Metallica was formed in 1981, in Los Angeles, California when drummer Lars Ulrich placed an advertisement in the local newspaper that would forever change their lives, and make them into Metal Gods with hit after hit with a mixture of tragedy and joy. It’s only suiting that twenty-six years later, this game gives fans a chance to become Metallica and others that were picked by themselves to also be featured in the game. Here’s the release:

Experience the Intensity of Musical Icons Metallica and Over 20 Other Rockin’ Bands in the Newest Entry to the Smash-Hit Franchise

Santa Monica, CA – March 31, 2009 – Having pioneered and expanded the heavy metal genre while gaining critical and popular success over the past 25 years, Metallica invites gamers to “Ride the Lightning” with them and over 20 other rocking artists in Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) latest release – Guitar Hero(r) Metallica(r). Enter the world of Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo and experience the intensity and skill of one of the greatest bands of all time. Shred on the guitar controller, rip on the drum kit controller and wail on the mic to over 45 explosive hits from both Metallica’s illustrious career and a variety of other legendary artists selected by the band, such as Alice In Chains, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Foo Fighters, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Queen.

“When Guitar Hero(r) came to us with the idea to do a game based on Metallica, we call this a no brainer and said yes very quickly,” said Lars Ulrich, drummer for Metallica. “It seemed like the next step – a whole other platform for musicians to reach an audience. If we talk about this in five years, I think it will turn into an expected way to release music.”

“Guitar Hero is a great way for people to experience the music of a band. Not just Metallica, but many bands. It’s almost educational in that sense, where people can learn about groups that range from Santana to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Journey,” said bassist Robert Trujillo.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Metallica, bringing one of the world’s best-selling artists together with one of the biggest video game brands allowing consumers to connect with artists and their music in a uniquely interactive way,” said Will Kassoy, Head of Publishing for the Guitar Hero franchise. “Guitar Hero Metallica will appeal to a wide range of fans including those of Metallica, rock music, and Guitar Hero as well as introduce the franchise to new audiences.”

Guitar Hero Metallica allows fans to “spend an evening with Metallica,” and more than 20 other popular artists, while performing in venues reminiscent of their epic album covers, themes from their music and real world locales. Guitar Hero Metallica introduces an all-new Expert+ drum difficulty setting, featuring two bass drum kick pedals that offer an authentic Metallica experience with note-for-note tracking, and Metallifacts, which, after nailing a song, lets players enjoy a virtual concert filled with on-screen facts and trivia played.

The game is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero Metallica, please visit guitarherometallica.com.

The PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system version will be available in North America in April 2009. All versions of Guitar Hero Metallica will be available in Europe beginning May 2009.