Speculation Poll: Is "Hardwired" Metallica's Last Album?

I'm having a hard time on this one. Unless they radically alter their recording speed, I'm not sure. To their credit, they are healthy. More pondering needed.

No. Fame and glory are too addictive, also Lars has that one last mountain to climb: out-do the Stones' longevity.

I don't think they'll retire, but I do think this will be their last traditional album.

After the big tour for this album, so in 2-3 years, they'll start to wind down. It'll be the odd gig every few months, they'll be a few guest appearances at other bands gigs and maybe even other bands studio albums. James will do his acoustic stuff, Rob will do his side stuff, Kirk will do his Fear Festival, Lars will have all sorts of non-musical stuff to focus on, plus the reissues (if they aren't done yet) and other Metallica Inc. affairs. There might be the odd song recorded ala Ronnie Rising or Lords of Summer. Time between normal Metallica gigs will get longer, and then they'll stop scheduling them altogether.

That's the way I see it happening. There is a part of me that thinks James would like to go out with a big celebration like the 30th Anniversary shows were though, so who knows.

No. They're all in good shape and seem to enjoy each other's company. There will be at least one more album.

I think they'll realize time between gigs is lengthening, someone will acknowledge that the whole machine is fizzling out, and they'll decide to do that last celebration (whether that's a final tour, a special series of shows, or both).

What if they would keep making great music? Would you still want them to quit instead? As long as the music's good I don't care how old they are really.

So you're okay with not getting the chance to possibly hear a new metal song from them that's as good or better than your favorite songs from let's say the two latest albums? If so to each his own I guess.
What I know for sure is that I don't want them to quit for quitting's sake; if they feel like they've still got "it" and feel inspired I want to hear the results of that. If they don't feel it I too think they should quit or do something different.

What do you mean?

Look nothing is new under the sun, but you don't have to reinvent the wheel to make good music.

Most can agree with me that Metallica just released a pretty good album and almost everyone would agree with me that they at least made some good songs. Why not make more?

I hope so.

When you list up their age in eight years from now like that, I'm starting to feel kind of sad. I know they can keep going many more years after they turn 60 if their health lets them, but you know, all my life I've known Metallica and they are my favorite band.

I just can't see a world without Metallica, although it's gonna happen some day. Dreading that day or the end tour or whatever.

Stop that sad shit please... I can't even think about the day they choose to quit