Who is being addressed is unclear, but “The Thorn Within” seeks forgiveness for sins from someone called “father.” “King Nothing” alludes to the emptiness of fame.
A tormented mixture of depression and demons haunts this band (“The House That Jack Built,” “Until It Sleeps,” “Bleeding Me”). Elsewhere, lyrics promote emotional isolation (“Hero of the Day”), self-pity and agony (“Poor Twisted Me”), and bitter self-loathing (“Wasting My Hate”). After nearly 79 minutes of such obsessive moaning, some listeners might volunteer to put the band out of its misery.
Metallica’s last studio album, a self-titled disc, sold more than 9 million copies. More of the same this time. Grinding guitars and growled vocals give oppressive personality to dark, hopeless lyrics that molest the psyche. With minor exceptions, this Load should have been left at the curb on trash day.