Metallica’s James Hetfield revealed the true meaning of the song “Screaming Suicide” from their upcoming album.
“72 Seasons,” the 11th studio album from one of the world’s most successful rock bands, is set to be released on March 31. Metallica confirmed the album on Nov. 28 with the single “Lux terna,” and revealed that the full version would be released on April 14 through Blackened Recordings.
The band released another song from the album, “Screaming Suicide,” prior to the album’s official release. It became their latest music project seven years after their previous studio album was released.
On Friday, Metallica’s frontman issued a statement (via Billboard) explaining the meaning of their new song.
The song, according to Hetfield, addresses the “taboo word of suicide.”
The singer said, according to Rolling Stone:
“The intention is to communicate about the darkness we feel inside. It’s ridiculous to think we should deny that we have these thoughts. At one point or another I believe most people have thought about it. To face it is to speak the unspoken. If it’s a human experience, we should be able to talk about it. You are not alone.”
The black-and-white music video for “Screaming Suicide” was directed by Tim Saccenti. Metallica’s YouTube channel description also included a list of suicide prevention organizations from around the world.
Hetfield previously discussed the album, stating that the concept is based on who the members were during their first 18 years of life.
He and Lars Ulrich collaborated with Greg Fidelman to co-produce the 12-song album, which runs for 77 minutes.
Aside from the album, Metallica will take its global fans on a world tour.
Pantera, Mammoth WVH, Ice Nine Kills, Greta Van Fleet, and Five Finger Death Punch have all confirmed their world tour dates. The sale of tickets officially began on December 2.
Metallica will perform two nights in different cities, each with a different set and act. Amsterdam, Paris, Hamburg, Gothenburg, East Rutherford, Montreal, Arlington, Los Angeles, Phoenix, St. Louis, Detroit, Munich, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Madrid, Foxborough, Chicago, Minneapolis, Edmonton, Seattle, and Mexico City are among the cities the band will visit.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You can also call the network at 1-800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.