New album on the horizon, Metallica begins a Mission

Rumors are swirling about the release date of Metallica's forthcoming album. NME reports October 28, while Billboard says September, which jives with what Lars Ulrich told the BBC back in March. It's kind of like on the playground that time when Julie heard from Charles who heard from Billy that got it secondhand from Abigail that you totally picked your nose in math class. Clearly, the as-yet-untitled album will arrive in the fall.

Official word has come, however, that the band will augment the release of its ninth studio opus with a recently launched website Mission:Metallica.com. The site promises fans the chance to win, amongst other things, backstage passes to every show this summer, album excerpts and bonus live tracks. Also, something called Mission:Metallica Platinum promises even more, including a direct mailing of the album on the street date. The website does not seem totally operational yet, but interested parties can sign up for more information.

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