Metallica

Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse 1]
Blackened is the end, winter, it will send
Throwing all you see into obscurity
Death of Mother Earth, never her rebirth
Evolution's end, never will it mend
Never

[Chorus]
Fire to begin whipping dance of the dead
Blackened is the end
To begin whipping dance of the dead
Color our world blackened

[Verse 2]
Blistering of Earth, terminate its worth
Deadly nicotine kills what might have been
Callous frigid chill, nothing left to kill
Never seen before, breathing nevermore
Never

[Chorus]
Fire to begin whipping dance of the dead
Blackened is the end
To begin whipping dance of the dead
Color our world blackened
[Post-Chorus]
Blackened!

[Bridge]
Opposition (Opposition)
Contradiction (Contradiction)
Premonition (Premonition)
Compromise
Agitation (Agitation)
Violation (Violation)
Mutilation (Mutilation)
Planet dies
Darkest color, blistered Earth
True death of life
(Termination) Termination
(Expiration) Expiration
(Cancellation) Cancellation human race
(Expectation) Expectation
(Liberation) Liberation
(Population) Population laid to waste
See our mother put to death (Death)
See our mother die

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Smoldering decay, take her breath away
Millions of our years, in minutes, disappears
Darkening in vain, decadence remains
All is said and done, never is the sun
Never
[Chorus]
Fire to begin whipping dance of the dead
Blackened is the end
To begin whipping dance of the dead
Fire is the outcome of hypocrisy
Darkest potency
In the exit of humanity
Color our world blackened
Blackened

If there's one song that captures the raw power and political commentary of Metallica, it's "Blackened." Released in 1988 as part of their iconic album "...And Justice for All," this track remains a searing indictment of the destructive potential of nuclear warfare and the inherent flaws in the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (M.A.D). Written during the tense Cold War era, the lyrics still resonate today, reminding us of the precariousness of our world and the consequences of our actions. James Hetfield's poignant and morbid account of a planet scarred by burning and decay paints a haunting picture of a future marred by self-destruction.

From the very first notes, "Blackened" envelops the listener in a sonic onslaught that is quintessentially Metallica. Filled with layered guitar tracks that abound throughout the entire album, it's no wonder there's minimal space for the bass sound to shine. Interestingly, this makes "Blackened" the last song on the album where bassist Jason Newsted's contributions take a backseat, as he would later make his mark on the subsequent album, metal phenomenon that is the "Black Album." The monstrous riffs that greet us from the beginning quickly give way to a half-time interlude where Kirk Hammett unleashes one of his most memorable solos, only to return to the blistering pace of the song's relentless riffing.

While Hetfield's lyrical prowess shines on "Blackened," it's worth noting that the song features Newsted's only writing credits on the entire album. His creation of the main riff adds another layer of dynamism and complexity to the track, showcasing the collective talent and collaborative spirit of Metallica as a whole.

It's fascinating to discover how "Blackened" ultimately went on to leave an indelible mark on Metallica's legacy. Years later, the song not only lent its name to their own record label, Blackened Recordings but also symbolizes the band's unwavering commitment to their music and their ability to transcend generations.

...

About Blackened

On the outset, "Blackened" is a scathing critique of Mutual Assured Destruction or M.A.D, a concept that loomed large in conversations during the Cold War. This political and ideological notion posited that both the United States and the Soviet Union held enough nuclear weapons to ensure the complete obliteration of each other, thus deterring any potential attacks. Metallica, however, challenges the viability and logic of such an approach. They argue that M.A.D is hypocritical and contradictory, as it neither solves the underlying issues nor prevents the nightmare scenario of nuclear winter, where countless detonations would scar the Earth forever.

James Hetfield's lyrics are incisive, capturing the dark reality of a world teetering on the brink of annihilation. The term "blackened," as the song's title suggests, signifies the scarring and decay brought about by the indiscriminate use of nuclear weapons. It paints a vivid picture of a planet engulfed in darkness and hopelessness, reminding us of the catastrophic consequences of our actions. This powerful imagery sets the stage for an intense and thought-provoking musical journey.

Musically, "Blackened" showcases Metallica's signature thrash metal sound and their ability to captivate listeners with their intricate guitar work. The song's relentless riffing, alternating between double-time and half-time sections, creates a rollercoaster of energy and emotion. Kirk Hammett's sensational solo during the interlude takes center stage, adding an extra layer of intensity and virtuosity to the track.

It's worth noting that "Blackened" marked a significant milestone for bassist Jason Newsted on the album. While his contributions in terms of writing were limited to this track, Newsted's presence and talent are felt throughout "...And Justice for All," solidifying his place within Metallica and allowing his creative voice to shine.

Years after its release, "Blackened" continues to resonate with fans worldwide. In a fitting tribute to its enduring power, Metallica named their very own record label after this monumental song. Blackened Recordings not only serves as a testament to the band's commitment to their craft but also as a symbol of their independence and their ability to break barriers.

In its entirety, "Blackened" showcases Metallica's artistry, their penchant for tackling weighty subjects, and their unrivaled ability to fuse music and narrative to create an unforgettable experience. As listeners, we are invited to reflect on the state of our world and the dire consequences of humanity's destructive tendencies. Through the sheer force of their music and lyrics, Metallica ensures that "Blackened" remains a timeless anthem, serving as an urgent warning that we must strive for peaceful coexistence and safeguard our planet from the darkness that looms.

• Release Date: August 25, 1988
• Artist: Metallica