Metal legends Metallica have given us plenty of reasons to smile this week. The quartet have been busy during their time in quarantine, with drummer Lars Ulrich confirming they are working on a brand-new album. While no release date has been set, the news has caused a buzz of excitement amongst fans, who have been eagerly awaiting new material from the group since their epic 2016 release of “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.” 

Ulrich has reported regularly catching up with fellow band-members, James Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar), Kirk Hammett (lead guitar) and Robert Trujillo (bass) over social networking platform Zoom during COVID-19 lockdowns. In May, they treated us to an incredible new version of “Blackened,” recorded from four different locations, and have been keeping us all thrilled with Metallica Mondays, where they share music and memories from past tours.

But the good news does not stop at this new album announcement. Metallica have also been releasing their epic 10-album back catalogue as new remastered digital versions. With their music seeing hugely increased streaming numbers over recent months, fans and newcomers to the band alike can enjoy these spectacular new editions. Every track on each album has been lovingly remastered, giving us that classic Metallica sound, that we have all come to know and love, a fresh new feel. 

With their Worldwired Tour due to pick back up again in September of this year, Metallica fans have plenty to look forward to in 2020 and 2021. The tour was postponed last year ahead of reaching Australia and New Zealand due to frontman James Hetfield entering a rehabilitation facility for treatment. Everyone will be happy to learn that Hetfield is looking happy and healthy and recent months. Last week he treated us all to a glimpse inside his private garage through the release of his coffee table book “Reclaimed Rust: The Four-Wheeled Creations of James Hetfield.” And May 2020 saw the release of their new flavour of Blackened American Whiskey, complete with a limited-edition box set. 

According to their website, the Worldwired Tour will resume in September this year with the All Within my Hands Helping Hands Concert and Auction in San Francisco. So far, dates in Sacramento and South America have been confirmed, with no doubt more to come once the COVID-19 crisis is behind us. In the meantime, Metallica are keeping themselves busy in quarantine, continuing to gift fans with special treats, and bestow their awesomeness upon us all.

 metal 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.