Screaming Suicide
"Screaming Suicide" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica, released as the second single in promotion of their upcoming eleventh studio album 72 Seasons.[1] It was released on January 19, 2023, along with a music video directed by Tim Saccenti.[2]
"Screaming Suicide" | ||||
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Single by Metallica | ||||
from the album 72 Seasons | ||||
Released | January 19, 2023 | |||
Genre | Heavy metal | |||
Length | 5:30 | |||
Label | Blackened | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
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Metallica singles chronology | ||||
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Background
According to Hetfield, the song is about the "Taboo word of Suicide"[2] and to communicate the darkness we feel inside of us. Further adding how people cannot deny that they have had dark thoughts at one point in their lives.[3][4] In the same statement he continues:
"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."[5][6]
The tracks lyrics have also been interpreted as telling the story of a person who is born craving Dopamine, only to be lured by their darkest fears & insecurities thinking themself as "living a mistake".[5]
Reception
Drew Review's overall enjoyed the song, noting how it is less fast-paced than "Lux Æterna" and that it felt more like a modern rock song than what you would typically expect from the band.[7] Writing for Metal Planet Music, Darren also liked the track, noting how it sounds like the refreshed 2020s version of Kill 'Em All. They also believed that it felt like the band was moving towards a less complex, more basic sound.[8]
Personnel
- James Hetfield – vocals, rhythm guitar
- Lars Ulrich – drums
- Kirk Hammett – lead guitar
- Robert Trujillo – bass
Charts
Chart (2023) | Peak position |
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New Zealand (Hot Singles)[9] | 20 |
UK Singles Sales Chart[10] | 32 |
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[11] | 32 |
References
- Gallagher, Alex (2023-01-20). "Metallica confront taboos on new single 'Screaming Suicide': "It's a human experience, we should be able to talk about it"". NME. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- Kreps, Daniel (2023-01-20). "Metallica Unleash 'Taboo'-Shattering New Song 'Screaming Suicide'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- Peters, Mitchell (2023-01-21). "Metallica Explains Meaning Behind New Song 'Screaming Suicide': 'We Should Be Able to Talk About It'". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- "Read lyrics to METALLICA's powerful new song "Screaming Suicide"". Revolver. 2023-01-19. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- January 20, Emlyn Travis; EST, 2023 at 02:45 PM. "Metallica explain new song 'Screaming Suicide': 'I believe most people have thought about it'". EW.com. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- "Metallica Share Video for New Song "Screaming Suicide"". Pitchfork. 2023-01-20. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- Drew (2023-01-20). "Single Review: Metallica – Screaming Suicide". Drew's Reviews. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- "Single Review : Metallica: Screaming Suicide". Metal Planet Music. 2023-01-20. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- "The Official New Zealand Music Chart". THE OFFICIAL NZ MUSIC CHART. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
- "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". Official Charts. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
- "Metallica Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 29, 2023.