Metallica did the signing at the record as planned. Rasputin Music, one of the oldest independent record stores in the Bay Area, it was founded in 1971, was invaded by Metallica fans who waited in line to meet Lars, Kirk, James and Rob and to get some questiones answered.

RollingStone.com was there as well and shot a few questions to the four horsemen.

What can you say about working with mad genius Rick Rubin on this upcoming album?
Ulrich: Mad genius? You've heard then. [Laughs] It's been a great year, and it's been a lot of fun — a chance to re-invent the wheel again. It's great to have someone who sits there and throws things in your face. He's not very methodical; it's all about the vibe and the moment. We were interacting and playing off each other more. There was little method to his madness, but you learn to trust him and roll with it.

You were one of the first artists to sue over copyright infringement and voice concerns over aspects of downloading. Eight years later, with bands like Radiohead embracing the Net and yet charting, how has your stance changed, if at all?
Ulrich: We have FLACs and MP3s for sale. It was never about downloading per se. We have the Vault where you can download shows from twenty years ago for free, full-on and it's been there for years. You can download recent shows days after they happen for cost. Back in the day there was a much bigger question about "on whose terms?" We said, "Wait a minute, it should be about the artist." Then all hell broke loose and we sat on the sidelines for a while. We've always been fiercely independent and controlling; sometimes to a fault. That's why we exist and why all these people show up.

And as far as the next record goes ...
Ulrich: You know, this is our last record under contract with Warner, so we're looking at how we can embrace everything.