Death Magnetic
A magnetic field around a coffin-shaped structure. Over it is the text "Metallica – Death Magnetic".
Studio album by
Metallica
ReleasedSeptember 12, 2008 (2008-09-12)
RecordedMarch 14, 2007 – May 22, 2008
Studio
Genre
Length74:54
Label
ProducerRick Rubin
Metallica chronology
St. Anger
(2003) 		Death Magnetic
(2008) 		The Metallica Collection
(2009)
Metallica studio album chronology
St. Anger
(2003) 		Death Magnetic
(2008) 		Hardwired... to Self-Destruct
(2016)
Singles from Death Magnetic
  1. "The Day That Never Comes"
    Released: August 21, 2008[1]
  2. "My Apocalypse"
    Released: August 26, 2008[2]
  3. "Cyanide"
    Released: September 2, 2008 (promotional)[3]
  4. "The Judas Kiss"
    Released: September 8, 2008 (promotional)[4]
  5. "All Nightmare Long"
    Released: December 15, 2008[5]
  6. "Broken, Beat & Scarred"
    Released: April 3, 2009[6]

Death Magnetic is the ninth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on September 12, 2008, through Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Rick Rubin, marking the band's first album since ...And Justice for All (1988) not to be produced by longtime collaborator Bob Rock and co-produced by Hetfield and Ulrich. It is also the first Metallica album with bassist Robert Trujillo, and the second to share writing credit to all of the band's members.

Metallica began writing music for a new album in 2006, later recording the album at different studios across Los Angeles County, California, from March 2007 to May 2008. Musically, Death Magnetic is a radical departure from Metallica's previous album, St. Anger (2003), and is considered a return to the band's thrash metal roots,[7] with more complex compositions, standard guitar tuning on most songs and long guitar solos from Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield. It also includes the band's first instrumental piece, "Suicide & Redemption", since "To Live Is to Die" from ...And Justice for All.

Death Magnetic made Metallica the first band to achieve five consecutive number-one studio albums on the U.S. Billboard 200.[8][9][10] The album received positive reviews, with critics saying the album marked a return to form for Metallica. However, the album's production was criticized as overcompressed and cited as a product of the loudness war. The album and its songs were nominated for six Grammy Awards (five in 2009 and one in 2010) and won three, including Best Metal Performance for "My Apocalypse". In support of the album, Metallica embarked on the World Magnetic Tour from October 2008 to November 2010. Four unreleased tracks from the album's recording sessions were later released as the Beyond Magnetic EP in December 2011.

Production

Writing

If you're in the studio, everybody presumes you're recording or making a record. Last time there was no real separation between the writing process and the recording process. With St. Anger nobody brought in any pre-recorded stuff or ideas; it was just make it up on the spot, be in the moment. So this time we are doing exactly what we did on all the other albums;— first we're writing, then we're recording. The only difference is that we're writing where we record. So we're writing here at HQ because this is our home, we're writing in the studio.

— Lars Ulrich, on the new album[11]

Early in 2004, lead singer James Hetfield revealed that Metallica had been playing new material during studio sessions, but that there was no mention of plans for a ninth studio album at that time.[12] Select music from the jam sessions may be used on the album, as Lars Ulrich stated, "I definitely look forward to sifting through some of that stuff when we get back to the studio in January."[13] On that note, by October 2004, the band had already compiled nearly 50 hours of pre-set jamming, with hundreds of riffs, chord progressions and bass lines.[14] On September 30, 2004, Launch Radio revealed from an interview with Hetfield that the band hoped to return to the studio in spring of 2005 to begin recording their ninth studio album for Warner Bros. Records.[15]

On March 10, 2006, it was reported that Metallica was planning to use the following six months to write material for the album, in addition to the previous two months they had already been spending writing music.[16] Ulrich also stated that the band was getting along much better in the studio than they did during the recording of St. Anger.[17] On April 6, he revealed that the band had composed "six to seven" songs (except for vocals) from their findings off the riff tapes recording during pre-sets of the Madly in Anger with the World Tour.[18] He also said that by this point, the band's new material was reminiscent of "old school" Metallica works, and that it certainly did not feel like a St. Anger "part two".

On May 20, 2006, Kirk Hammett revealed that the band had fifteen songs written and were writing on average two to three songs per week. Hetfield also praised producer Rick Rubin for his production style in giving the band their own freedom and keeping the pressure at a minimum, despite the sessions becoming sometimes briefly unfocused.[19] On May 27, Metallica updated their website with a video featuring information regarding the album.[20]

Recording

Three studios were used to produce the album, those being Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, Shangri La Studios in Malibu, California, and HQ in San Rafael, California. On January 1, 2007, Ulrich stated in an interview with Revolver that the band would be conceiving the album much like they did their albums prior to working with ex-producer Bob Rock; they would sit down, write a select number of songs, then enter the studio to record them. He also quoted Rubin by saying "Rubin didn't want them to start the recording process until every song that they were going to record was as close to 100 percent as possible."[21]

On March 5, Ulrich revealed that the band had narrowed a potential 25 songs down to 14, and that they would begin recording those fourteen on the following week. He also expanded on Rubin's style of production, saying,[22]

Rick's big thing is to kind of have all these songs completely embedded in our bodies and basically next Monday, on D-Day, just go in and execute them. So you leave the creative element of the process out of the recording, so you go in and basically just record a bunch of songs that you know inside out and upside down, and you don't have to spend too much of your energy in the recording studio creating and thinking and analyzing and doing all that stuff. His whole analogy is, the recording process becomes more like a gig—just going in and playing and leaving all the thinking at the door.

On March 14, the band's official website issued a statement: "Metallica left the comfort of HQ this week to descend upon the greater Los Angeles area to begin recording their ninth original album. This is the first time they've recorded outside of the Bay Area since they spent time at One-on-One Studios recording their self-titled album in 1990 and '91."[23] This was confirmed on July 24, 2008, on Mission: Metallica, as a video surfaced showing the crew moving into Sound City Studios of Nirvana fame.[24]

On June 4, Robert Trujillo revealed that only select portions of the two new songs debuted in Berlin and Tokyo respectively would be featured on the album.[25] The band hoped to have the album finished by October or November, when the album would be mixed.[26] He predicted the album would be out in February 2008, and revealed that the songs they were working with were quite long.

