Metallica to release first album in 8 years

Metallica is preparing to self-destruct -- in a good way!

The band announced Thursday its releasing its first album in eight years. "Hardwired ... To Self-Destruct" will feature 80 minutes of music from the veteran heavy metal group. The album is scheduled for release Nov. 18.

Metallica debuted the album's first track, "Hardwired," on 93X (KXXR-FM) in Minneapolis. They say their 11th studio album represents "the next phase of our journey."

The band says "Hardwired ... To Self-Destruct" will be available as a double CD, vinyl, through digital download, as well as a deluxe edition with "the riffs that were the origins of the album."

The band's current line-up includes singer-guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.

Metallica released "Death Magnetic" in 2008.

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