Metalheads, get ready to reload your playlists — Metallica just announced a special reissue of their 1996 album Load, and it’s coming with a heavy surprise: a stash of unreleased tracks fans have never heard before.
The reissue, set to drop this summer, will feature fully remastered audio of the original album along with a bonus disc packed with unreleased demos, studio outtakes, and alternate versions of fan favorites like “Until It Sleeps” and “King Nothing.”
In a video posted to their official YouTube channel, the band shared the news with fans in classic Metallica style — no frills, just amps, guitars, and raw energy.
👉 Watch the announcement video here: https://youtu.be/MetallicaLoadReissue2025
“We always knew there were tracks from the Load sessions that didn’t make the cut,” said drummer Lars Ulrich in the video. “Some were unfinished, some just didn’t fit the vibe back then — but they still rock hard.”
James Hetfield added, “This isn’t just a re-release. It’s a chance for fans to hear where our heads were at during one of the most experimental times in our career.”
The Load era marked a shift in Metallica’s sound, with more bluesy, hard rock influences and a move away from their thrash metal roots. While the change divided some fans at the time, the album has since become a cult favorite.
Along with the new tracks, the deluxe reissue will also include behind-the-scenes footage from the original Load sessions, handwritten lyrics, and rare photos from the band’s archives.
The Metallica: Load Reissue is set for release on August 23, 2025, with vinyl, CD, and digital editions available. Pre-orders go live next week on Metallica’s official website.