Metallica’s Epic Two-Night Stand at Sonic Temple 2025: A Metal Legacy Forged in Columbus

On May 9 and 11, 2025, Metallica delivered two earth-shaking performances at the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, cementing their status as heavy metal titans. As part of their M72 World Tour, these shows headlined the festival’s Friday and Sunday nights, drawing tens of thousands of fans for a weekend of unrelenting rock. With their signature No Repeat Weekend format, a groundbreaking stage design, and a cultural takeover of Columbus, Metallica didn’t just perform—they created a historic moment. Let’s relive the fire, passion, and metal that defined Sonic Temple 2025.

Sonic Temple 2025: A Mecca for Rock and Metal

The Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, held from May 8 to 11, 2025, transformed Historic Crew Stadium into a pilgrimage site for rock and metal fans. Featuring over 100 bands across four stages, the festival boasted a lineup that included Linkin Park, Korn, Rob Zombie, Alice In Chains, and more. Yet, it was Metallica’s dual headlining slots that stole the spotlight, marking their first-ever appearance at Sonic Temple—a dream come true for promoter Danny Wimmer, who had long sought to bring the band to the festival.

The No Repeat Weekend concept ensured that each night offered a unique setlist, giving fans a reason to attend both shows. Metallica’s in-the-round stage, complete with the iconic Snake Pit at its center, offered a 360-degree view, making every seat (or standing spot) feel intimate. Beyond the music, the M72 Takeover events and charitable initiatives through the All Within My Hands foundation added depth to the experience, turning Columbus into Metallica’s playground for the weekend.

May 9: A Ferocious Opening Night

Friday, May 9, kicked off with a roar as Rob Zombie took the stage, priming the crowd with his theatrical, high-octane performance. Songs like Dragula and Superbeast set a frenetic tone, but nothing could prepare the audience for Metallica’s arrival. As the lights dimmed, the opening riff of Creeping Death ripped through the stadium, sending the crowd into a frenzy. According to setlist.fm, the night’s 16-song set was a masterclass in Metallica’s catalog, blending classics with newer material from 72 Seasons.

Highlights included the haunting Fade to Black, which saw thousands of fans singing in unison, and the blistering Fuel, which turned the stadium into a sea of headbanging. The performance of Lux Æterna from 72 Seasons was a standout, its driving rhythm and modern edge proving that Metallica remains as vital as ever. In the Snake Pit, lucky fans were mere feet from Lars Ulrich’s thunderous drumming and Kirk Hammett’s searing solos, while James Hetfield’s commanding presence anchored the show.

Social media buzzed with reactions on X, where fans shared clips of the Seek & Destroy singalong and praised the band’s energy. One user posted, “Metallica just set Columbus on fire. Night 1 was pure chaos in the best way!” The M72 Takeover added to the excitement, with a pop-up shop at Brick Studio (15 East 6th Ave) drawing crowds for exclusive merch like 72 Seasons vinyls, limited-edition tees, and a poster by artist Zombie Dust. Fans who collected Fan Cards entered a raffle for Snake Pit passes to Night 2, sparking envy across the festival grounds.

May 11: A Monumental Finale

After a day to recover, Metallica returned on Sunday, May 11, to close Sonic Temple 2025 with a performance that rivaled the first night’s intensity. Alice In Chains opened with a gripping set, their grunge-metal anthems like Man in the Box and Would? setting a moody yet electrifying vibe. When Metallica took the stage, they launched into Battery, its relentless pace igniting the crowd. The setlist, again sourced from setlist.fm, was a journey through their discography, showcasing their evolution while honoring their roots.

A rare live performance of Orion was the night’s emotional peak, a tribute to the late Cliff Burton that left the audience in reverent silence before erupting in applause. Nothing Else Matters followed, its tender melody contrasting with the ferocity of Whiplash. The show closed with Enter Sandman, accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the Columbus sky. Fans in the Snake Pit described the experience as surreal, with Robert Trujillo’s basslines reverberating through their bones.

X was flooded with posts, from slow-motion videos of Hammett’s solo in One to photos of the exclusive Night 2 poster by Vance Kelly, which sold out within hours. A fan tweeted, “Orion live was a spiritual experience. Metallica owned Sonic Temple.” The band’s ability to balance raw power with emotional depth solidified their legacy as metal’s greatest storytellers.

Beyond the Stage: A Cultural Takeover

Metallica’s presence in Columbus extended far beyond the stadium. The M72 Interactive Map guided fans to local gems like Used Kids Records, Lost Weekend Records, and Macaron Bar, where they could grab a sweet treat between sets. Tattoo enthusiasts flocked to Liquid Vision Tattoo, home to Metallica-themed pinball machines and custom ink inspired by the band’s imagery.

The All Within My Hands foundation made a tangible impact, donating a portion of ticket proceeds to local Columbus charities. This commitment to giving back resonated with fans, who praised Metallica’s dedication to community. The pop-up shop and fan engagement activities, like photo ops and merch hunts, created a festival within a festival, ensuring that even non-ticket holders felt the Metallica spirit.

A Legacy Etched in Metal

Metallica’s two nights at Sonic Temple 2025 were more than concerts—they were a celebration of metal’s enduring power. The No Repeat Weekend delivered over 30 songs across two nights, each setlist a testament to the band’s versatility. The in-the-round stage broke down barriers, making every fan feel part of the action. From the Snake Pit to the nosebleeds, the energy was electric, with fans of all ages united by their love for Metallica.

Posts on X continue to circulate, with clips of Master of Puppets and For Whom the Bell Tolls racking up thousands of views. The shows have been hailed as a high point of the M72 World Tour, with critics and fans alike calling them some of Metallica’s finest performances in years. For those who were there, the memories of singing Sad But True under the stars or moshing to Hardwired will last a lifetime.

If you missed Sonic Temple 2025, fear not—Metallica’s tour rolls on, with more chances to witness their magic. For now, Columbus remains a sacred ground for metalheads, forever marked by two nights of unrelenting passion. Share your favorite moment from the shows in the comments, and check Metallica.com for official setlists, photos, and videos that capture the glory of Sonic Temple 2025.

>>> Merch here: M72 Sonic Temple, Metallica