"Reload" is the seventh studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica, released on November 18, 1997, through Elektra Records in the United States and Vertigo Records internationally. It serves as the follow-up to the band’s 1996 album "Load" and was recorded during the same sessions with producer Bob Rock. Although Metallica initially considered releasing a double album, they decided to divide the material into two separate releases. Additional recording sessions for "Reload" took place in 1997 following the conclusion of the "Load" supporting tour. The album is notable for featuring Metallica’s first guest vocalist, Marianne Faithfull, who appears on "The Memory Remains", and for being the last studio album to include bassist Jason Newsted. Musically, "Reload" continues the hard rock direction introduced on "Load", further distancing the band from its thrash metal origins. The album incorporates influences from blues, country, alternative rock, and grunge, and features instruments uncommon in Metallica’s earlier work, such as the hurdy-gurdy and violin on "Low Man’s Lyric". It also includes "The Unforgiven II", a sequel to the 1991 single "The Unforgiven". Lead vocalist James Hetfield’s lyrics reflect themes of anger, frustration, and personal struggle, drawing inspiration from his difficult childhood. The album’s cover artwork, like that of "Load", was created by artist Andres Serrano using a mixture of blood and urine. Released seventeen months after "Load", "