During Microsoft's Xbox 360 media briefing at E3 2008 Monday, the software giant invited Kai Huang, president and co-founder of RedOctane, to the stage to announce that Metallica is indeed coming to Guitar Hero.

RedOctane President and Co-Founder Kai Huang announces the addition of Metallica to the Guitar Hero lineup.

After weeks of speculation about Metallica possibly getting its own edition of the popular music game franchise, similar to Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, RedOctane and parent company Activision announced that Metallica's new, studio album, "Death Magnetic," will be available simultaneously in record stores and as downloadable content for Guitar Hero. Fans of the heavy metal band will be able to download songs from the full album for both Guitar Hero III: The Legends of Rock and the forthcoming Guitar Hero: World Tour, which brings drums (with cymbals) and vocals to the franchise.

"We are particularly excited about this fall's Guitar Hero World Tour, which will deliver unprecedented innovation to the rhythm-based genre with new instruments, a significantly expanded song list, and a music creator to share user-generated soundtracks," said Mike Griffith, president and CEO of Activision Publishing, in a press statement. "Gamers will also be able to play Metallica's new album on the day it launches."

Stay tuned for more Guitar Hero news at E3 2008 from Tom's Games.

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