The Metal scene in 2023 witnessed significant events, with Metallica’s triumphant return and Ozzy Osbourne bidding farewell to touring.

In late 2022, Metallica generated excitement by announcing their new album, “72 Seasons,” marking their first release since 2016’s “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct.” The album’s launch was complemented by the M72 World Tour, a unique endeavor where the iconic “Enter Sandman” creators performed two shows in each city, each with distinct set lists.

Released in April, “72 Seasons” featured hit singles like “Lux Æterna,” “Too Far Gone?” and the title track, all claiming the top spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Notably, each song from the album received its own video, accompanied by American Sign Language interpretations. Metallica further celebrated the album’s arrival with a weeklong residency on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

The M72 tour embarked on a European journey before reaching the U.S. in August. The lineup included renowned acts such as the reformed Pantera, Five Finger Death Punch, Mammoth WVH, Ice Nine Kills, Architects, and Volbeat. Metallica broke attendance records and became the center of a heartwarming viral story when a dog inadvertently found its way to an M72 show in Los Angeles.

As Metallica enthralled audiences worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne faced health challenges that kept him off the stage. Dealing with health issues, including surgeries after a fall in 2019, the Prince of Darkness, who last performed a full concert in 2018, announced his retirement from touring in February. Despite this, Ozzy expressed a desire to play occasional shows in the future.

This aspiration materialized with the introduction of Power Trip, a new festival from the creators of Coachella, serving as a metal-themed sequel to 2016’s Desert Trip. The initial lineup boasted heavyweights like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, along with AC/DC featuring Brian Johnson, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, and Tool. However, due to health concerns, Ozzy Osbourne withdrew from the festival, and Judas Priest stepped in as a replacement.

In summary, 2023 marked Metallica’s triumphant return with “72 Seasons” and the M72 tour, juxtaposed with Ozzy Osbourne’s retirement from touring and the emergence of the Power Trip festival, showcasing the dynamic and evolving landscape of the Metal genre.