Metallica Electrifies Sonic Temple: A Night of Thunderous Metal
Metallica, the titans of heavy metal, brought their signature brand of sonic intensity to day two of Sonic Temple at Historic Crew Stadium on May 9th, 2025, in a performance that left metalheads reeling. After their triumphant show the organizers solved traffic issues to improve the festival experience.
The band's first Columbus appearance since 2017, and their Sonic Temple headlining debut, was charged with anticipation. A palpable energy surged through the crowd as they awaited Metallica's arrival. It was a night of sonic bludgeoning that metalheads worldwide adore.
The setlist was a masterclass in metal, kicking off with the explosive energy of "Creeping Death." Red lights bathed the crowd as the band unleashed their high-octane sound, followed by a relentless barrage of classics like "Harvester of Sorrow," "The Shortest Straw," and "King Nothing." Despite being in their 60s, the band members were in top form. James Hetfield's iconic vocals, Lars Ulrich's ferocious drumming, Kirk Hammett's shredding guitar, and Robert Trujillo's solid bassline created a wall of sound that captivated the audience.
The band then transitioned to newer material, showcasing "72 Seasons" and "If Darkness Had a Son" from their recent album. A short jam session called "Devil's Lettuce" between Trujillo and Hammett provided a shred-heavy interlude before the band returned with "The Day That Never Comes" and "Shadows Follow." A brief dip into the past with “Orion” before Metallica busted out their somber hit “Nothing Else Matters.” The crowd swayed with their phone flashlights.
The final third of the concert was an unrelenting onslaught of hits. "Sad but True" ignited a headbanging frenzy, followed by the deceptively acoustic intro of "Battery" that quickly transformed into a metal machine gun. The visual spectacle reached its peak during "Fuel," with flames erupting from the stage in response to Hetfield's iconic opening line: "Gimme fuel, gimme fire. Gimme that which I desire."
Beach balls bounced through the crowd during "Seek and Destroy," adding a playful touch to the heavy metal onslaught. The night climaxed with "Master of Puppets," a song so overwhelming that it momentarily erased all other sounds. Fireworks exploded both onstage and in the night sky as the band delivered a truly unforgettable finale.
Recognizing the traffic issues from the festival's first day, organizers implemented changes to improve the flow of traffic, including opening parking earlier and rerouting traffic with the assistance of local law enforcement and OSHP (Ohio State Highway Patrol).
"Metallica loves you," Hetfield declared as the show concluded, a sentiment wholeheartedly reciprocated by the ecstatic crowd. What was your favorite moment from Metallica's earth-shattering performance at Sonic Temple? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!
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