On February 2, 2008, Sterlingsound.com revealed that Ted Jensen from Sterling Sound Studios would be mastering the new record. According to Blabbermouth.net and other sources, Greg Fidelman, who had served as a sound engineer, had also been tapped to mix the album.[27]

Ulrich confirmed on May 15, 2008, that Metallica recorded eleven songs for Death Magnetic, although only ten would appear on the album due to the constraints of the physical medium.[28] The eleventh song, titled "Shine" (which was later retitled "Just a Bullet Away"), was a song Hetfield "based around a Layne Staley type, a rock & roll martyr magnetized by death."[29]

Unreleased tracks

See also: Beyond Magnetic

A number of unreleased songs from Death Magnetic, including the above-mentioned "Just a Bullet Away", but also "Hell and Back", "Hate Train" and "Rebel of Babylon" were left off the album, but were rumored to be released as B-sides or on the next album. The titles were confirmed by Hammett and Ulrich on the MetOnTour video from December 20, 2008.[30] On December 5, 7, 9 and 10, 2011, the band played four new songs, "Hate Train", "Just a Bullet Away", "Hell and Back" and "Rebel of Babylon", at the band's 30th Anniversary concerts. The day after each concert, MetClub members were sent an e-mail with a code for a free download of a rough mix of the song played at the show.[31][32][33] The songs were released officially on the Beyond Magnetic EP, released on December 13, 2011.[34] Two other songs recorded during Death Magnetic, based on "The New Song" (performed in 2006) and "The Other New Song" (performed in 2006 and 2007), have not been released, though parts of "The New Song" can be found in the recorded songs "The End of the Line" and "All Nightmare Long".

Title

Kirk Hammett played a role in inspiring the album title by bringing a photograph of deceased Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley to the studio where Metallica was recording. "That picture was there for a long time", said Hammett, "I think it pervaded James' psyche."[29] Wondering why someone with Staley's talent would choose to use drugs so heavily and die so young, Hetfield started writing a song based on his questions (the song "Rebel of Babylon").[29]

On July 16, 2008, Hetfield commented on the album's title:

Death Magnetic, at least the title, to me started out as kind of a tribute to people that have fallen in our business, like Layne Staley and a lot of the people that have died, basically—rock and roll martyrs of sorts. And then it kind of grew from there, thinking about death ... some people are drawn towards it, and just like a magnet, and other people are afraid of it and push. Also the concept that we're all gonna die sometimes is over-talked about and then a lot of times never talked about—no one wants to bring it up; it's the big white elephant in the living room. But we all have to deal with it at some point.[35]

The title is referenced in the track "My Apocalypse". According to Hammett, another title considered for the album was Songs of Suicide and Forgiveness.[29] Death Magnetic was eventually picked out of four working titles when Hetfield met with creative agency Turner Duckworth, who were brought in to deal with the album's visual identity, and as he discussed the songs "it was clear that they were all linked to death, facing up to the nature of death, and the fear and attraction that surrounds death."[36]

Release and promotion

Hammett performing live in 2007

In January 2008, a statement was made by Stereo Warning that the album would be delayed until September 2008,[37] The album, which was completed on August 10, 2008,[38] was released on September 12 in the United States and issued in a variety of different packages.

On September 2, a French record store began selling copies of Death Magnetic, nearly two weeks ahead of its scheduled worldwide release date,[39] which resulted in the album being made prematurely available on peer-to-peer clients.[40] This prompted the band's UK distributor, Vertigo Records, to officially release the album two days ahead of schedule, on September 12.[8] Ulrich, who was questioned about the leak on a San Francisco radio station, responded,[41]

We're ten days from release. I mean, from here, we're golden. If this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me. Ten days out and it hasn't fallen off the truck yet? Everybody's happy. It's 2008 and it's part of how it is these days, so it's fine. We're happy.

He later told USA Today,[42]

By 2008 standards, that's a victory. If you'd told me six months ago that our record wouldn't leak until 10 days out, I would have signed up for that. We made a great record, and people seem to be getting off on it way more than anyone expected.

During their Escape from the Studio '06 tour, Metallica debuted two songs.[43] "The New Song" debuted on the European leg in Berlin, Germany on June 6, 2006.[44] The song, as performed, is approximately eight minutes long.[44] The title was rumored to be "Death Is Not the End"[citation needed] as Hetfield repeatedly sings the line throughout the song.[43] This song would appear again in multiple Fly on the Wall videos on the Mission: Metallica website, showing the band partway through the song's recording, as noted by the slower tempo and lack of lyrics.[citation needed] "The Other New Song", (which was later named "Vulturous") debuted on August 12, 2006, in Tokyo, and is much shorter, taking just below four minutes to perform.[45] To the surprise of fans, Metallica played "The Other New Song" once again on June 29, 2007, in Bilbao, Spain.[46] Although neither of the "New Songs" appear on the album themselves, "The End of the Line" and "All Nightmare Long" both contain elements of "The New Song".

On August 9, 2008, Metallica debuted the first album track, "Cyanide", at Ozzfest, in Dallas, Texas and was performed again on August 20, 2008, in Dublin, Ireland.[47] On August 22, at the Leeds Festival, they debuted the first single, "The Day That Never Comes".[48]

On July 31, 2009, it was announced on Metallica.com that the band felt that the song "My Apocalypse" was in need of an introduction when played live to "set the mood". The statement on Metallica.com reads, "We've been enjoying playing 'My Apocalypse' out here on the road but felt like it could use something extra. We decided that it needed a cool intro to set the mood so James wrote one. Check out and enjoy this free download ... and make sure you learn it for singing along at a future show!" The approximately minute-long introduction is available as a free MP3 download. The song had originally been debuted live on March 25, 2009, at the LG Arena in Birmingham, UK.[49]

On the day of the release FMQB radio broadcast The World Premiere of Death Magnetic, which was heard on more than 175 stations across the US and Canada. The live program from Metallica HQ featured all four members of Metallica talking with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins. Originally scheduled for a 90-minute broadcast, the show ended after two hours.[50]

Packaging and versions

Ulrich brought the agency Turner Duckworth, co-owned by his personal friend David Turner, as he wanted someone that "would bring fresh ideas", and commanded respect in branding but were not jaded by the music business". While Turner and his partner Bruce Duckworth played with the two elements from the title, they emerged with the cover that combined a white coffin, a grave, and a magnetic field, depicted by a model made and photographed by Andy Grimshaw. Turner added the image was "simple and literal but at the same time open to all sorts of interpretations", saying that Hetfield considered the coffin shaped as "a door, to another experience, or consciousness". Duckworth stated that the cover fit their intention of something that would also be recognizable in a digital format, "small icons that go on your phone or iPod".[36][51][52]

