Metallica ReLoad Reissue: Deluxe Edition, Demos & Live Tracks Revealed

Metallica is set to release a remastered reissue of its 1997 album, ReLoad, on June 26 via the band’s own Blackened Recordings label. The reissue will be available in multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, cassette, digital, and a Dolby Atmos mix. A deluxe box set featuring unreleased demos, rough mixes, live performances, and archival video footage will also be released.

Remastered by Reuben Cohen with oversight from Greg Fidelman, the ReLoad (Remastered) release follows the band’s 2025 reissue of their 1996 album, Load, continuing a series of catalog expansions. The rollout began with a remastered version of “The Memory Remains,” featuring Marianne Faithfull, alongside a live recording of the song from a 1997 performance in Philadelphia.

Deluxe Box Set Details

The centerpiece of the reissue is a limited-edition deluxe box set described as a “passionately and thoroughly curated document of 1997-1998 era Metallica.” The set includes the remastered album on 180g double vinyl, a 7-inch vinyl single of “The Memory Remains,” and a triple vinyl live album, Live At Ministry Of Sound ’97.

In addition to the vinyl, the box set contains 15 CDs encompassing the remastered album, previously unreleased riffs, demos, rough mixes, B-sides, rarities, and extensive live material. Four DVDs are also included, featuring behind-the-scenes studio footage, live performances, television appearances, and footage from a pop-up performance in Philadelphia and visits to Seoul.

ReLoad’s Initial Impact and Legacy

Originally released on November 18, 1997, ReLoad debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the band’s third consecutive album to reach the top spot. The album remained on the chart for nearly 80 weeks. Recorded during the same sessions as Load, ReLoad saw Metallica exploring musical territory beyond their thrash metal roots, incorporating blues, alternative rock, and diverse instrumentation.

While initially divisive among fans, ReLoad’s reputation has grown over time, with tracks like “Fuel” and “The Memory Remains” becoming staples of the band’s live shows, including their current M72 World Tour.

Fan Engagement and Upcoming Performances

Metallica is also launching #GetTheReLoadOut, a fan engagement campaign following last year’s Load-focused cover contest. This year’s contest expands beyond traditional covers to include visual and performance art, with winners receiving signed deluxe box sets.

The reissue coincides with the band’s upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, beginning October 1. The M72 World Tour’s European leg resumes May 9 in Athens.

Pre-orders for ReLoad (Remastered) are available now through the Metallica website.