Metallica made significant changes to the imagery on their social media on Tuesday, leading fans to speculate that the band might be preparing for a major announcement.
Follow-up comments from the official Metallica accounts are attempting to quell those rumors.
What Changes Did Metallica Make to Their Social Media?
Metallica updated the profile and header images on some of their social media accounts, removing the black and yellow theme from their 2023 album, 72 Seasons. This color scheme has also been used throughout their M72 World Tour, which started in 2023 and continues for a few more weeks before concluding on July 5 in London.
The updated images featured a gray background with the black Metallica logo. Their Facebook profile image was replaced with a black “M” from the band’s logo on a gray background.
On the surface, the change doesn’t seem significant. However, this is Metallica, a band known for its consistency in imagery, including specific colors used throughout each album and tour cycle.
Fans immediately began to wonder if something was brewing.
“The last time I (saw) this was when 72 Seasons hard dropped,” one commenter recalled on Facebook.
Others tried to draw parallels between the updated logo and notable upcoming album anniversaries. The 35th anniversary of the release of Metallica’s 1991 self-titled “black album” is on Aug. 12.
How Did Metallica Respond to Fan Speculation?
Metallica claims that fans shouldn’t speculate about any upcoming announcements.
The band’s official Facebook account later commented on their new profile image with the black “M,” stating, “It’s nothing, folks. Just a little refresh of the socials.”
READ MORE: Favorite Metallica Album of 33 Big Rock + Metal Musicians
Shortly after, another comment from the band appeared on their new header image.
“Sorry, couldn’t make up our mind.”
Some interpreted that as Metallica being cheeky about the change.
“Come on, just tell us. Whatever it is, you know we’ll buy it,” one fan replied.
The Metallica account responded with “Sorry, nothing more than a little social refresh.”
What Colors Were Used for Metallica’s Sphere Residency?
If the gray in Metallica’s social media updates looks familiar, a similar color was used when the band first announced an upcoming residency at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Promoted as Metallica’s “Life Burns Faster” residency, this run at Sphere will begin on Oct. 1. The start of this residency is currently the next scheduled live date for the band after the M72 tour concludes on July 6.
The band has not mentioned the Sphere residency when responding to fan comments on social media.
Before Metallica wraps up the cycle for 72 Seasons, here is a look at how the album ranks among the rest of the band’s releases.
How Are Metallica Albums Ranked?
See how Metallica’s albums stack up from worst to best.
Gallery Credit: Chad Bowar, Joe DiVita