Turner compared the Metallica project with a campaign they did for Coca-Cola, as both approaches went down to "stripping things back down to what the brand was originally and the other part was adding a fresh new approach." The original Metallica logo was brought back to demonstrate how the band was trying to restore their old identity, while the cover was primarily white to contrast how the color is hardly used in the metal genre.[36][52] Given the band wanted the physical release to be memorable to ensure it still had value in an age where audiences were purchasing more digital music,[36] the original digipak featuring a layered die cut, where each page of the booklet resembled a layer of dirt being thrown on the coffin.[53] Death Magnetic was issued on vinyl in a special box set, and also had a deluxe edition shaped like a coffin,[51] bundled along with an additional disc full of demos, a making-of DVD, an exclusive T-shirt, guitar picks, a flag and a fold-out poster.[54]

Guitar Hero

Alongside the release of the album, it was released as downloadable content (DLC) for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.[55][56] This content would later be optimized for external use in Guitar Hero World Tour, Guitar Hero: Metallica (although "All Nightmare Long" was included on the in-game setlist), Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero, and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.[55][56]

The Guitar Hero DLC had two versions of the instrumental track "Suicide & Redemption". The versions differed by the guitar solo performed on the song: one version had a solo performed by Hetfield, the other a solo by Hammett. The tracks were titled according to the solo they contained, with the Hetfield version named "Suicide & Redemption J.H." and the Hammett version named "Suicide & Redemption K.H."[55][56]

Due to technical restrictions, the Wii version of Guitar Hero: World Tour only could hold the three shortest songs of the eleven: "Broken, Beat & Scarred", "Cyanide" and "My Apocalypse".[57] These songs also appear on the Wii and PS2 versions of Guitar Hero: Metallica as bonus songs instead of DLC.[57] The eight remaining tracks (including both versions of "Suicide & Redemption") were released on November 24, 2009, as DLC for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero for Wii.[58][59]

Tour

Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield performing in London in 2008

Main article: World Magnetic Tour

Metallica promoted Death Magnetic with the World Magnetic Tour, which started on October 21, 2008, in Phoenix, Arizona.[60] The North American leg finished in February 2009 and was followed by European concerts, interrupted only by a surprise gig at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, to promote the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica. A second North American leg, prioritizing markets missed by the original concerts, began in September.[61][62] The tour returned to both continents while also extending to Latin America, Israel, Japan and Oceania in 2010, ending on November 21 in Melbourne, Australia.[63] The 2010 Sonisphere Festival headlined by Metallica had them for the first time accompanied by the rest of the "Big Four of thrash metal", Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax, and the concert where all bands played together for one song was released theatrically and on home video as The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria.[64] Metallica also released in November 2009 two video albums out of World Magnetic Tour performances that year, Orgullo, Pasión, y Gloria: Tres Noches en la Ciudad de México featuring three Mexico City concerts in June, and Français Pour une Nuit with a concert in the French town of Nîmes in July.[65]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic78/100[66]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[67]
Blender[66]
Consequence[68]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[69]
The Guardian[70]
Los Angeles Times[71]
NME8/10[72]
Pitchfork4.9/10[73]
Rolling Stone[74]
Uncut[75]

But if you ignore the lyrics, Death Magnetic sounds more like it's about coming back to life. Everything comes together on the fan-favorite-to-be "Broken, Beat and Scarred", which manages to channel the full force of Metallica behind a positive message: "What don't kill ya make ya more strong", Hetfield sings, with enough power to make the cliché feel fresh. The aphorism he paraphrases happens to come from Nietzsche's Twilight of the Idols, which is subtitled How to Philosophize With a Hammer. Metallica's philosophizing may get shaky — but long may that hammer strike.

— Review by Rolling Stone, 2008[74]

In a 2007 interview with Rolling Stone, ex-Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum described his impressions of the unfinished songs:[76]

Lars is a good friend of mine. He played me the demos from San Francisco, and I turned and looked at him and I said, 'Master that shit and put it out.' It's ridiculous. The demos were sick. Eight-minute songs, all these tempo changes, crazy fast. It's like, 'Dude, don't get slower when you get older, but don't get faster!? How are you gonna play this live?' And then me and Lars were out partying all night, and he had to go in the studio the next day and do this stupid like nine- or ten-minute song, and I was laughing at him—because he played me the demo of it, and it was [sings really fast drum part], so fast. I called him, and said, 'Dude, how are you feeling?' He was like, 'Dude, I'm hurting.' They're cutting everything to tape, no fuckin' Pro Tools—live, no clicks.

The album's first single, "The Day That Never Comes", was described by BBC Music as the closest thing to a ballad on the album.[77] Rock Sound has also compared it to the likes of Thin Lizzy.[78] The band has abandoned the solo-free approach that they followed on St. Anger, returning to complex, multi-layered arrangements such as those typically found on the band's fourth album ...And Justice for All.[79]

Death Magnetic has been praised by fans as well as critics as a comeback for Metallica after the widely panned St. Anger. Thrash Hits was one of the first websites, along with The Quietus, to comment on Death Magnetic, claiming "it is a vast improvement on 2003 album St Anger". Metal Hammer noted Death Magnetic's "sharp riffs" and "uncharacteristic bouncing grooves", and favorably compares the band's sound on the album to bands like Slayer, Led Zeppelin and Rage Against the Machine.[80] Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has praised the album, saying "Death Magnetic is hands down the best Metallica album in 20 years. This is the CD I've been waiting for them to make since ...And Justice for All. And thumbs up to them for doing the first real Metallica instrumental in 20 years since 'To Live Is to Die'. Welcome back, boys."[81]

While Metallica was on the first leg of their 2008 tour in Europe, a third party at their management Q Prime demanded that media impressions and blogs commenting on the album be taken down from their website for reasons that were not explained to the band. However, when the band learned of this, they were upset and Ulrich re-posted many of the links along with other reactions to the new album, along with an apology to those whose links had been removed from Metallica's website.[82]

