Metallica Rock 2013 Comic-Con, Unveil Film Trailer + Confirm 2014 Album Start

Metallica can now add Comic-Con to their conquests, as the band definitely left their stamp on Friday's (July 19) proceedings in San Diego. Early in the day, the band was on hand to promote their upcoming 'Metallica Through the Never' 3D film, giving audiences the first look at the extended trailer for the movie (seen above). They also unveiled they'll start work in earnest on their next album in 2014. But as great as seeing the band on the big screen may be, nothing substitutes for the real deal.

Just under 1,500 people packed into the Spreckels Theatre for the opportunity to see the band in the intimate venue. Their 13-song set was packed with the classics, giving audiences exactly what they came for. The band opened with the hard-hitting 'Creeping Death,' with 'For Whom the Bell Tolls,' 'Fuel,' and 'Ride the Lightning' getting the show off to a heavy start.

According to EW.com, the band was also in a playful mood, with guitarist Kirk Hammett at one point rocking a few bars of the 'Imperial March' from 'Star Wars' and Hammett and drummer Lars Ulrich switching instruments to play the 'Am I Evil' riffs. But even with the clowning around, the guys still delivered the heavy, wrapping the body of their set with 'Enter Sandman.' After a brief breather, the band returned with a cover song, playing Misfits' 'Last Caress' before finishing out the night with 'Seek & Destroy.'

The 'Metallica Through the Never' film is expected to make its debut this September. During the panel, the group also debuted the new poster for the movie (seen below). Ulrich took the opportunity to address fans in attendance, stating that after promoting the movie they will turn their focus to making new music in 2014. He explained, "We’ll have run out of excuses for not doing it by then. 2014 will be all about making a new Metallica record.”

Metallica's 2013 Comic-Con Performance Setlist:

1. 'Creeping Death'
2. 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'
3. 'Fuel'
4. 'Ride the Lightning'
5. 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)'
6. 'Sad But True'
7. 'One'
8. 'Master of Puppets'
9. 'Blackened'
10. 'Nothing Else Matters'
11. 'Enter Sandman'
Encore
12. 'Last Caress'
13. 'Seek & Destroy'

'Metallica Through the Never' Film Poster