Metallica Takes Fans Inside New Album

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

At "Mission: Metallica" (http://www.missionmetallica.com/), a preview clip shows the rock band recording and clowning 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.