A lot has happened in 25 years. Most undergrads at the UA weren’t even alive when Metallica released their first album, Kill ‘Em All, in July 1983. They’re probably too old to be doing this, right?

Not even close. Apparently these guys don’t age. Listen to the first song on their latest collection of ripping guitars and thumping drums, Death Magnetic, and try to refrain from wild headbanging. It’s not easy.

The new release is a return to the powerful heavy metal that carried Metallica across generations of music. The 10 tracks are stuffed with solos, a style that faded with the evolution of rock music.

Kirk Hammett shows off unmatched skill while making his guitar sing. The drum rolls from Lars Ulrich seem to defy the laws of physics. Robert Trujillo provides plenty of ground-pounding bass guitar to drive the music. And singer James Hetfield’s approach has matured, choosing to use a little vocal range, rather than simply growling like he used to.

Metallica’s last album, St. Anger, sounded scattered and chaotic. Death Magnetic is much tighter and cleaner. The key to this album is the cohesion of so much individual talent – talent that continues to roar after 27 years.