Metallica Unleash “Master of Puppets” in Landover with One of the M72 Tour’s Most Explosive Performances
On May 28, 2025, Metallica stormed into Landover’s Northwest Stadium with a performance that immediately etched itself into the band’s rich live history. As part of the M72 World Tour, the show drew tens of thousands of fans braving unpredictable spring weather to witness a set that was as fierce as it was unforgettable.
The night opened with “Creeping Death,” a track that never fails to ignite the crowd. The moment James Hetfield growled the opening line, fists shot into the air, and the energy surged. This early display of raw power set the tone for what would become one of the most intense shows of the entire tour.
Classic after classic followed—“For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Leper Messiah,” and “The Memory Remains”—each played with a precision that showcased the band’s decades of experience. The crowd’s voice joined Hetfield’s, turning the stadium into a massive chorus of roaring metal fans reliving the soundtrack of their youth.
Later in the show, the band switched gears with “Lux Æterna” and “If Darkness Had a Son,” highlighting the 2023 album 72 Seasons. These newer tracks stood strong alongside the classics, proving that Metallica continues to push their sound forward without losing the essence of what made them legends.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came with “The Day That Never Comes.” Its melodic introduction and emotional progression provided a rare chance for the audience to absorb the band’s softer side before the heavy finale. The song’s buildup created a wave of anticipation that burst with explosive payoff.
When “Fuel” hit, the crowd erupted once more. Lars Ulrich’s relentless drumming and Kirk Hammett’s sharp riffing reignited the fire in the crowd. The instrumental masterpiece “Orion” followed, giving fans a taste of the band’s musical depth and technical brilliance, especially in the absence of lyrics.
“Nothing Else Matters” provided a beautifully emotional breather. With thousands of phone lights waving in the air, the stadium took on a surreal glow. Hetfield’s delivery of the lyrics felt personal, even in a crowd of tens of thousands, creating a moment of shared vulnerability between artist and audience.
The mood shifted again as the band delivered “Sad But True” and “One,” both performed with stunning power. The pyro-laced performance of “One” was particularly jaw-dropping, with synchronized blasts mimicking battlefield explosions and a crowd that roared with every thunderous note.
Then came “Seek & Destroy,” a crowd favorite that turned the stadium floor into a pulsing, chaotic sea of motion. Fans thrashed, jumped, and screamed the lyrics back at the stage. Metallica fed off the energy, playing with a ferocity that belied their decades-long tenure in the industry.
When the opening riffs of “Master of Puppets” rang out, the energy reached its peak. The anthem that defined a generation of thrash metal was delivered with relentless force. The crowd screamed every word, and the legendary down-picked chug of the guitars echoed like a battle cry through the stadium.
The staging for the song matched its weight: strobes, smoke, and giant screen visuals drove home the chaos and power embedded in the track. Even after all these years, “Master of Puppets” remains not just a fan favorite but a defining piece of live metal performance.
Throughout the night, Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett, and Trujillo played with unmistakable chemistry. Their comfort on stage, forged by decades of touring together, allowed for moments of spontaneity—improvised solos, crowd interactions, and tight musical transitions that felt effortless yet thrilling.
Fans in attendance described the concert as transcendent—an experience that went beyond just a night of music. It was a reunion, a celebration, and a masterclass in live performance by a band that has never stopped delivering at the highest level.
With this show, Metallica once again reminded the world why they’re considered one of the greatest live bands in rock history. Their ability to evolve while honoring their roots continues to inspire, and this performance in Landover served as proof that they’re still at the top of their game.
For those lucky enough to be in the crowd that night, the performance of “Master of Puppets” wasn’t just a highlight of the show—it was the kind of live music moment that stays with you forever. A thunderous finale, a lasting memory, and yet another chapter in Metallica’s unstoppable legacy.
