Metallica's "Mission" Is To Offer Fans An Inside Glimpse Of The Band And Other Special Offers

As the September release of their first album in five years draws near, Metallica has launched a Web site to offer fans exclusive content and teasers of new songs, reports Jonathan Cohen of Billboard.com.

At "Mission: Metallica", a preview clip shows the band recording and joking around in the studio. Fans who sign up will be eligible to "win backstage passes to every show this summer," among other special offers.

"Mission: Metallica" also has a "platinum" level, entitling fans to a copy of the new album delivered on its release date, weekly "fly on the wall" video clips, contests to travel to shows or Metallica's San Francisco compound, live show downloads, ringtones and more.

It is unclear what, if anything, the services will cost.

Metallica will be hitting the road this summer in advance of the as-yet-untitled album, beginning Wednesday, May 14th with a show at Los Angeles' intimate Wiltern Theatre. A European run begins May 28th in Chorzow, Poland.