Metallica has officially announced the upcoming release of a comprehensive, remastered edition of their quadruple-platinum seventh studio album, ReLoad. The definitive reissue is scheduled to arrive on June 26 through the band’s own label, Blackened Recordings.
The audio was meticulously remastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, with the entire process overseen by producer Greg Fidelman. Fans can purchase ReLoad (Remastered) in multiple configurations, including a standard 180g 2LP, a Walmart-exclusive colored 140g 2LP, standard CD, a 3CD expanded edition, cassette, and digital formats featuring a Spatial Audio Atmos mix.
Pre-orders are currently available, offering instant-gratification downloads of several versions of “The Memory Remains“, including the newly remastered original track, an instrumental mix, and a live performance from Brisbane. Additionally, a new live video of the song filmed in Philadelphia is now streaming online.
The centerpiece of the reissue campaign is the limited-edition deluxe box set, offering a massive deep dive into the 1997-1998 era of Metallica. The one-time numbered pressing features the remastered album on 180g double vinyl, a 7-inch single of “The Memory Remains“, and a triple 140g vinyl recording of Live At Ministry Of Sound ’97. The expansive collection also includes 15 CDs packed with rough mixes, unreleased demos, B-sides, and live material, alongside four DVDs containing TV appearances, behind-the-scenes footage, and full concert performances in Philadelphia and Seoul.
To complete the physical package, the box includes a 128-page hardcover book with unseen photos, a Pushead print, lyric sheets, three tour laminates, 10 guitar/bass picks, a poster, a sticker, and a pack of 13 Rorschach Test cards.
To coincide with the announcement, the band has launched the #GetTheReLoadOut fan cover competition, following the massive success of last year’s Load-centric contest. This year, the competition expands beyond traditional musical covers to invite participation from performance and visual artists. Two grand prize winners will ultimately receive a deluxe box set autographed by the band.
Originally released on November 18, 1997, ReLoad marked the third consecutive Metallica album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, achieving chart-topping status in six countries. Recorded between 1995 and 1997 at The Plant in Sausalito, California, the sessions saw James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Jason Newsted pushing their creative boundaries and sonic identity. The record introduced bold new musical elements to their catalog, from the hurdy-gurdy and violin featured on “Low Man’s Lyric” to the haunting guest vocals provided by Marianne Faithfull on the hit single “The Memory Remains“.
