Songfacts®:

• Metallica's "If Darkness Had a Son" is a dark and driving song that epitomizes the band's sound. James Hetfield's powerful vocals take center stage as he sings about the internal struggle against temptation. Hetfield paints a picture of a somber figure who is guided by the allure of forbidden desires.
• The song features on Metallica's 11th studio album, 72 Seasons. The album's title is a reference to the first 18 years of our lives, which are often the most formative. During this time, we experience a wide range of emotions and challenges, which shape who we become.
  
  The album explores the recurring themes of navigating through darkness, seeking enlightenment, and confronting the universal struggles we all face. Metallica does this through their music, which is both powerful and introspective.
• In the song's poignant third verse, James Hetfield suggests that the journey towards becoming a "son of darkness" commences in childhood, potentially shaped by the impact of societal structures.
  
  Return again to where it's darkest
  Dragging home this heathen harvest
  And all the children subjugated
  Manipulated, propagated
  
  Hetfield paints a vivid picture of descending back into the depths of darkness, carrying the burden of a heathen harvest. In doing so, he also shines a spotlight on the distressing reality of children who find themselves oppressed and controlled.
• "If Darkness Had a Son" showcases the band's wide-ranging musical influences. The song begins with a commanding snare roll by Lars Ulrich, accompanied by James Hetfield's gripping repetition of the word "Temptation." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a blend of alternative metal, melodic power chords, and progressive rock.
• "If Darkness Had A Son" required pulverizing drumming. "The priority is always what's best for the song," Ulrich told UK newspaper, The Sun. "The interplay between James's rhythm guitar and my drums is the foundation of our sound and has been for 40 years. But these days, I'm more focused on swing and swagger and setting up the whole band to be at its best. This record has landed in a good place."
• Hetfield co-wrote "If Darkness Had A Son" with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist Kirk Hammett. Hetfield and Ulrich co-produced the track with 72 Seasons producer Greg Fidelman.