It's been quite the build-up to the release of Metallica's 10th studio album, Hardwired... To Self-Destruct. With three music videos released and select concerts around the world and more, anticipation couldn't be much higher. The thrash icons have now revealed that fans will have the chance to grab their copy of the album at 100 dedicated record stores in North America that will be participating in a special midnight release of the record in an event dubbed 'Blackened Friday.'

As Metallica announced on their website, on Nov. 17 (Thursday) at 11:59PM, "100 old school record shops" in North America will open their doors one minute later, allowing fans to be some of the first to purchase the first studio effort from the band since 2008's Death Magnetic. Additionally, prizes and "cool giveaways" will be available, including a limited edition vinyl slipmats as well as posters.

For a list of participating record stores, click here.

Metallica are also running two active contests, one being a chance to be selected as the Blackened Friday ambassador and another where entrants have the opportunity to win a Metallica pinball machine and signature Kirk Hammett ESP guitar. Fans must be a MetClub (fan club) member to enter and membership is free. More details are available at the contest page of the group's website.

Rumors have persisted that Metallica would be embarking on an outdoor stadium tour across the U.S. this summer and bassist Robert Trujillo recently alleged that this is true, but remained quiet about the details. The band has already offered a taste of what fans can expect from the record with music videos for "Hardwired," "Moth Into Flame" and "Atlas, Rise!" Drummer Lars Ulrich also confirmed they'll be releasing a music video for each one of the album's 12 tracks.

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