Concert Review: Metallica Tight and Intense on First of Two Nights at U.S. Bank Stadium

On a balmy summer evening, the legendary heavy metal band Metallica took to the stage at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, delivering a performance that was both intense and tight. The band, known for their high-energy shows, did not disappoint as they kicked off the first of two nights in the Twin Cities.

The Band’s Performance

Metallica, consisting of James Hetfield (vocals, guitar), Kirk Hammett (guitar), Robert Trujillo (bass), and Lars Ulrich (drums), opened the show with a blistering rendition of ‘Hardwired,’ the title track from their 2016 album. The band’s energy was palpable from the start, with Hetfield’s powerful vocals and Hammett’s intricate guitar work setting the tone for the rest of the night.

The setlist was a mix of old and new, with fan favorites like ‘Master of Puppets‘ and ‘Enter Sandman‘ interspersed with newer tracks such as ‘Moth Into Flame‘ and ‘Now That We’re Dead.’ Throughout the performance, the band demonstrated their technical prowess and ability to seamlessly transition between different styles and tempos.

The Crowd’s Reaction

The sold-out crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium was electric, singing along to every word and moshing in the general admission area. Fans of all ages were in attendance, from young children to seasoned veterans of the metal scene. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with the crowd feeding off the band’s intensity and vice versa.

One of the highlights of the evening came when the band performed ‘One,’ a haunting ballad from their 1988 album ‘And Justice for All.’ The song features a haunting guitar solo and poignant lyrics, which resonated deeply with the audience. As the band launched into the song’s heavy second half, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of headbanging and fist-pumping.

The Production

The production values for the show were top-notch, with a massive stage setup featuring multiple video screens and pyrotechnics. The lighting design was particularly impressive, with strobe lights and lasers creating an immersive experience for the audience. At one point, the band even used drones to create a stunning visual effect during the song ‘Moth Into Flame.’

The sound quality was also exceptional, with every instrument coming through clearly in the mix. This was particularly noticeable during the band’s instrumental sections, such as the intro to ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls‘ and the solo in ‘Master of Puppets.’

Conclusion

Metallica‘s performance at U.S. Bank Stadium was a testament to the band’s enduring power and influence. With a tight and intense setlist that showcased their technical prowess and ability to connect with their audience, the band proved once again why they are one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time. Fans eagerly await the second night of the Twin Cities stop on their WorldWired tour.

For more information on Metallica‘s WorldWired tour, visit https://www.metallica.com/tour.