Reviews for the album have been mostly positive. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine stated the album was like "hearing Metallica sound like Metallica again".[67] Other positive reviews come from publications like The Guardian, who say that the album is "the strongest material the band have written in 20 years", and Uncut, declaring that "like all the best heavy rock albums, it suspends your disbelief, demands your attention and connects directly with your inner adolescent." BBC Music's Chris Jones felt that Hetfield's lyrics had become "the channel of his post-therapy angst".[77] The Observer stated "it's a joy to have these gnarled veterans back to reinforce the sheer visceral thrill of timeless heavy metal".[83]

On September 15, 2008, after a reviewer for Swedish daily Sydsvenskan admitted that he preferred a shortened mix of Death Magnetic to the official release,[84] a scheduled interview was duly cancelled by Universal Music Sweden. Its president, Per Sundin said:[85]

The reviewer is referring to a BitTorrent where someone has altered the original songs. The reviewer explains exactly where one should go in order to download the file that totally infringes on a copyright. It's not only an illegal file, but an altered file. The reviewer also writes that this is how the album should have sounded. File-sharing of music is illegal. Period. There's nothing to discuss. That fact—that Sydsvenskan has a writer that has downloaded this music illegally and then makes mention of an illegal site in his review—is totally unacceptable to us.

Compression

As this waveform shows, the CD version of Death Magnetic (top) is far more compressed (less dynamic) than the Guitar Hero downloadable release (bottom).

The album has been criticized for having compromised sound quality, due to an excessively compressed dynamic range, leading to audible distortion.[86] Sean Michaels of The Guardian explains that this is "a result of the 'loudness war'—an ongoing industry effort to make recordings as loud as possible".[87] A Rolling Stone article states that Rubin was "overseeing mixes in Los Angeles while the band is in Europe, headlining shows" and only communicated with him by conference calls.[88]

Fans have noted that these sonic problems are not present in the Guitar Hero version of the album, where the guitars, bass, drums, and vocals are presented separately due to the mechanics of the game. The tracks were sent to the game publishers prior to being compressed.[89][90] As a result, fans have shared "Guitar Hero" versions of the album. MusicRadar and Rolling Stone attribute a quote to the album's mastering engineer Ted Jensen in which he claims that "mixes were already brick-walled before they arrived" for mastering[91][92] and cite a petition from fans to remix or remaster the album.

Metallica and Rubin initially declined to comment, while the band's co-manager Cliff Burnstein stated that complainers were in a minority and that response to the album had otherwise been "overwhelmingly positive".[93] Ulrich later confirmed in an interview with Blender, that some creative control regarding the album's production had been transferred to Rubin but also stressed his satisfaction with the final product.[94][95]

In 2015, the album was re-released on iTunes with a new "Mastered for iTunes" mastering which features an improved dynamic range and lack of distortion. Digital downloads from Metallica's official website all use the "Mastered for iTunes" version.[96]

Accolades

Death Magnetic and its songs were nominated for five Grammy Awards at the 51st Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009, including Best Rock Album and Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Suicide & Redemption", winning Best Metal Performance for "My Apocalypse". Rick Rubin also received the award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, and art directors Bruce Duckworth, David Turner & Sarah Moffat were awarded Best Recording Package.[97] "The Unforgiven III" was also nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 52nd Grammy Awards. Death Magnetic was awarded Best Album in the 2009 Kerrang! Awards.

At the 2008 Metal Storm Awards, the album won Best Heavy Metal Album and Biggest Surprise.[98] In January 2009, it won a Swedish Metal Award for Best International Album.[99]

Accolades for Death Magnetic
Publication Country Accolade Year Rank
Q UK 50 Best Albums of the Year 2008 #25[100]
Uncut UK 50 Best Albums of 2008 2008 #44
Time U.S. Top 10 Albums of 2008 2008 #3[101]
Revolver U.S. The 20 Best Albums of 2008 2008 #1[102]
Rolling Stone U.S. Best Albums of 2008 2008 #9[103]
Metal Edge U.S. 50 Best Albums of 2008 2008 #2
Metal Hammer UK Critics' 50 Top Albums of 2008 2008 #1
Kerrang! UK Albums of the Year 2008 2008 #1
Metal Maniacs U.S. 20 Metal Albums of 2008 2008 #20

Commercial performance

Death Magnetic debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 490,000 copies in just three days of availability.[104] It is the band's fifth consecutive studio album to debut at #1, making Metallica the first band to have five consecutive studio album releases to do so. The album marked the highest first week sales for the group since 1996's Load.[10][105]

According to the September 27, 2008 issue of Billboard, Death Magnetic landed at #1 on the following ten charts: Billboard 200, Billboard Comprehensive Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums, Top Digital Albums, Top Internet Albums, Top European Albums, Tastemakers. "The Day That Never Comes" topped the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[106] The album stayed at #1 for three consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, and spent 50 consecutive weeks on said chart.[107] Internationally, it peaked at #1 in 34 countries, including Ireland, the UK, Canada and Australia.[108]

In addition, nearly 60,000 copies were sold digitally, making it debut at #1 on the Digital Album chart.[109] The album debuted at #1 on the UK albums chart after three days of availability, selling 75,164 copies. It remained at #1 for two weeks and has sold over 150,000 copies to date.[110] In Canada, Death Magnetic debuted at #1 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[111] It sold 81,000 copies in its first week, making it the second best-selling debut album of 2008 in Canada.[112] It remained the #1 album for four consecutive weeks.[113] The album was certified 4× platinum in Canada in October 2009.[114]

In Australia, Death Magnetic was the fastest selling album of 2008, selling 55,877 copies in its first full week of release.[115] Death Magnetic was Australia's highest-selling record in one week since Australian Idol winner Damien Leith's The Winner's Journey, in December 2006.[116] The same success was repeated in Germany, where Death Magnetic has become the fastest selling album of 2008. Within the first three days of the album's release, Death Magnetic sold over 100,000 copies and has been certified platinum.[117] According to reports, Death Magnetic is outselling competitors in Russia and Turkey, two countries which do not have an official album chart.[118]

In Finland, during the second week of January 2009, Death Magnetic jumped eighteen spots back up to #1 on that country's album charts within one week.[119]

Death Magnetic was certified 2× platinum (two million units sold) by the RIAA on June 28, 2010.[120] As of March 2023, the album has sold 2,100,000 copies in the United States.[121]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by James Hetfield; all music is composed by Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo

Death Magnetic track listing
No.TitleLength
1."That Was Just Your Life"7:10
2."The End of the Line"7:50
3."Broken, Beat & Scarred"6:25
4."The Day That Never Comes"7:55
5."All Nightmare Long"8:01
6."Cyanide"6:41
7."The Unforgiven III"7:47
8."The Judas Kiss"8:02
9."Suicide & Redemption" (instrumental)9:57
10."My Apocalypse"5:01
Total length:74:54

Deluxe edition

The deluxe edition of the album included a bonus CD titled Demo Magnetic, which consisted of demo versions of the tracks on the album with working titles, and a bonus DVD depicting the making of the album.

