Metallica's Las Vegas Sphere Residency Earns Rave Reviews
Critics hail the band's "immersive plunge" and use of the venue's high-tech capabilities.
Metallica launched its 24-show Las Vegas Sphere residency, dubbed "Life Burns Faster," on October 1 and 3, with initial performances drawing widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers described the shows as an "immersive plunge into the band’s visual world" that leverages the venue's advanced technology to showcase the depth of their catalog.
The band, comprising James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, has been mixing up their setlists for the "No Repeat Weekend" shows. The first night featured songs like "Battery," "Now That We're Dead," and "…And Justice For All," some of which had not been played live in years. The second night included rarely performed tracks such as "Devil’s Dance" and "The Outlaw Torn," alongside fan favorites like "Enter Sandman," "One," "Nothing Else Matters," "Master of Puppets," and "Seek & Destroy."
Critics lauded the band's performance, with The Guardian awarding a four-star review and noting Ulrich's drumming, Hetfield's vocals, and the musicianship of Hammett and Trujillo. Ultimate Classic Rock highlighted how the band "took full advantage of the Sphere’s hi-tech capabilities," with animations that "dwarfed the four band members on stage." Louder Sound proclaimed that the residency is "a high-tech conquest by a band that has outgrown every traditional stage on Earth."
Kerrang! described the experience as "fascinating, phenomenal and unique," concluding that "long after they conquered the globe, Metallica have now also conquered The Sphere."
The residency is scheduled to continue with 11 "No Repeat Weekends" through March 2027. Tickets for remaining shows are available, with prices varying. As of October 6, 2026, the lowest-priced tickets for a single show were $685 including fees, while two-show passes started at $1,145.
In addition to the Sphere shows, Metallica is also set to perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, in November as part of the venue's 25th-anniversary celebration. This marks their first performance in Connecticut since 1998.
Metallica released their 11th studio album, "72 Seasons," on April 14, 2023. The album, characterized by its high-velocity sound and 77-minute runtime, includes tracks such as "Sleepwalk My Life Away," "You Must Burn!," and "Lux Æterna."