Metallica Ignited a Frenzied Singalong with a Blazing “Seek & Destroy” in Columbus
On May 9, 2025, Metallica delivered a thunderous performance at the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio. As part of their M72 World Tour, they took over Historic Crew Stadium with a set that pulled from every era of their catalog. The night would be remembered not just for its volume, but for its energy and connection with fans.
The show opened with the iconic “Creeping Death,” which immediately whipped the crowd into a frenzy. From the very first “DIE!” chant, tens of thousands of voices joined in unison, transforming the stadium into a battleground of rhythm and rage. Metallica didn’t ease into the night—they exploded.
As the sun set over Columbus, “Harvester of Sorrow” and “The Shortest Straw” reminded fans why Metallica’s late ’80s material still resonates so deeply. The band played with fire in their eyes, and every riff felt as sharp and aggressive as it did decades ago.
Midway through the set, the band pivoted to more introspective territory with “King Nothing.” It was a moment of reflection, sandwiched between aggression. Fans belted out the chorus, turning what was once a debated ‘90s track into a full-on stadium anthem.
The band then brought in material from their latest album, playing “72 Seasons” and “If Darkness Had a Son.” While newer, these tracks were met with wild approval. The crowd proved that Metallica fans don’t just live in the past—they’re still on this ride into the future.
The emotional centerpiece of the show was undoubtedly “Orion.” This instrumental tribute to Cliff Burton never fails to hit hard, and in Columbus, it was delivered with raw, reverent energy. Fans swayed with eyes closed, taking in every note like it was being played just for them.
“Nothing Else Matters” shifted the mood again, bringing lighters and phone lights into the air. Couples held each other, and longtime fans quietly mouthed the lyrics. It was a gentle reminder that Metallica is just as capable of beauty as they are of brutality.
That brutality came roaring back with “Sad But True,” “Battery,” and the ever-explosive “Fuel.” Flames shot skyward, the drums pounded like war cannons, and Hetfield’s voice rang clear through the chaos. The band was in complete command of the night.
Then came the moment the crowd had been waiting for—“Seek & Destroy.” As soon as the first riff hit, bodies surged forward and fists flew into the air. This wasn’t just a song—it was a ritual. Metallica performed it with the same intensity as they had back in the clubs of ’83.
The crowd sang every word, chanting “searching… seek and destroy!” louder than the amps themselves. Hetfield grinned, letting the fans take over more than once. It was a perfect example of how some songs don’t age—they evolve into something greater through time and connection.
What stood out most during “Seek & Destroy” was how loose and tight the band sounded at the same time. They played with swagger, but never lost precision. Kirk Hammett’s solo screamed with personality, while Lars Ulrich’s drum fills kept the tempo charging forward.
“Master of Puppets” followed to close the night, and there was no question why it always lands last. The complexity, the heaviness, the sheer force of the performance brought everything full circle. This was Metallica at full power—focused, ferocious, and still reaching new peaks.
The Columbus crowd didn’t let up, even as the final note rang out. Chants of “Metallica! Metallica!” echoed long after the band left the stage. For many, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a milestone. A reminder that Metallica shows aren’t events; they’re experiences.
From the early thrash chaos to the more layered recent material, Metallica’s set proved their ability to span generations and genres without missing a beat. No band blends nostalgia with innovation quite like them, and nights like this are living proof.
Their 2025 run continues to reaffirm their place in rock history—not just as pioneers of metal, but as performers who still know how to bring fire to the stage. “Seek & Destroy” in Columbus wasn’t just a highlight of the night—it was a message: Metallica still rules the pit.
