Load (album)

Load is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on June 4, 1996, through Elektra Records in the United States and Vertigo Records internationally. It was recorded between May 1995 and April 1996 primarily in Sausalito, California, with additional sessions in New York City. Bob Rock returned as producer from Metallica (1991). Compared to previous albums, the recording sessions were more relaxed and productive, resulting in almost 30 songs being recorded. While a double album was considered, the band decided to split the material into two albums; half appeared on Load and the other half were released as Reload the following year.

For Load, Metallica strayed away from their thrash metal roots in favor of a hard rock sound. The band members became influenced by non-metal artists during the writing process, resulting an array of musical styles such as Southern rock, blues rock, country rock, alternative rock, and grunge. The band also changed up their playing styles, with guitarist Kirk Hammett playing rhythm guitar parts for the first time. Compared to previous albums, the lyrics on Load are more personal and reflective, resulting from lead singer James Hetfield's internal struggles and personal life. The cover artwork is an abstract painting by artist Andres Serrano created by mixing blood and his own semen.

Metallica adopted a new image during the period, which included short hair, leather jackets, and make-up. The new look and change in sound was criticized by many fans before Load's release. Nevertheless, Load was a commercial success, topping the charts in over 15 countries and spending four consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. Four singles were released: "Until It Sleeps", "Hero of the Day", "Mama Said", and "King Nothing"; the first became Metallica's first and only US top ten hit. The band supported the album on the Poor Touring Me tour.

Load received mixed reviews from music critics. While some critics praised the band's performances and welcomed the new sound, others felt that the band's experimentations made them less forward-thinking and conventional, failing to push the band forward creatively. Retrospective reviewers generally describe Load as overlong and believe it and Reload could have been condensed into a single album. The band members also hold mixed opinions on Load. A super deluxe reissue was released in June 2025.