With Metallica‘s intimate, 30th anniversary shows in San Francisco now in the rear view, leaving indelible memories for those who attended and causing those who couldn’t make it to curse their fate, the band is continuing the celebration with a special EP.

‘Beyond Magnetic’ is available exclusively via iTunes in North America for one week only. Once the week expires, the songs will be available via all digital retailers. The EP features a batch of songs that were recorded during the ‘Death Magnetic’ sessions but didn’t make the album. The band performed each of the EP’s four songs live during the anniversary celebrations and then gifted the rough mixes of the studio versions to fan club members afterwards. Now the whole world can enjoy ‘em. Metallica are nothing if not generous and considerate of their fans.

The band released a statement about the EP and why they choose to release the songs now:

“During the ‘Death Magnetic’ album sessions in 2007 and 2008, we originally recorded 14 songs. When it came time to pick the songs for the final album, we decided on 10 songs that you’ve all come to know over the last three years. Some of you may have heard bits and pieces of those other songs on ‘Mission Metallica’ (remember ‘Mission Metallica’?!) or heard rumors about them during the recording process, and wondered, ‘What ever happened to those other four songs???.’ We kept them in the vault and decided to pull them just for this special celebration, so here are the four leftover tracks from the ‘Death Magnetic’ sessions. They are ROUGH mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March ’08. These four songs were released as gift to our closest fans, the members of our Fan Club, to enjoy. Now they’re being made available to you.”

Now that all is said and done, here is a little mathematical breakdown. It was four nights, with 80 songs and no repeats across the shows, save the set-closing anthem ‘Seek & Destroy.’ The guest list featured former members (Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney) and influences (Diamond Head and Danzig.)

The complete list of “friends” that shared the stage with ‘Tallica in the celebration were as follows: Apocalyptica, Armored Saint, Geezer Butler, John Bush, Bif Byford, Jerry Cantrell, Nick “Animal” Culmer, Glenn Danzig, Death Angel, King Diamond, Diamond Head, Marianne Faithfull, Lloyd Grant, Rob Halford, Ray Haller, Pepper Keenan, Kid Rock, Laaz Rockit, John Marshall, Jim Martin, Mercyful Fate, Ron McGovney, Dave Mustaine, Jason Newsted, Ozzy Osbourne, Rebel Souls Brass Band, Lou Reed, Bob Rock, Gary Rossington and Hugh Tanner.

Each night the finale featured all the evening’s guests joining the band on stage to perform “Seek & Destroy.”

‘Beyond Magnetic’ Track Listing:

‘Hate Train’

‘Just a Bullet Away’

‘Hell and Back’

‘Rebel of Babylon’

The anniversary shows are over. The EP is available. And drummer Lars Ulrich told fans that ‘Tallica news would come to light in mid-January regarding a “special interactive fan event” that will occur in June and may require a little traveling. The suspense is killing us, but at least we have ‘Beyond Magnetic’ to keep us occupied until we find out the news.

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