The release date for Metallica’s first studio album in six years, “St. Anger,” has been moved up five days to June 5.

Elektra Records and Warner, the band’s record label, said Monday that the reason for the change in dates is because of “the unprecedented level of anticipation” and the “prevalence of sub-standard versions… already in circulation.”

Metallica hopes that fans will first hear the album by purchasing it in stores, rather than them obtaining counterfeit copies.

This year, 50 Cent and Eminem moved up releases to stem illegal piracy.

The band begins their Summer Sanitarium Tour this month.






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