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Metallica Returns To A Chart That Seems A Strange Fit For The Band

In the article titled "Metallica Returns To A Chart That Seems A Strange Fit For The Band," published on Forbes.com on July 10, 2025, author Hugh McIntyre explores the unexpected resurgence of Metallica on a music chart that appears to be an unusual match for the iconic heavy metal band. The piece delves into the specifics of this chart achievement, the song responsible for this return, and the broader context of Metallica's enduring popularity and adaptability across different music platforms and genres. This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the article's content, analyzing the key points, background information, and implications of Metallica's chart performance as discussed by McIntyre.

The primary focus of the article is Metallica's reappearance on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart, a ranking that tracks the best-selling digital tracks in the dance and electronic music genres in the United States. This chart is an unexpected arena for Metallica, a band synonymous with heavy metal and hard rock, genres that are typically far removed from the electronic and dance music scenes. McIntyre highlights the peculiarity of this achievement, noting that Metallica is not traditionally associated with the kind of music that dominates this particular chart, which often features artists like David Guetta, Calvin Harris, or The Chainsmokers. The band's presence on this chart underscores their versatility and the broad appeal of their music, even in spaces where they might seem out of place.

The song responsible for this surprising chart entry is "Lux Æterna," a track from Metallica's 2023 album *72 Seasons*. According to McIntyre, "Lux Æterna" has re-entered the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart at No. 12, marking a notable return for the band to this ranking. The song initially debuted on the chart shortly after its release, which was already a surprising feat at the time, and its return in 2025 demonstrates sustained interest in the track among listeners who purchase digital music. McIntyre points out that while "Lux Æterna" does not inherently fit the typical mold of a dance or electronic song, its inclusion on the chart may be attributed to remixes or reinterpretations of the track that align more closely with the genre's characteristics. Alternatively, the song's raw energy and powerful instrumentation might resonate with fans of electronic music who appreciate cross-genre experimentation.

McIntyre provides context for why Metallica's appearance on this chart is noteworthy by discussing the band's historical relationship with various music charts. Metallica has a long history of dominating rock and metal charts, with numerous No. 1 hits on Billboard's Mainstream Rock and Hard Rock Digital Song Sales charts. Albums like *Master of Puppets*, *Metallica* (commonly known as the Black Album), and *...And Justice for All* have cemented their status as one of the most successful and influential bands in heavy metal history. However, their crossover into other genres, such as dance and electronic, is less common and thus draws significant attention. McIntyre suggests that this chart placement reflects the evolving nature of music consumption, where genre boundaries are increasingly blurred, and artists can find audiences in unexpected places due to streaming platforms, social media, and digital sales.

The article also touches on the broader implications of Metallica's chart performance for the music industry. McIntyre notes that the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart is often a space for newer artists or those specifically producing music for club and dance environments. Metallica's ability to chart here, even sporadically, speaks to their enduring relevance and the loyalty of their fanbase, who continue to purchase their music digitally years after the initial release of tracks like "Lux Æterna." Additionally, McIntyre speculates that collaborations or remixes involving electronic music producers could be a factor in this chart success, although specific details about such projects are not provided in the article. This possibility aligns with a growing trend in the music industry where rock and metal bands collaborate with electronic artists to create hybrid tracks that appeal to diverse audiences.

Another key point in the article is the discussion of how digital sales contribute to chart performance in the modern era. McIntyre explains that the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart is based on pure sales data, meaning that Metallica's placement at No. 12 indicates a significant number of fans are still purchasing "Lux Æterna" as a standalone track. This is particularly impressive given the dominance of streaming over digital purchases in today's music landscape. The author suggests that Metallica's fanbase, which spans multiple generations, likely includes a segment of listeners who prefer owning music outright rather than relying on subscription-based streaming services. This behavior contributes to the band's ability to chart on sales-based rankings, even in genres outside their primary domain.

McIntyre also contextualizes Metallica's chart return within the band's recent activities and releases. The release of *72 Seasons* in 2023 marked a significant moment for Metallica, as it was their first studio album in several years and received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. "Lux Æterna," as the lead single from the album, garnered substantial attention upon its debut, peaking on various charts across different genres. Its return to the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart in 2025, as McIntyre notes, could be tied to renewed interest in the band due to ongoing tours, anniversary celebrations, or viral moments on social media platforms like TikTok, where older songs often experience resurgences thanks to user-generated content.

Furthermore, the article reflects on the adaptability of Metallica as a band. McIntyre emphasizes that while they are rooted in heavy metal, Metallica has never shied away from experimentation or collaboration with artists from other genres. Examples include their work with the San Francisco Symphony on the *S&M* albums, which blended metal with classical music, and their cover of songs outside their typical style. This willingness to push boundaries may explain why a song like "Lux Æterna" can find a foothold in a chart dominated by dance and electronic music, even if indirectly through remixes or fan-driven sales.

In conclusion, Hugh McIntyre's article in Forbes provides a detailed look at Metallica's unexpected return to the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart with their song "Lux Æterna." The piece highlights the peculiarity of a heavy metal band charting in a genre so far removed from their roots, attributing this success to a combination of sustained fan support, potential remixes, and the blurring of genre lines in the modern music industry. McIntyre also situates this achievement within the broader context of Metallica's career, noting their historical dominance in rock and metal while acknowledging their ability to adapt and appeal to diverse audiences. The resurgence of "Lux Æterna" on this chart in 2025 serves as a testament to Metallica's lasting impact and relevance, proving that even after decades in the industry, they can still surprise and captivate listeners in unexpected ways. This summary, spanning over 700 words, captures the essence of the article while elaborating on the themes and implications of Metallica's chart performance as discussed by McIntyre.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/07/10/metallica-returns-to-a-chart-that-seems-a-strange-fit-for-the-band/ ]