Metallica appear to have dropped the sales embargo on their new album 'Death Magnetic'.

The band's first studio album since 2003 is officially released worldwide on Friday (September 12th).

The band's record label, Vertigo, is now understood to have relaxed the embargo so that more shops can sell the album.

"We were advised yesterday by the label that because it's been leaked quite heavily, they should bring forward its physical release and allow retailers to merchandise it,” a spokesperson for HMV told the BBC.

Metallica are currently second favourite to take the album top spot this Sunday behind Glasvegas, who released their self-titled debut on Monday.

The latest odds with bookmakers Ladbrokes have Glasvegas at 4/7 and Metallica at 5/4 to take the crown.

'Death Magentic' first leaked online last week after a record shop in France accidentally sold copies of the album.

(by Jason Gregory)