Metallica Record Label: Icons Regain Control of Back Music Catalog, Start Blackened Recordings

Metallica are holding the reigns, at least when it comes to their storied and iconic back catalog. The thrash titans have struck a deal with Warner Music Group to regain control of their music masters. The Four Horsemen managed to renegotiate their deal and to take ownership of their songs and their long-form videos. As of today (Nov. 30), the ownership reverts back to the band. That said, they own it all.

Frontman James Hetfield said, "We would like to thank everyone at the Warner Music Group for 28 years of a fantastic relationship, particularly since 1994,where we truly felt we had partners in every aspect of our business in North America."

The catalog will be a part of their newly formed label Blackened Recordings, which release future Metallic music and more. It's their label and they put out whatever they want! The inaugural release on Blackened –likely named after the song on ...And Justice for All- will be a DVD from their 2009 show in Quebec, called Quebec Magnetic, which will land on Dec. 10.

In the statement, Metallica also said, "We like to make it a point here not to bore you with the not-so-exciting business aspects of making and sharing music, but we're so psyched about our new adventure that we just had to tell you about it as we officially launch our very own record label, Blackened Recordings.

"You may have heard us say it once or twice or a thousand times before, but it's always been about us taking control of all things.

"Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, putting us in the driver's seat of our own creative destiny. We're looking forward to making more music and getting it all out to you in our own unique way."

Rhino will partner with the band the market and distribute the Blackened releases in North America.

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