Metallica have just revealed the beginning of a new era in their history. Not only has the band launched their own record label, Blackened Recordings, but as of today, Metallica have taken ownership of all of their master recordings.

All the way back in 1994, Metallica made a deal with Warner Music Group that on Nov. 30, 2012, the band would exclusively own all of their recordings, including all their music videos and long form videos. According to statements from various band members, there is no ill will against Warner, the move is simply to possess full creative control of what happens with the music of Metallica from here forth.

"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," says James Hetfield.

Blackened Recordings will now be the home of everything Metallica, and will handle all marketing and promotion duties. The label is set to personally license their releases to Universal Music Group internationally.

"It's always been about control for us as a band," says drummer Lars Ulrich.  "Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, giving us 100% control and putting us in the driver's seat of our own creative destiny."

Blackened Recordings will put out it's inaugural release, the 'Quebec Magnetic' DVD, on Dec. 10, which showcases footage from two Quebec City live performances recorded in 2009.

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