After METALLICA's contract with Warner Bros. expired, many fans wondered where the band would go with the next phase of its career.

It looks like METALLICA has chosen to stand as an independent entity and launch its own label, dubbed Blackened Recordings.

In an announcement posted on the band's website, METALLICA explains:

"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.

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 statement continues: "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.

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."

METALLICA has reportedly been writing some material for a new album, and they have already announced a handful of international tour dates for 2013, including shows in Australia, South Africa and Brazil.