Metallica, one of the most successful rock bands in the world, are set to unveil a new EP, entitled Beyond Magnetic, on the 30th of January. The EP, which includes four songs that have not previously been released on any physical format, has been available to download on iTunes – but given the worldwide following of the band it will still be expected to sell significant numbers of CD copies.
The four previously unavailable songs set to be included on CD copies of the EP were originally performed by the band during the December 2011 shows for their fan club and were subsequently made available exclusively to members. The presence of these rare songs on the CD release is likely to prove a major additional selling point for a release already set to require significant use of the services of CD duplication manufacturers.
In a statement announcing the release, Metallica stated:
“We’ve been feeling all the love and positive vibes beyond our wildest expectations on the mp3 side, so we decided to go “old school” (!!) and also release those four songs on a CD.”
The band also confirmed that the four songs had originally been recorded for inclusion on their last album – Death Magnetic – but left off the final ten-song track listing, before adding that they wished to make them available to a wider audience:
“These four songs were released as a gift to our closest fans, the members of our Fan Club, to enjoy. Now they’re being made available to you.”