Hardwired...To Self-Destruct was released on the 18 November, 2016 on Metallica's own Blackened Recordings record label and debuted at No. 1 around the world, selling over 800,000 copies worldwide in its first week. The album was produced by Greg Fidelman with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.

Praise for Hardwired...To Self-Destruct includes: The New York Times: "Metallica has embraced its adulthood, reclaiming the attack of its music while jettisoning the image of a hard-rock band as young, fast and out of control;” Rolling Stone: "Metallica's “Hardwired” shreds back to vintage eighties terror;”  Decibel: "Metallica balances legacy, longevity, and longitude with Hardwired...To Self-Destruct;" Kerrang!: "This is Metallica galvanized, refreshed, refocused and rediscovering themselves. Best thing they've done since The Black album? Yep;" The Guardian: "Metallica have just made their finest record in 25 years;" NME: "Metallica remain both vital and innovative;" San Jose Mercury News:  "Metallica has once again delivered an album that echoes and underscores the mood of millions;" and much more.