Metallica’s “If Darkness Had a Son” Electrifies Landover Show at Northwest Stadium (May 28, 2025)

On May 28, 2025, Metallica brought their thunderous M72 World Tour to Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD—and centered the storm around “If Darkness Had a Son.” This newer single from their 72 Seasons album was thrust into the spotlight, showcasing how the band continues to mesh fresh material with their legendary anthems in a live setting. It was a six-minute masterpiece that ignited the crowd from the first riff.

There’s a powerful timing to placing this track mid-set. Fresh off classics like “Creeping Death” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “If Darkness Had a Son” hit with purpose. The arena-level production allowed the song’s dynamics—whiplashing drums, heavy rhythm, and chilling solos—to shine in full force, even among tracks with decades of legacy.

The introduction of this song in Landover marked a wider shift on the tour: 72 Seasons tracks began anchoring the live experience. While longtime fans braced for “Master of Puppets” or “Enter Sandman,” the excitement for “If Darkness Had a Son” rivaled those expectations, illustrating that Metallica’s newest material was commanding its own place in the pantheon.

Critical reaction was immediate. The song’s punchy, “fist-pumping powerhouse” energy was praised by reviewers, with the opening riff drawing comparisons to the raw aggression of the …And Justice for All era—yelled “Eye of the Beholder” vibes through new blood. It proved Metallica was taking creative risks without losing grip on what made them giants.

Fans in Landover took to social media, describing the sound as “phenomenal,” although some noted occasional mixing quirks in the support acts. But once Metallica launched into “If Darkness Had a Son,” the power imbalance flipped—the band roared back, live energy surging through thousands, guitars screaming and bass pounds resonating through bodies.

The track continued Metallica’s connection to TikTok-era fans. Released originally in 2023, the song had already topped Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart and earned praise from outlets like Consequence. Hearing it live in Landover showed how social-media virality could translate into stadium-level anticipation and triumph.

Watching the live clip, Metallica’s stage presence commanded the stadium. Robert Trujillo’s bass surged under Kirk Hammett’s solo, while Hetfield executed the song’s dynamic shifts—quiet menace to explosive aggression—with veteran precision. Drummer Lars Ulrich anchored the track with powerful rhythms, reinforcing the band’s unbreakable chemistry.

This live debut at Landover reflects broader continuity in Metallica’s show structure. On the M72 World Tour, the band embraced a “no-repeat weekend” format—each night offering distinct setlists. Placing “If Darkness Had a Son” early in the show marked confidence in deeper, newer tracks alongside fan favorites like “The Memory Remains.”

It wasn’t the only 72 Seasons song to make waves. Fans noticed “Lux Æterna” was also anchored in the early set, reaffirming the album’s role as a live centerpiece. The strategy paid off: instead of relying solely on nostalgia, Metallica made room for evolution. The crowd responded in kind, fist-pumping and headbanging with equal fervor.

Listeners have commented that he felt “a thousand concerts, a battered soul,” and again at Landover, the band seemed tighter than ever. Kirk and Rob’s playful “doodle”—short improvisations during jams—became a highlight, keeping each live performance unpredictable and personal.

The tribute moments in the setlist didn’t stop with new tracks. The band touched on “Orion,” dedicated to Cliff Burton, and closed with their anthem lineup—“Seek & Destroy,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Enter Sandman.” But the decision to weave “If Darkness Had a Son” into that narrative wasn’t token: it was a declaration of continued relevance.

Podcasts like That Sound featured firsthand accounts of young fans experiencing their first pit in Landover. One recounted how the song became a bonding anthem, bringing together seasoned fans and newcomers under the weight of fresh Metallica thunder.

Listenership data supports it too. The show’s MP3 and FLAC streams saw heavy traffic toward the track, with “If Darkness Had a Son” designated as a download highlight. Even fans from earlier generations praised its clarity and live resonance.

What resonates most is this: Metallica is a rare band that not only endures—it evolves. Their M72 Tour—beginning in April 2023—is a testament to stamina, but tracks like this one prove growth hasn’t slowed. You can’t just play old riffs forever; evolution matters.

In the end, Metallica’s Landover performance solidified “If Darkness Had a Son” as much more than a new song—it’s a future classic. Placed amid their hall-of-fame hits, it held its own—and sometimes outshone them. For fans in that stadium and online, it proved beyond doubt: this band still commands stages; they’re still the future of heavy metal.