Metallica Electrifies Night 2 In St. Louis: Concert Review

Metallica’s epic performance on the night of November 5, 2023, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis is destined to become the stuff of legend. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as AC/DC’s iconic anthem, “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll),” blared from the PA system, setting the stage for a historic evening. The screens above the stage displayed an electrifying visual journey through the band’s storied career, reminding everyone that they were in the presence of metal royalty.

Revving the Metallica Engine

The moment had arrived, and Metallica wasted no time. They kicked off the night with the electrifying “Whiplash” from their iconic “Kill ‘Em All” album. The audience, a blend of different generations, raised their horns, banged their heads, and the energy was palpable. But this was only the beginning of the sonic onslaught. As “Whiplash” reached its thunderous conclusion, Robert Trujillo’s bass signaled the start of “For Whom The Bell Tolls,” a classic from “Ride the Lightning.” James Hetfield had the crowd singing along, uniting fans of all ages.

Guitar virtuoso Kirk Hammett unleashed a monstrous guitar solo that sent shivers down the audience’s collective spine. The stage, set in the round, allowed James, Kirk, and Robert to traverse and engage with fans from every corner of the arena. Their energy and connection with the crowd were magnetic.

With the crowd’s adrenaline pumping, Metallica transitioned seamlessly into “Ride The Lightning.” The stage’s screens flashed with blue lightning bolts, mirroring the album’s iconic imagery. It was a visual and auditory assault, a testament to the band’s dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience.

Metallica: A Family of Fans

Throughout the night, James Hetfield expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support over the years. He spoke of the Metallica community as a tight-knit family. At one point, he spotted a sign that read, “It’s My Dad’s Birthday.” Hetfield acknowledged the sign, wishing the dad a happy birthday, and playfully inquired if the dad had brought everyone along. He marveled at how Metallica’s shows have evolved into multigenerational gatherings, uniting fans from different walks of life.

A Journey Through Metallica’s Legacy

The band’s setlist was a masterful curation, weaving together songs that spanned their illustrious career. While catering to their dedicated older fans, they also engaged newer generations who have recently discovered their music. Highlights of the night included renditions of classics like “Welcome Home Sanitarium,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Blackened.”

There was a notable moment when a fan enthusiastically exclaimed that he would go wild if they played “Blackened.” True to their promise, Metallica delivered, and the fan found himself engulfed by the mosh pit, fully immersed in the experience.

Exploring Musical Diversity

Metallica didn’t limit their performance to their legendary hits. They delved into some of their lesser-known gems, offering fans a diverse soundscape. Songs from the “72 Seasons” album, such as the title track “72 Seasons” and “You Must Burn,” were seamlessly woven into the set. The audience was treated to “Moth Into Flames” from their album “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct.” The band revisited the mid to late ’90s with tracks like “King Nothing,” “No Leaf Clover,” and “Whiskey In A Jar.”

Closing the Show in Explosive Fashion

As the night approached its climax, the screens above the stage transitioned into a war scene. It was a signal that fans well-versed in Metallica’s history immediately recognized. The stage seemed under siege, bombs and artillery raining down. Flames shot out from all directions, creating a captivating spectacle. James Hetfield initiated the iconic “One,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. When the recognizable guitar line pierced through the arena, fans erupted in cheers.

During the performance of “One,” Kirk Hammett faced equipment issues with one of his guitars. It was a momentary glitch in an otherwise flawless show, and Kirk’s brief confusion during the first guitar solo was met with an understanding audience. It was a testament to Metallica’s immense musicianship and their ability to adapt on the fly.

As James sang the immortal lines “Darkness, imprisoning me, all that I see,” the crowd sang along in unison. Lars Ulrich’s signature double bass pedal work added to the intensity of the performance.

After the emotional rollercoaster that was “One,” Metallica concluded the night with the evergreen anthem “Enter Sandman.” The perfect choice to close the evening, the song has made its mark in the world of sports over the years, and the fans in attendance reveled in its power. (Please include additional details about the performance of “Enter Sandman.”)

As the final notes reverberated through the venue, the band bid farewell by tossing guitar picks and drumsticks into the ecstatic crowd.

Metallica’s performance in St. Louis reaffirmed their legendary status and transcended generations. From their humble beginnings in small clubs to their domination of arenas, speedways, and stadiums, the band’s fanbase has only grown, cementing their position as one of the most iconic acts in the history of music.