Demo Magnetic
No.TitleLength
1."Hi Guy" ("That Was Just Your Life")7:11
2."Neinteen" ("The End of the Line")7:35
3."Black Squirrel" ("Broken, Beat & Scarred")6:13
4."Casper" ("The Day That Never Comes")8:15
5."Flamingo" ("All Nightmare Long")7:59
6."German Soup" ("Cyanide")6:31
7."UN3" ("The Unforgiven III")7:50
8."Gymbag" ("The Judas Kiss")7:55
9."K2LU" ("Suicide & Redemption"; instrumental)9:30
10."Ten" ("My Apocalypse")5:18
Total length:74:17

Formats

A physical copy of the Death Magnetic CD.
A box set of Death Magnetic on five 180-gram vinyl LP records, with five individual sleeves and a Mission: Metallica lithograph. This set was limited to 5,000 copies; 50 limited-edition copies in white vinyl were also later released.[123]
A collector's edition white coffin-shaped box which includes the deluxe edition of Death Magnetic,[124] along with additional "making of" footage not on the bonus DVD, an exclusive T-shirt with the Death Magnetic logo, a flag, guitar picks, a backstage pass, a fold-out coffin-shaped poster with the members of Metallica[124] and a collector's credit card with a code for a free download of a performance in Europe in September.[125][126] This set was limited to 2,000 copies.[123]

Personnel

Charts

Certifications and sales

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[191] Platinum 40,000^
Australia (ARIA)[192] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Belgium (BEA)[193] Platinum 30,000*
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[194] Gold 30,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[195] 4× Platinum 320,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[196] 2× Platinum 60,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[197] 2× Platinum 79,415[197]
France (SNEP)[198] Gold 75,000*
GCC (IFPI Middle East)[199] Platinum 6,000*
Germany (BVMI)[200] 5× Gold 500,000‡
Greece (IFPI Greece)[141] Platinum 15,000^
Hungary (MAHASZ)[201] Platinum 6,000^
Ireland (IRMA)[202] Platinum 15,000^
Italy
sales in 2008 		— 60,000[203]
Japan (RIAJ)[204] Gold 100,000^
Mexico (AMPROFON)[205] Gold 40,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[206] Platinum 15,000^
Norway — 64,000[207]
Poland (ZPAV)[208] Diamond 100,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[209] Platinum 20,000^
Russia (NFPF)[210] 3× Platinum 60,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[211] Gold 40,000^
Sweden (GLF)[212] 2× Platinum 80,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[213] Platinum 30,000^
Turkey (Mü-Yap)[214] Gold 5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[216] Platinum 300,000 ‡ / 330,398[215]
United States (RIAA)[217] 2× Platinum 2,000,000 ^ / 2,100,000[121]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[218] Platinum 1,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Label Format Catalog #
United Kingdom[8] September 12, 2008 Vertigo Records Compact Disc, digipak, deluxe carton box, 2LP (33 rpm), 5LP box (45 rpm 180-gram vinyl) 1773726
Mexico Universal Music Compact Disc, Super Jewel Case
Austria[219] Compact Disc —
Colombia[220] Vertigo Records Compact Disc 602517840201
Finland[221] Universal Music Compact Disc, digipak, deluxe carton box —
Germany[219] Compact Disc —
Japan[222][223] Compact Disc, deluxe carton box UICR-1077
United States[219][224] Warner Bros. Records Compact Disc, deluxe carton box, 2LP (33 rpm), 5LP box (45 rpm 180-gram vinyl) 508732-2
Canada Warner Music Compact Disc, digipak 2-508732
Poland[124] Universal Music Compact Disc, deluxe carton box —
Portugal[124] Compact Disc, deluxe carton box 00602517737280
Switzerland[219] Compact Disc, deluxe carton box —
Europe Compact Disc, Coffin Box Set, Deluxe CD Carton Case 00602517737280
India Compact Disc, digipak, coffin box set 602517737266
Australia[225] September 13, 2008 Compact Disc, limited edition die-cut deluxe digipak 00602517737280
Various June 22, 2015[226] Blackened Recordings[227] Download (Mastered for iTunes) —

