Philadelphia, PA, April 17, 2023 – AMI’s new contest offers fans a chance at winning new music and merchandise celebrating Metallica’s 72 Seasons. The prize includes the new album on black vinyl, a Metallica logo hoodie, and three exclusive t-shirts representing their three latest singles: “Lux Æterna,” “Screaming Suicide,” and “If Darkness Had a Son.” This giveaway runs from April 14, 2023 through April 26, 2023. Fans can enter using the AMI Music app available on iOS and Android, or on any participating AMI Jukebox.
Metallica’s origin story starts like many others—musicians looking for like-minded individuals to forge creative partnerships and make great music. An advertisement in a Los Angeles newspaper, penned by drummer Lars Ulrich in 1981 was the spark that ignited this soon-to-be heavy metal mainstay. It
introduced Ulrich to singer/guitarist James Hetfield and later that year, lead guitarist Dave Mustaine. The past 40+ years have seen very few lineup changes for the band—notable shakeups included the early firing of Mustaine, and the quick onboarding of his replacement, Kirk Hammett; the unexpected death of bassist
Cliff Burton in a 1986 tour bus accident, and the departure of Burton’s replacement Jason Newsted in 2001. The current lineup, which has been intact since 2003 includes Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett, and former Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne bassist, Robert Trujillo.
There is no denying that Metallica has carved out a permanent spot in the pop culture history books. They have released ten studio albums (eleven counting 72 Seasons), six of which have debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart; they were the first band to have five consecutive albums debut at the top spot; they
were the recipients of the MTV Icon designation in 2003; they have won nine Grammy awards out of twenty-three nominations and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Considered one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth; Metallica’s music has appeared on various iterations of Guitar Hero; they were animated into the 18th season premiere of The Simpsons, and have provided voice acting for Metalocalypse and songs for numerous soundtracks.
Metallica fans have been patiently awaiting their new album—available April 14, 2023—and the second to be released on their own independent label, Blackened Records, which was launched in 2012. Talk of the album started in 2019, with band members stating that they were ready to get into the studio and get new music out “sooner than later.” Like everyone, they found themselves sidetracked by the Covid-19 pandemic. Working individually from their home studios, progress on the new album slowed. It wasn’t until November, 2022 that the band announced the album’s release date and its first single, “Lux Æterna.” Regarding the title of their upcoming project, 72 Seasons, Hetfield commented: “72 seasons. The first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves. The concept that we were told 'who we are' by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of those core beliefs and how it affects our perception of the world today.”
AMI excitedly offers Metallica fans the opportunity to listen to their brand-new album on AMI jukeboxes nationwide, along with a chance at winning a mega merchandise bundle. For a limited time, AMI jukeboxes will also be featuring a playlist of the band’s greatest hits. Everyone is encouraged to check out
the playlist and US residents aged 18+ may enter the giveaway using the AMI Music app or by visiting an AMI jukebox venue.
