If Darkness Had a Son explained

If Darkness Had a Son
Cover:	If Darkness Had a Son.JPG
Type:	single
Artist:	Metallica
Album:	72 Seasons
Released:	March 1, 2023
Genre:	Alternative metal^[1] thrash metal^[2]
Length:	6:36
Label:	Blackened
Producer:	Greg Fidelman James Hetfield Lars Ulrich
Prev Title:	Screaming Suicide
Prev Year:	2023
Next Title:	72 Seasons
Next Year:	2023

"If Darkness Had a Son" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica, released as the third single in promotion of their eleventh studio album 72 Seasons. It was released on March 1, 2023, along with a music video directed by Tim Saccenti.^[3]

Background

The song was teased on February 28, 2023, on Metallica's TikTok as a duet with an instrument added each day.^{[4] [5]}

Reception

The song hit No. 1 on Billboards Hot Trending Songs chart dated and saw 1.1 million official U.S. streams and 1,000 downloads upon the release of the song.^[6] The song also was named the Heavy Metal song of the week by Consequence.^[7]

Personnel

• James Hetfield – vocals, rhythm guitar
• Lars Ulrich – drums
• Kirk Hammett – lead guitar
• Robert Trujillo – bass

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "If Darkness Had a Son"

Chart (2023)	Peak position
Canada Digital Songs (Billboard)^[8]	29
Germany Airplay (TopHit)^[9]	44
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)^[10]	34
UK Singles Sales (OCC)^[11]	53
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)^[12]	52
US Hot Trending Songs (Billboard)^[13]	1
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[14]	34

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"

Position
US Hot Hard Rock Songs (Billboard)^[15]	46

Notes and References

1. Web site: Metallica Go Alternative Metal on 'If Darkness Had a Son'. Audio Ink Radio. March 2, 2023. April 14, 2023.
2. Web site: Hear Metallica's thrashy new song "If Darkness Had a Son". Revolver. March 1, 2023. April 14, 2023.
3. Metallica Drop New Seven-Minute Epic 'If Darkness Had a Son'. Rolling Stone. Kreps. Daniel. March 1, 2023. April 14, 2023.
4. Web site: See METALLICA tease new song "If Darkness Had a Son" with TikTok duet video. Revolver. February 28, 2023. April 14, 2023.
5. Web site: Metallica Release New Single "If Darkness Had A Son". Chicago Music Guide. Petersen. Justice. March 2, 2023. April 14, 2023.
6. Metallica Rules Hot Trending Songs Chart for the First Time. Billboard. Rutherford. Kevin. March 7, 2023. April 14, 2023.
7. Web site: Heavy Song of the Week: Metallica's "If Darkness Had a Son" Is a Sonic Retrospective of Their Career. Consequence. Hadusek. Jon . March 3, 2023. April 14, 2023.
8. Metallica Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs Sales). Billboard. April 14, 2023.
9. Web site: If Darkness Had a Son – Metallica - TopHit - Highway To Airplay. TopHit. June 14, 2024.
10. Web site: Hot 40 Singles. Recorded Music NZ. March 13, 2023. April 14, 2023.
11. Web site: Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. March 3, 2023. April 14, 2023.
12. Web site: Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. March 3, 2023. April 14, 2023.
13. Metallica Chart History (Hot Trending Songs). Billboard. April 14, 2023.
14. Metallica Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs). Billboard. April 14, 2023.
15. Year-End Charts: Hot Hard Rock Songs (2023). Billboard. January 7, 2024.