References

  1. ^ "The Day That Never Comes". Release date. Metallica.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  2. ^ "NEWS HEADLINES". Archived from the original on March 5, 2011. Retrieved August 27, 2008.
  3. ^ "Cyanide - Single". iTunes. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  4. ^ "The Judas Kiss – Single". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  5. ^ "All Nightmare Long". Release date. Metallica.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  6. ^ "Broken, Beat, & Scarred". Release date. Metallica.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  7. ^ Edmondson, Jacqueline (2013). Music in American Life: An Encyclopedia of the Songs, Styles, Stars, and Stories That Shaped Our Culture. ABC-CLIO. p. 708. ISBN 978-0-313-39348-8. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  8. ^ a b c "HMV spokesman claims Metallica's label allowed retailers to sell 'Death Magnetic' early". Blabbermouth. September 11, 2008. Archived from the original on September 12, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
  9. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (February 20, 2006). "Rick Rubin producing new Metallica album". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 10, 2006. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  10. ^ a b Hasty, Katie (September 17, 2008). "Metallica Scores Fifth Straight No. 1 Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 11, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  11. ^ "Metallica's Ulrich: 'We're Actually Not Recording Right Now'". Blabbermouth. May 20, 2006. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  12. ^ "Metallica's Hetfield Talks About Dave Mustaine, Exodus and Follow-up to 'St. Anger'". Blabbermouth. January 16, 2004. Retrieved March 12, 2004.
  13. ^ "Metallica's Ulrich Is Looking Forward to Returning to the Studio in January". Blabbermouth. March 12, 2004. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  14. ^ "Metallica Bassist Says There Are More Than 50 Recorded Hours of New Music to Sift Through". Blabbermouth. October 15, 2004. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  15. ^ "Metallica Frontman Wishes 'St. Anger' Songs Were Shorter". Blabbermouth. September 30, 2004. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  16. ^ "Metallica to Spend Six Months Writing Before Commencing Recording Process". Blabbermouth.net. March 10, 2006. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  17. ^ "Lars Ulrich: No Therapist Needed on New Metallica Album". Blabbermouth.net. March 20, 2006. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  18. ^ "Metallica Continue Work on New Album, Attend Queen Show in California". Blabbermouth.net. April 16, 2006. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  19. ^ "Metallica's Hammett: 'We Have Fifteen Songs' Written for Next Album". Blabbermouth.net. May 20, 2006. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  20. ^ Collins, Sam. "Metallica Update". Iomusic News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2008.
  21. ^ "Metallica's Lars Ulrich on New Songs: 'We're Trying to Be As Self-Critical As Possible'". Blabbermouth.net. February 19, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  22. ^ "Metallica to Record 14 New Songs Starting Next Week; 2008 Release Expected". Blabbermouth.net. March 5, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  23. ^ "...And Recording for All". News Headline. Metallica.com. March 14, 2007. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  24. ^ "Fly on the Wall Video". Mission: Metallica. July 24, 2008. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  25. ^ "Metallica Bassist Trujillo: New Album Is Dynamic, Heavy and Groovin'". News. Blabbermouth. June 4, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  26. ^ "Metallica's Lars Ulrich: New Album to Arrive Next Spring". News. Blabbermouth. July 12, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  27. ^ "Metallica's New Album to Be Mixed by Greg Fidelman". News. Blabbermouth. May 16, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  28. ^ Goodman, William (May 15, 2008). "Breaking News: Metallica Tells All About New Album". News. Spin. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  29. ^ a b c d Metallica: Metal Machines (Louder Faster Stronger). Rolling Stone. October 2008. pp. 58–67.
  30. ^ "MetOnTour Video 20th December Confirming The Titles Of The Unreleased Songs". Metontour.com. December 20, 2008. Archived from the original on May 4, 2009. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  31. ^ Bosso, Joe (December 6, 2011). "Listen: Metallica's previously unreleased song, Hate Train". Music Radar. Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  32. ^ "Metallica: Another Previously Unreleased Song From 'Death Magnetic' Sessions Available". BlabberMouth. Archived from the original on November 2, 2014.
  33. ^ "Metallica: Another Previously Unreleased Song From 'Death Magnetic' Sessions Available – Dec. 11, 2011". Blebbermouth.net. December 11, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  34. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (December 13, 2011). "Metallica Release 'Beyond Magnetic' EP". Loudwire. Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  35. ^ "Hetfield: Trujillo Has Written More on New Metallica Album Than Newsted Had in 14 Years". Blabbermouth.net. July 17, 2008. Archived from the original on February 16, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  36. ^ a b c d Branding Metallica Archived April 26, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Advertising Age
  37. ^ lusson on (January 21, 2008). "Metallica album delayed again until September". Stereo Warning. Archived from the original on October 1, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  38. ^ "Metallica.com". Metallica.com. October 8, 2008. Archived from the original on December 3, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  39. ^ "Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' Sold Two Weeks Early At French Record Store?". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  40. ^ DeCicco, Nick (May 4, 2011). "Downloading leaked albums strikes a chord". Daily Republic. McNaughton Newspapers. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  41. ^ "Metallica Album Leak..." Kerrang!. September 3, 2008. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  42. ^ "Ulrich on 'Death Magnetic' Leak 10 Days Before Release: 'By 2008 Standards, That's a Victory'". Blabbermouth.net. September 11, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  43. ^ a b Blabbermouth.net. Metallica Debut New Song At Berlin Concert, reported by Blabbermouth.net June 6, 2006. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  44. ^ a b "Metallica Debut New Song In Berlin | News @". Ultimate-guitar.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  45. ^ "Metallica Perform Another New Song | News @". Ultimate-guitar.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  46. ^ "Bilboa Setlist from official LiveMetallica website". LiveMetallica.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  47. ^ "Download Metallica August 20, 2008, Marlay Park, Dublin, IRL MP3 FLAC". LiveMetallica.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  48. ^ 'Metallica's Ulrich, Hammett Talk About 'The Judas Kiss'; Video Available, reported by Blabbermouth.net Archived January 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine September 11, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
  49. ^ "My Apocalypse – New Intro!". metallica.com. Metallica. July 31, 2009. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  50. ^ "Metallica Live Broadcast Sets Record". FMQB. September 12, 2008. Archived from the original on September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 12, 2008.
  51. ^ a b Metallica Looks Outside The Music Industry For Design And Branding Archived October 13, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Blabbermouth
  52. ^ a b Branding Metallica Archived October 13, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Creative Review
  53. ^ "Death Magnetic Digi CD". Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  54. ^ "Metallica Reveal "Death Magnetic" Coffin Box Details". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  55. ^ a b c "Metallica "Death Magnetic" Full Album". xbox.com. Microsoft. September 12, 2008. Archived from the original on January 15, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  56. ^ a b c Ransom-Wiley, James (September 8, 2008). "Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' album for Guitar Hero 3 this Friday, forward compatible with World Tour". Joystiq. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  57. ^ a b Faylor, Chris (January 23, 2009). "Full Guitar Hero: Metallica Tracklist Revealed". Shacknews. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  58. ^ "Remaining Death Magnetic Tracks Coming to Wii". metallica.com. Metallica. October 30, 2009. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  59. ^ Quillen, Dustin (October 30, 2009). "November Guitar Hero 5 DLC Revealed". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  60. ^ "Metallica Announce U.S. Tour Dates, Completion of "Death Magnetic"". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  61. ^ "Metallica tour charges 'Death Magnetic' for North American return". January 2016. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  62. ^ "Metallica Pound SXSW With 90-Minute Greatest-Hits Set at "Surprise" Show". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  63. ^ "2010-11-21 Melbourne, Australia". Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  64. ^ "Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax: 'Big Four' Coming To A Theater Near You" Archived July 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Blabbermouth.net. May 20, 2010.
