ReLoad (Remastered): Metallica Finally Revisits Their Most Divisive Era

 Introduction

Metallica has officially announced the definitive re‑release of ReLoad, arriving June 26 through Blackened Recordings. This is the full remaster treatment — handled by Reuben Cohen with Greg Fidelman overseeing — and it marks the band’s next deep dive into their 90s catalog.

The remaster will be available in multiple formats, including vinyl, a Walmart‑exclusive color variant, CD, a 3‑CD expanded edition, cassette, digital, and even an Atmos Spatial Audio mix. Pre‑orders come with instant‑grat versions of “The Memory Remains,” including the remastered track, an instrumental mix, and a live performance.

What do you get?

But the real centerpiece is the limited‑edition deluxe box set. This thing is stacked: unreleased demos, rough mixes, B‑sides, live recordings, a triple LP from Ministry of Sound ’97, four DVDs of behind‑the‑scenes and TV appearances, and a 128‑page book filled with photos and stories from the era. It’s the most complete look Metallica has ever given the ReLoad period.

Alongside the release, the band is launching the #GetTheReLoadOut fan cover competition. This time, both musicians and visual artists can participate, with a different track highlighted each week. Two grand prize winners will receive a signed deluxe box set.

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Closing Thoughts

Whether you love the album, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, this reissue puts a spotlight back on one of Metallica’s most debated eras. And for a lot of fans, it might be the moment ReLoad finally gets a second look. What do you think of this? Finally getting the respect Reload deserves? Feel free to comment.