New Metallica Album.com

Agents of Metallica managed another internet debacle…, caused this time by preposterous demands that journalists who attended a listening party for the upcoming Metallica album pull their subsequent reviews. Only one publication refused: The Quietus, which held out for nearly a week before complying with the request in order to protect its writer — only to see the band ultimately overrule its managers’ decision and begin linking to the formerly banned reviews.

I spoke with The Quietus editor John Doran (pictured above to the left, with Slayer guitarist Kerry King on the right) to get the lowdown on what, exactly, happened.

The short version: While everything else about metal seems to be evolving, certain US-based heavy metal publicists didn’t get the memo. And Metallica was as upset about the early reviews debacle as anyone else. (The band’s website now includes links to the once offending reviews.) (more…)

Rockzone Records, 1721 East Warner Road in Tempe, isn’t your typical music store. It’s more of a haven for vinyl junkies like our music columnist Steve Jansen, who prefer their sounds to flow from an old-school needle and groove instead of some new-fangled iPod or CD player. Almost 90 percent of the Rockzone’s stock consists of albums on wax, so as such, a majority of their top 10 best sellers are records. Here’s a list of what’s getting bought (with an * indicating it’s the LP version).

1. Motley Crue, Saints of Los Angeles (Eleven Seven Music)
2. Metallica, Kill ‘Em All re-issue (Warner Bros.) *
3. Portishead, Third (Mercury) *
4. Madonna, Hard Candy (Reprise)
5. Van Morrison, Keep it Simple (Reprise) *
6. Radiohead, In Rainbows (ATO) *
7. Eddie Vedder, Music for the motion picture Into The Wild (J-Records) *
8. The Rancountouers, Consolers of the Lonely (Warner Brothers) *
9. Kate Nash, Made of Bricks (Interscope)
10. Alanis Morissette, Flavors of Entanglement (Warner Bros.)
(more…)

VIP Packages Include:
- Exclusive Seating (Field – GA Front of Stage access area $499 – or – Premium Reserved Seating Lower Stands $299)
- VIP parking (1 pass per order – to be mailed at a later date)
- Access to VIP lounge area with complimentary snacks & water
- Access to Verizon Wireless Club

Get tickets now.

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It’s all Metallica this week at 411mania.com, as Mitch, Dan H., Dan M. and Ben C. discuss the legendary band’s upcoming album, past discrepancies and “Guitar Hero” rumors. Plus, two Metallica live cuts and a sexy contest winner! Listen here..