Metallica give away latest album on YouTube for free
Thrash metal band Metallica have surprised their fans by offering up their latest album in its entirety, the first in eight years, on YouTube completely free of charge.
Hardwired To Self-Destruct was published on the group’s official YouTube page today, in tandem with Spotify, Apple Music and other media outlets with every track and its accompanying music video available without restriction. The 'Enter Sandman' band have been leaking tracks from the album across the platforms over the last month.
Thus far the act of generosity extends to 10 new videos over the past 24 hours and marks an abrupt volte face by the group, after long-term manager Peter Mensch previously described the video sharing format as ‘the devil’ given its low royalties payments.
More recently the self produced band has enjoyed success with their Spotify video series Landmark - Metallica: The Early Years, which may have swayed sentiment.
Metallica love nothing more than a surprise however with a penchant for taking their fans unawares by a left field move.