Metallica

METALLICA On It's Own Timetable To Make New Album

Launch Radio Networks has issued the following report from Don Kaye:

METALLICA is tentatively scheduled to enter the studio this month and begin recording the follow-up to 2003's St. Anger. Although the band spent most of 2006 writing the new record and will spend a good part of early 2007 laying it down, drummer Lars Ulrich told us that he doesn't feel the process is taking any longer than usual:

"I don't think it's taking a particularly longer time than it has, it's just that the work is spread out. The days of 16-hour studio days and six days a week, that's not really happening. We sort of come down here at, you know, nine in the morning and then we sit and work 'til we have to go pick the kids up, or 'til somebody has to go to the dentist or something, you know (laughs)."

Ulrich recently told us that Metallica has written about 25 songs for its ninth studio effort and will trim that down to one album's worth of material.

Referring to the controversial, low-fi production on 2003's St. Anger, Ulrich said that he's "taken the drums out of the cardboard boxes" this time, and that lead guitarist Kirk Hammett will have guitar solos on this record.

The new disc will be produced by Rick Rubin and is expected out by late 2007.

Ulrich and actress Connie Nielsen are expecting their first child together after dating for two years. The baby is due early next summer.

METALLICA - ENNIO MORRICONE Tribute Details Revealed

METALLICA website The 4 Horsemen has issued the following report:

More info has been found regarding the upcoming tribute album to Italian composer ENNIO MORRICONE, best known to Metallica fans for composing 'The Ecstasy Of Gold', the intro theme Metallica have used at live shows since 1983.

Titled We All Love Ennio Morricone, the tribute album features Metallica performing 'The Ecstasy Of Gold' as well as various other artists paying tribute to the composer including CELINE DION, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and ROGER WATERS.

According to Amazon the album is due for release on February 23rd.

Further details at this location.

METALLICA - 'The Ecstasy of Gold' Audio Clip Available

An audio clip of METALLICA's version of 'The Ecstasy of Gold', the song from the classic film The Good, The Bad And The Ugly which has been used by the band to open their live shows since 1983, has been posted at this location.

As previously reported, Metallica's version of 'The Ecstasy of Gold' is part of the upcoming tribute album to famed Italian composer ENNIO MORRICONE, due out via Sony Classical on February 23rd. Other artists paying tribute to the composer include ROGER WATERS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and many others.

Commenting on the new CD, Morricone said, "You realize that you have composed important music when someone, somewhere is playing it. I am however astonished, obviously in a good way, that famous artists from the musical world have paid tribute to me by participating in the project, We All Love Ennio Morricone, that brings together my most well-known compositions in different versions and fascinating interpretations thanks to the different musical origins of the various artists. My thanks to everyone, I am deeply honored

METALLICA - Stefan Conley Bus Assault Case Back In Court

630 CHED (www.630ched.com ) has issued the following report:

A judge will reveal this afternoon whether four teens charged after a man was beaten on an ETS bus must stand trial for manslaughter or a reduced charge.

Stefan Conley was legally drunk when he got into a verbal altercation with several youths last March.

Evidence presented at the preliminary hearing last December suggested 35-year old Conley initiated the confrontation when he challenged the youths' appreciation of the heavy metal band METALLICA.

Words were exchanged and then Conley grabbed one teen by the throat.

He was then beaten by several teens before a push sent Conley crashing to the floor of the bus.

Medical Examiner Graeme Dowling blamed the man's death of a small tear in an artery at the base of the brain...usually seen in people who have been drinking and fighting.

Dowling said a blow as light as a slap on the face could cause the artery to tear.