Today, June 13, marks the re-release of Metallica’s multi-platinum sixth studio album, Load, now available through the band’s label, Blackened Recordings. The 1996 album, originally featuring 14 tracks, showcased the band’s evolution into a heavier, blues-influenced sound.
Original Load Tracklist:
- Ain’t My Bitch
- 2 X 4
- The House Jack Built
- Until It Sleeps
- King Nothing
- Hero of the Day
- Bleeding Me
- Cure
- Poor Twisted Me
- Wasting My Hate
- Mama Said
- Thorn Within
- Ronnie
- The Outlaw Torn
The newly remastered Load has been meticulously restored by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, with Greg Fidelman overseeing the process. Fans can explore the Load Remastered Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set, featuring exclusive content, at Metallica’s official store, where full details and expanded track listings are available.
This re-release comes in multiple formats, including a standard 180g 2LP vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital versions—with a special Spatial Audio mix in Dolby Atmos. For the first time ever, the 2LP, 3CD Expanded, and Deluxe digital editions include the full-length version of The Outlaw Torn, which was previously shortened due to CD time constraints.
The Deluxe Box Set is a treasure trove for fans, capturing Metallica’s creative peak between 1995 and 1997. It includes rare and unreleased material such as demos, rough mixes, live recordings, TV appearances, and more. This limited-edition set features:
- The remastered Load album on 180g double vinyl
- A Mama Said picture disc
- Loadapalooza ’96, a triple live album from their Lollapalooza performance on August 4, 1996
- Monsters Of Rock ’96, in “MOTHERFUCKING DONINGTON” (To quote James Hetfield) on August 26, 1995
- 15 CDs spanning remastered tracks, unreleased riffs, B-sides, and live recordings
- 4 DVDs with behind-the-scenes footage, studio sessions, and live performances, including their Polar Beach Party in Tuktoyaktuk, Canada
- Exclusive memorabilia like Rorschach test cards, a Pushead patch, a Lollapalooza poster, a Rolling Stone cover replica, guitar picks, lyric sheets, tour passes, and a 128-page book
Originally released on June 4, 1996, Load debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and held the spot for four consecutive weeks. Recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, the album—along with its 1997 follow-up Reload—showcased Metallica’s evolving sound. Today, hits like Until It Sleeps and King Nothing remain fan favorites, frequently performed on their ongoing M72 World Tour.
Don’t miss this expansive reissue, celebrating one of Metallica’s most defining eras—now with deeper cuts, unheard material, and the complete, unedited version of The Outlaw Torn as originally intended.
