Metallica had a busy weekend. In addition to rocking Ozzfest in Dallas this past Saturday -- where they debuted a new song called 'Cyanide' -- the gigantic hard rock foursome took to the web to announce the completion of its ninth studio album, 'Death Magnetic.' Metallica also divulged plans for an extensive North American arena tour behind the upcoming, Rick Rubin-produced disc, which gets underway in Glendale, Arizona on October 21.

"Today we finished mixing and mastering our ninth studio album of original material, 'Death Magnetic', which hits the streets worldwide on Friday, September 12," the men of Metallica -- James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo -- collectively announced. "Plus, you'll be able to download every song from the album for 'Guitar Hero III' on the same day!"

"Time for a different sort of vacation," the post continued. "One right here on our home turf!! Now that 'Death Magnetic' is complete, we're ready to start a proper indoor arena tour of the States and and we can't wait to visit all of our 'talli-fans here. It really has been too long (hey, what's four years amongst friends?)."

Austin, Texas metal outfit the Sword will open on all dates, with Down, Lamb of God and Machine Head in the support slot on varying legs of the tour.