Metallica [ tickets ] has launched a new website, Mission:Metallica, where fans can experience the band's new album before its September release. The site features exclusive content including teasers of new songs, clips of the band in the recording studio, exclusive photos and more. In addition, the site offers fans an opportunity to win backstage passes and be a part of live summer events.

Mission:Metallica also will have a platinum membership area featuring additional Metallica goodies including a copy of the new album physically delivered the day it comes out, downloads of live shows, riff ringtones from the new album, weekly fly-on-the-wall videos, and contests to travel to concerts, surprise events and to Metallica headquarters. Mission:Metallica platinum members also will be able to download the entire new album at midnight the day it comes out.

The band will be touring the US and Europe this summer in advance of the as-yet-untitled album.