Metallica fan here since approx 1984 when I got my first radio and heard Creeping Death on FM radio in Baltimore...
Now on to the album review - This album I feel is a safe hard rocker for the boys. Do they go out on a limb and try new sounds (e.g. Nothing else Matters, Mama Said, Call Of Ktulu)? My answer to that is sadly no (which is why the lack of 5 stars). HOWEVER, this album is not without its merits. I've listened to this record through about 4 times now; and I do truly enjoy it.
Highlights to me are: 72 Seasons, Shadows Follow, If Darkness had a Son, Too far Gone? and last but not least Inamorata.
I feel however that the solos in this record from Kirk are good, but not great. Feels like he's just rolling though the pentatonic scale at some points (which is ok); but miss the wild solos from AJFA or MOP.
Overall, I recommend this one to fans both old and new. Will it floor you as one of their best efforts in years? It's possible. I suggest really listening to this album...not while doing something else, but actually listening to the riffs, changes, solos etc. How a record SHOULD be listened to.
Give this one a try!