Does Metallica own the rights to all their music?

Metallica, the legendary heavy metal band, has a rich history spanning decades. From their early thrash metal days to their global stardom, they’ve left an indelible mark on the music industry.

But what about the rights to their music? Let’s dive into Metallica’s journey and explore who owns their master recordings.

Early Days: Megaforce and Elektra Records

In the early 1980s, Metallica was signed to Megaforce Records after their demo caught the attention of label founder Jonny Zazula. Later, they inked a deal with Elektra Records in 1984. Elektra signed them after witnessing their explosive live performances and hiring their management company, Q-Prime Management. Elektra reissued their debut album, “Kill ‘Em All,” in 1988, including two cover songs from earlier releases.

The Warner Bros. Era

Metallica’s contract with Warner Bros. spanned several successful albums, including their self-titled “Metallica” (The Black Album)” in 1991. However, in 2008, their contract with Warner Bros. expired. The band considered releasing their next album online but ultimately decided to take matters into their own hands.

Blackened Recordings: Metallica’s Independence

In 2012, Metallica made a significant move. They founded their own independent record label called Blackened Recordings.

Ownership of Masters: As of November 30, 2012, Metallica reclaimed the rights to their master recordings. This includes their complete discography and all long-form videos1.

The Black Album Reissue: Their studio albums were reissued under Blackened Recordings, ensuring that they retained control over their music.