Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' to be officially released three days earlier in France?

According to Vs-webzine.com and the web site of the French retailer Fnac, Metallica's new album, "Death Magnetic", will be made available in France on Tuesday, September 9, three days earlier than the previously announced September 12 "worldwide" release date. This information was also apparently confirmed by the French branch of Universal Music, which is distributing the Cd in Europe.

A new Metallica song, called "Cyanide", is streaming at the group's official web site, Metallica.com. The track was debuted live by the group last month during its co-headlining performance at Ozzfest. In addition, the video for the CD's first official single, "The Day That Never Comes", can also be viewed at the band's web site. The clip was filmed in late July in the desert about an hour north of Los Angeles.

"Death Magnetic" will also be available to download for Guitar Hero Iii: Legends of Rock the same day that the record is released.

Metallica will play two low-dough shows in Europe to celebrate the CD's release, in Berlin on September 12 and London on September 15. Tickets for both are priced under $20 and open to fan club members only.

The band will kick off its first indoor North American tour on October 21 in Glendale, Arizona, with shows booked through the end of January.