  65. ^ "Metallica: 'Orgullo, Pasión Y Gloria - Tres Noches En La Ciudad De México' DVD Details Revealed". November 14, 2009. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  66. ^ a b "Death Magnetic – Metallica". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  67. ^ a b Thomas, Stephen (September 12, 2008). "Death Magnetic – Metallica". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 2, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  68. ^ Ziegler, Jay (September 5, 2008). "Album Review: Metallica – Death Magnetic". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  69. ^ Willman, Chris (September 16, 2008). "Music Review Death Magnetic (2008)". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  70. ^ Thomson, Jamie (September 12, 2008). "Rock review: Metallica, Death Magnetic". The Guardian. Archived from the original on May 9, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  71. ^ Powers, Ann (September 12, 2008). "Review: Metallica's 'Death Magnetic'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  72. ^ Patashnik, Ben (September 11, 2008). "Metallica – Death Magnetic". NME. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  73. ^ Lee, Cosmo (October 28, 2011). "Metallica - Death Magnetic". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on January 19, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  74. ^ a b Hiatt, Brian (September 18, 2008). "Metallica: Death Magnetic". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  75. ^ Dalton, Stephen. "Metallica – Death Magnetic". Uncut. Archived from the original on January 14, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  76. ^ Hiatt, Brian (July 25, 2007). "Metallica's New Album: "Ridiculous", "Sick", "Bitchin'" Says Matt Sorum". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 19, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2007.
  77. ^ a b Jones, Chris (September 8, 2008). "Metallica Death Magnetic Review". BBC Online. Archived from the original on December 7, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  78. ^ "Metallica's New Album Previewed: Rock Sound and Metal Hammer Offer Their Opinions". News. Blabbermouth. June 4, 2008. Archived from the original on August 1, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  79. ^ The Quietus – first listen to Metallica's new album Archived June 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  80. ^ "Metallica Album: Our First Impression". Metal Hammer. June 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  81. ^ "Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy On Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' – 09.13.08 – Roadrunner Records Canada". Roadrunnerrecords.ca. September 13, 2008. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  82. ^ "Reviews..." metallica.com. June 11, 2008. Archived from the original on June 12, 2008. Retrieved June 11, 2008.
  83. ^ Emma Johnston (September 14, 2008). "CD: Rock review: Metallica, Death Magnetic | Music | The Observer". Theguardian.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  84. ^ Jeppsson, Jonn (September 13, 2008). "Metallica" (in Swedish). Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2012. Via en hemsida som har ett sjörövarskepp som logotyp hittade jag ett lika konkret som inspirerande bevis för att James, Kirk, Rob och Lars inte kan skilja lax från potatis i sin egen musik: en torrent med namnet "Death Magnetic: Better, Shorter, Cut", där någon händig typ har trimmat bort mellan en och fyra minuter per sång.
  85. ^ "Metallica Interview Cancelled Due to Illegal Download". CMU. September 16, 2008. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2008.
  86. ^ "Fans threaten to send back Metallica album". You and Yours. October 9, 2008. BBC Radio 4. Archived from the original on January 10, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  87. ^ Michaels, Sean (September 17, 2008). "Metallica Album Latest Victim in 'Loudness War'?". Guardian. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2008.
  88. ^ Fricke, David (October 2, 2008). "Louder Faster Stronger". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
  89. ^ Van Buskirk, Eliot (September 16, 2008). "Analysis: Metallica's Death Magnetic Sounds Better in Guitar Hero". Wired. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2008.
  90. ^ "Metallica Fans Hit Guitar Hero for Better Sound". IGN. September 16, 2008. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  91. ^ Vinnicombe, Chris (September 16, 2008). "Death Magnetic Sounds Better in Guitar Hero". MusicRadar. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  92. ^ Kreps, Daniel (September 18, 2008). "Fans Complain After "Death Magnetic" Sounds Better on "Guitar Hero" Than CD". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  93. ^ Smith, Ethan (September 25, 2008). "Even Heavy-Metal Fans Complain That Today's Music Is Too Loud!!!". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved September 26, 2008.
  94. ^ Yarm, Mark (September 29, 2008). "Exclusive: Metallica Drummer Lars Ulrich Breaks Band's Silence on Death Magnetic Loudness Controversy". Blender. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  95. ^ Van Buskirk, Eliot (September 29, 2008). "Lars Ulrich Responds to Death Magnetic Mixing Criticism". Wired. Archived from the original on September 30, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  96. ^ "Death Magnetic (Digital Download)". www.metallica.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  97. ^ "Grammy Award winners – Death Magnetic". Grammy.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  98. ^ http://www.metalstorm.net/awards/archive.todayp?year=2008 [dead link]
  99. ^ "Swedish Metal Awards Winners Announced". Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  100. ^ Q January 9, pg.86
  101. ^ Tyrangiel, Josh (November 3, 2008). "3. Death Magnetic by Metallica". Time. Archived from the original on February 26, 2010. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  102. ^ Revolver Feb 9, pg.69
  103. ^ "Rolling Stone's best albums of 2008". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  104. ^ "Metallica Opens At No. 1 Just Shy Of 500K". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  105. ^ "Artist Chart History – Metallica (Albums)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  106. ^ "Artist Chart History – Metallica (Singles)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2008.
  107. ^ "Billboard Chart Peaks". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 31, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  108. ^ "Death Magnetic peaks at #1 in 34 countries". Archived from the original on August 10, 2011.
  109. ^ Grein, Paul (September 17, 2008). "Week Ending Sept. 14, 2008: Metallica and the Hard Rock Pantheon". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on September 20, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2008.
  110. ^ "Official UK Charts Company". theofficialcharts.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
  111. ^ "Canadian Albums – Week of September 27, 2008". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  112. ^ Williams, John (September 17, 2008). "Metallica's 'Death' hits No. 1". Jam!. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2011.((cite web)): CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  113. ^ Williams, John (October 8, 2008). "Metallica's 'Magnetic' stays at No. 1". Jam!. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2010.((cite web)): CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  114. ^ "Gold & Platinum Certification – October 2009". Canadian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2011.
  115. ^ Cashmere, Paul (September 22, 2008). "Metallica Death Magnetic Is the Fastest Selling Album of the Year". Undercover.com.au. Archived from the original on September 25, 2008. Retrieved September 24, 2008.
  116. ^ McCabe, Kathy (September 23, 2008). "Metallica prove they're still No.1 with Death Magnetic". News.com.au. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved September 24, 2008.
  117. ^ "Metallica bricht deutschen Rekord: Über 100.000 verkaufte CDs in drei Tagen – Unterhaltung". Bild.de. September 18, 2008. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  118. ^ Gregory, Jason (September 24, 2008). "Gigwise website". Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2008.
  119. ^ Steffen Hung. "Death Magnetic jumps from #19 to #1". Finnishcharts.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  120. ^ "Gold and Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
  121. ^ a b Young, Simon (March 9, 2023). "Here are the astonishing US sales stats for every Metallica album". Metal Hammer (loudersound). Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  122. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  123. ^ a b "Mission: Metallica (Calendar)". missionmetallica.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  124. ^ a b c d "Death Magnetic (Death in a Coffin) Rozm. XL". empik.com (in Polish). Archived from the original on September 12, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  125. ^ "The Box Magnetic (Death in a Coffin)". metallica.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2008. Retrieved July 9, 2008.
  126. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (July 10, 2008). "Metallica Boxes Up 'Death Magnetic'". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  127. ^ "Metallica – Death Magnetic". Argentine Albums. CAPIF. On Fecha, select (({date))} to see the correspondent chart. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  128. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  129. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  130. ^ "Ultratop.be – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  131. ^ "Ultratop.be – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  132. ^ "ABPD CD - TOP 10 Semanal". (in Portuguese). Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  133. ^ "Metallica Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  134. ^ "Top Stranih [Top Foreign]" (in Croatian). Top Foreign Albums. Hrvatska diskografska udruga. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  135. ^ "Czech Republic Album Chart". Mam.ihned.cz. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  136. ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  137. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  138. ^ "Metallica: Death Magnetic" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  139. ^ "Lescharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  140. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  141. ^ a b "Ελληνικό Chart – Top 50 Ξένων Aλμπουμ" (in Greek). IFPI Greece.
