Metallica Unleashes Surprise Double Album—Includes Hidden Tracks Recorded in the ’80s!
In a jaw-dropping move that no one saw coming, Metallica has just dropped a surprise double album—and it’s already sending shockwaves through the rock and metal world. Titled “Phantom Echoes: Vault Sessions”, the album not only features a set of brand-new, hard-hitting tracks but also includes a stunning collection of hidden recordings from the 1980s, never heard by the public until now.
Announced at midnight via the band’s official social media platforms, the news has sparked a global frenzy among fans and music critics alike. Within minutes, #MetallicaSurprise and #PhantomEchoes began trending worldwide.
The double album is split into two sides—Side A: The Present, showcasing 10 freshly recorded songs written over the past two years, and Side B: The Vault, which contains 8 never-before-released demos and rare tracks originally laid down during the band’s early Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning sessions.
Frontman James Hetfield spoke briefly in a video posted to Metallica’s Instagram, saying, “These tracks have been sitting in the dark for far too long. We thought it was time to bring some of our earliest fire back to the fans. And what better way than to drop it all at once—raw and real.”
Even more intriguing, fans are reporting that the hidden vault tracks are not listed in the tracklist—they begin playing after moments of silence on select songs, giving the album an unpredictable and nostalgic edge.
Drummer Lars Ulrich added in a press release, “We didn’t want this to be a polished, perfect ‘greatest hits’ thing. We wanted raw tape hiss, half-screamed lyrics, and riff chaos. That’s how Metallica started—and we’re bringing that DNA forward.”
The surprise release has not only reignited interest in the band’s legacy but also sparked speculation about an accompanying tour. While nothing is confirmed yet, insider sources suggest the band is considering a limited-edition “Back from the Vault” world tour, playing iconic venues from their early days.
For now, fans can stream Phantom Echoes: Vault Sessions on all major platforms and order exclusive vinyl pressings, which include handwritten lyrics, early photos, and band notes from the ’80s era.
Metallica is proving once again—they’re not just legends of metal; they’re masters of surprise.
