The Rock Radio reports that Metallica has decided on the pricing structure and SKUs of their upcoming new album, Death Magnetic.
The first package, called Digital Death Magnetic, will cost $24.99 and includes digital delivery of the album at midnight on its release date, downloads of two entire shows from this summer, almost two hours of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, 250 exclusive photos, ringtones of riffs from the new album, access to exclusive contests and a $10 coupon toward merchandise or fan club membership at Metallica.com or MetClub.com.
The second package, Death Magnetic CD + Digital Death Magnetic, is $32.99. In addition to all the above items, it includes Death Magnetic on CD. The last package goes for $124.99 and includes all the items from the other two packages, plus a five-LP vinyl box set with five individual sleeves and a Mission: Metallica lithograph.
It looks like the band is taking a little bit out of Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails’ playbooks by offering both a digital download and a very pricey premium edition of the music. Sadly, Metallica is so blinded by the visions of moneyhats that it missed out on the most obvious tactic of offering a digital download in the first place – free (or at least cheap).
Sure, the Metallica superfans are going to shell out for the highest end premium product, but what about after that? Do they really think a casual fan or a teenager discovering the band now is going to spend $24.95 on a download? The band arguably hasn’t made any truly relevant music since 1991’s self-titled “Black” album. I would argue that Death Magnetic‘s success isn’t exactly a guarantee, especially in today’s climate. If they really wanted to take advantage of the current music market landscape, they would be looking for ways to expand their audience and fanbase, while also taking care of their core audience.
On a related note, the band debuted a couple of new songs while playing live at Ozzfest a couple days ago. Check after the jump for a live recording of “Cyanide” off of Death Magnetic.
My initial impression? Better than St. Anger. But that’s not really saying much, is it?
