to "eternal light," which ties into the song's themes of life, death, and the fleeting nature of time.

💥 About the Song

• Title: Lux Æterna
• Artist: Metallica
• Released: 2022
• Album: 72 Seasons
• Writers: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett
• Producer: Greg Fidelman, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich

💬 What’s It About?

The lyrics of "Lux Æterna" reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of meaning. The phrase "eternal light" is used metaphorically to reflect the moments of clarity and brilliance we experience in life, which often feel short-lived. It touches on themes of living fully despite knowing that time is limited, and the light of life shining through the dark moments.

Key lyrics:

“In the light, we burn, in the night, we turn, we’re the ones who run, we’re the ones who burn...”
“Lux Æterna!”

The song expresses the intensity of living life to the fullest, knowing that the light won’t last forever, making it a bit of an anthem for living in the moment.

🎸 Musically

• The song kicks off with classic Metallica energy—fast, thrashy, and with that iconic tight rhythm section.
• The riff is infectious, with powerful downpicks and a galloping beat.
• Kirk Hammett’s solo is razor-sharp, filled with his signature melodic phrasing and fiery licks.
• The song’s energy is unrelenting, with that old-school Metallica thrash vibe, but it’s also tight and polished in a way that reflects their newer, more refined sound.

It’s fast, aggressive, and energetic, with an overall vibe that harks back to Master of Puppets and Kill 'Em All, but with a modern polish.

⚡ Legacy & Impact

• Lux Æterna was released as the lead single for 72 Seasons and got a lot of attention for its thrash roots, showing Metallica’s ability to tap into their classic sound while still evolving.
• The track has been well-received by fans, with its high-energy riff and catchy chorus making it an instant live-show favorite.
• 72 Seasons marked a return to a more aggressive and thrashy sound, and Lux Æterna captured that essence perfectly.

🎤 Lyrical Depth & Themes

The lyrics highlight the fragility of life, but they also convey a sense of empowerment—making the most of what you have and embracing the light even though it may fade. It’s introspective but packed with energy.

🎧 Sound & Tone

• The production is crisp but retains the raw energy Metallica is known for.
• The rhythm guitar tone is heavy and percussive, with the kind of punch that makes you feel the weight of the riffs.
• The drums are fast and relentless, and Lars Ulrich’s precision adds to the song’s urgency.