  142. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2008. 39. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
  143. ^ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 38, 2008". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  144. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  145. ^ "Metallica: Death Magnetic – Oricon Style". Oricon Style. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  146. ^ "Mexicancharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  147. ^ "Charts.nz – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  148. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  149. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  150. ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  151. ^ Россия Top 25: Centr - Эфир в норме (in Russian). Tophit-online.ru. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  152. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  153. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  154. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  155. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  156. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  157. ^ "Metallica Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  158. ^ "Metallica Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  159. ^ "Metallica Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  160. ^ "Metallica Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  161. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums 2008". ARIA. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  162. ^ "Jahreshitparade Alben 2008". austriancharts.at (in German). Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  163. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2008" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  164. ^ "Rapports Annuels 2008" (in French). Ultratop. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  165. ^ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 12, 2017. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  166. ^ Hrvatska diskografska udruga (HDU). "GODIŠNJA TOP LISTA KOMBINIRANIH ZA 2008" (in Croatian). Top of the Shops. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  167. ^ "Album Top-50 2008" (PDF) (in Danish). IFPI Danmark. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  168. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2008". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  169. ^ "2008 Year End Charts – European Top 100 Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  170. ^ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2008" (in French). SNEP. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  171. ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  172. ^ "Annual Chart — Year 2008 Top 50 Ελληνικών και Ξένων Αλμπουμ" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on December 7, 2009. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  173. ^ "Annual Chart — Year 2008 Top 50 Ξένων Αλμπουμ" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  174. ^ "Összesített album- és válogatáslemez-lista – eladási darabszám alapján – 2008" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  175. ^ "Classifica annuale 2008 (dal 31.12.2007 al 28.12.2008) – Album & Compilation" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  176. ^ "年間 アルバムランキング 2008年度" [Oricon Year-end Albums Chart of 2008] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  177. ^ "Los Más Vendidos 2008" (PDF) (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 15, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  178. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 2008". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on January 10, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  179. ^ "Årslista Album – År 2008" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  180. ^ "Årslista Album (inkl samlingar), 2008" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  181. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2008". hitparade.ch. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  182. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2008". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  183. ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  184. ^ "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 12, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  185. ^ "Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2008" (PDF). IFPI. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 18, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  186. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2009". Ultratop. Archived from the original on September 20, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  187. ^ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  188. ^ "European Top 100 Albums – Billboard Year-End 2009". Archived from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  189. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  190. ^ "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 12, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  191. ^ "Discos de Oro y Platino" (in Spanish). Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011.
  192. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2008 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  193. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2008". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  194. ^ "Brazilian album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil.
  195. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Music Canada.
  196. ^ "Danish album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic". IFPI Danmark.
  197. ^ a b "Metallica" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  198. ^ "French album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  199. ^ "IFPI Middle East Awards – 2010". IFPI Middle East. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  200. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Metallica; 'Death Magnetic')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  201. ^ "Adatbázis – Arany- és platinalemezek – 2008" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  202. ^ "The Irish Charts - 2008 Certification Awards - Platinum". Irish Recorded Music Association.
  203. ^ "Le Cifre de Vendita - Album" (PDF). Musica e dischi (in Italian). p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 25, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  204. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Select 2008年9月 on the drop-down menu
  205. ^ "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved August 17, 2022. Type Metallica in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Death Magnetic in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  206. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  207. ^ "Sissel er verdensrekord-holder". Archived from the original on December 24, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  208. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Diamentowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2016 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. November 30, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  209. ^ "Portuguese album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  210. ^ "Russian album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic" (in Russian). National Federation of Phonogram Producers (NFPF). Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  211. ^ "Spanish album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  212. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2008" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011.
  213. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Death Magnetic')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  214. ^ "2009 Mü-Yap Müzik Endüstrisi Ödülleri" (in Turkish). Mü-Yap. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012.
  215. ^ Jones, Alan (November 25, 2016). "Official Charts Analysis: Little Mix top albums chart with Glory Days". Music Week. Intent Media. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
  216. ^ "British album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic". British Phonographic Industry.
  217. ^ "American album certifications – Metallica – Death Magnetic". Recording Industry Association of America.
  218. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2008". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
  219. ^ a b c d "Metallica: 'Death Magnetic' Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth.net. August 1, 2008. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
  220. ^ "Metallica: Death Magnetic – Disc". towerrecords.com.co. Retrieved June 3, 2010. [dead link]
  221. ^ "Metallica : Death Magnetic". recordshopx.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  222. ^ "Metallica / Death Magnetic". cdjapan.co.jp. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2008.
  223. ^ "Metallica at Universal-music.co.jp" (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. Archived from the original on July 8, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  224. ^ "The Last Piece of the Puzzle". metallica.com. August 1, 2008. Archived from the original on August 4, 2008. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
  225. ^ "Metallica Set for Death Magnetic Launch". ABC. September 11, 2008. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
  226. ^ Metallica (June 22, 2015). "The Metallica catalog is now Mastered for iTunes!". Facebook. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  227. ^ "Death Magnetic by Metallica". Apple Music. Archived from the original on October 22, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
Categories