AceShowbiz -

After a long wait, Metallica rockers finally gain control of master recordings from their extensive catalog. They leave Warner Music Group which became their home since 1980's and officially launch their very own record label, Blackened Recordings.

"Some of you, who have followed along throughout the years, are aware that in 1994 we renegotiated our contract with the Warner Music Group, which resulted in a joint venture with our record company for releasing all of our recordings including long form videos," they say in a statement.

"Per that agreement, as of today we have taken ownership of all of our master recordings and Blackened Recordings will be the home of all of our current albums and videos along with all future releases including the December 10 release of the 'Quebec Magnetic' DVD and Blu-ray."

The veteran rockers add, "You may have heard us say it once or twice or a thousand times before, but it's always been about us taking control of all things 'Tallica to give you 110|percent| on every single level every single time."

They conclude, "Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, putting us in the driver's seat of our own creative destiny. We're looking forward to making more music and getting it all out to you in our own unique way."

Regarding their exit from WMG, frontman James Hetfield says, "We would like to thank everyone at the Warner Music Group for 28 years of a fantastic relationship, particularly since 1994 where we truly felt we had partners in every aspect of our business in North America."