Editing Load (album)

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = Load
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Metallica]]
| cover      = Metallica - Load cover.jpg
| alt        = White and red fluid in the shape of fire with the text "Load" (bottom right)
| released   = {{start date|1996|6|4}}
| recorded   = May 1995 – April 1996
| studio     = *[[The Plant Studios|The Plant]] ([[Sausalito, California]])
*[[Sound on Sound Studios|Right Track]] (New York City)
| genre      = 
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
| length     = 78:59
| label      = [[Elektra Records|Elektra]]
| producer   =
* [[James Hetfield]]
* [[Bob Rock]]
* [[Lars Ulrich]]
| prev_title = [[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]
| prev_year  = 1991
| next_title = [[Reload (Metallica album)|Reload]]
| next_year  = 1997
| misc       = 
{{Singles
 | name        = Load
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [[Until It Sleeps]]
 | single1date = May 20, 1996
 | single2     = [[Hero of the Day]]
 | single2date = September 9, 1996
 | single3     = [[Mama Said (Metallica song)|Mama Said]]
 | single3date = November 25, 1996
 | single4     = [[King Nothing]]
 | single4date = January 7, 1997
}}
}}
'''''Load''''' is the sixth studio album by American [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Metallica]], released on June 4, 1996, by [[Elektra Records]] in the United States and by [[Vertigo Records]] internationally. It was recorded between May 1995 and April 1996 primarily in [[Sausalito, California]], with additional sessions in New York City. [[Bob Rock]] returned as producer from ''[[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]'' (1991). Compared to previous albums, the recording sessions were more relaxed and productive, resulting in almost 30 songs being recorded. While a [[double album]] was considered, the band decided to split the material into two albums; half appeared on ''Load'' and the other half were released as ''[[Reload (Metallica album)|Reload]]'' the following year. At 79 minutes, ''Load'' is Metallica's longest studio album.

For ''Load'', Metallica strayed away from their [[thrash metal]] roots in favor of a [[hard rock]] sound. The band members became influenced by non-metal artists during the writing process, resulting in ''Load'' featuring musical styles such as [[Southern rock]], [[blues rock]], [[country rock]], [[alternative rock]], and [[grunge]]. The band also changed up their playing styles, with guitarist [[Kirk Hammett]] playing rhythm guitar parts for the first time. Compared to previous albums, the lyrics on ''Load'' are more personal and reflective, resulting from lead singer [[James Hetfield]]'s internal struggles and personal life. The cover artwork is an abstract painting by artist [[Andres Serrano]] created by mixing blood and the artist's own [[semen]].

Metallica adopted a new image during the period, which included short hair, leather jackets, and make-up. The new look and change in sound was criticized by many fans before ''Load''{{'s}} release. Nevertheless, ''Load'' was a commercial success, topping the charts in over 15 countries and spending four consecutive weeks at number one on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart. Four [[Single (music)|single]]s were released: "[[Until It Sleeps]]", "[[Hero of the Day]]", "[[Mama Said (Metallica song)|Mama Said]]", and "[[King Nothing]]"; the first became Metallica's first and only U.S. top ten hit. The band supported the album on the Poor Touring Me tour.

''Load'' received mixed reviews from music critics. While some critics praised the band's performances and welcomed the new sound, others felt that the band's experimentations made them less forward-thinking and conventional, failing to push the band forward creatively. Retrospective reviewers generally describe ''Load'' as overlong and believe it and ''Reload'' could have been condensed into a single album. The band members also hold mixed opinions on ''Load''. A super deluxe reissue will be released in June 2025.

==Background==
[[Metallica]] released their fifth studio album ''[[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]'' in August 1991.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=170}} A major commercial success, it debuted at number one in the United States and the United Kingdom, among others,{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=334}} becoming one of the [[List of best-selling albums|best-selling albums of all time]] with estimated sales of 30 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Kirk-Hammett-Some-kind-of-monster-fan-3850850.php#page-2|title=Kirk Hammett: Some kind of monster fan|first=Aidin|last=Vaziri|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date=October 10, 2012|access-date=August 11, 2023|quote=The group's eponymous fifth album, known to fans as ''The Black Album'', meanwhile, sold 30 million copies worldwide.|archive-date=November 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117071740/http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Kirk-Hammett-Some-kind-of-monster-fan-3850850.php#page-2|url-status=live}}</ref> With the album, Metallica became one of the biggest rock bands in the world.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=334}}{{sfn|Clerc|2023|pp=170–171}} From 1991 to 1993, the band toured ''Metallica'', performing 266 concerts across three concert tours. Another tour followed in mid-1994 to promote the [[live album]] ''[[Live Shit: Binge & Purge]]'' (1993).{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=214}}

Throughout early 1994, the band members spent time away from each other: lead vocalist and guitarist [[James Hetfield]] devoted time to [[hunting]], guitarist [[Kirk Hammett]] studied [[Film theory|film]], jazz, and [[Asian art]]s at [[San Francisco State University]], bassist [[Jason Newsted]] created his own recording studio, The Chophouse, and drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] took the band's label [[Elektra Records]], to court in hopes of breaking their contract following a disagreement with the label's new management.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|pp=214–216}}{{sfn|Wall|2012|pp=358–362}}<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> The two parties eventually reached an agreement, with Metallica staying with Elektra under a new contract.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|pp=214–216}}{{sfn|Wall|2012|pp=356–358}}

==Recording==
In the summer of 1994, Hetfield and Ulrich worked as a duo in the latter's basement recording studio, The Dungeon, observing the band members' demos recorded on the road over the past two years.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=216}} Full-band rehearsals began in October and finished in January 1995.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=216}}{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=366}} At this point, the band members' influences ranged outside of [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]: Hetfield immersed himself in American songwriters such as [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Tom Waits]], and [[Nick Cave]], and [[American folk music|American folk]] and [[country music]]; Hammett grew interest in [[David Bowie]]'s works with [[Robert Fripp]] and [[Adrian Belew]], and the [[Blues|blues music]] of [[Muddy Waters]], [[Buddy Guy]], and [[Howlin' Wolf]]; Newsted grew fond of [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]] and [[Faith No More]], particularly the bass playing of the former's [[Flea (musician)|Flea]]; and Ulrich was enjoying [[Britpop]] groups such as [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]].{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=216}}{{sfn|Wall|2012|pp=364–365}} The wide range of influences proved productive for the band. By the time the proper recording sessions began, they had almost 30 completed songs.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|pp=216–218}}

{{quote box|quote=First we chose riffs that were great, and Lars and I would go jam on them. Then, instead of trying to force one riff with another riff, it was like, 'Let's jam on it,' and we'd see what came out of that.&nbsp;... It was more of a feel thing when we were writing this stuff. So the songs kinda started writing themselves, in a way, which was a little more fun than just trying to stick a bunch of riffs {{no wrap|together.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=238}}}}|source=—James Hetfield on ''Load''{{'s}} songwriting process, 1996|width=25em|align=right|style=padding:8px;}}
The recording sessions for the new album began in May 1995 at [[The Plant Studios]] in [[Sausalito, California]].<ref name="Brannigan" /> The sessions reunited Metallica with producer [[Bob Rock]] and engineer [[Randy Staub]] from ''Metallica''.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=218}} Despite having clashed during the production of ''Metallica'', the band and Rock had settled their differences in the following years while on tour and decided to work together again.<ref name="BillboardMag" /> Hetfield explained that Rock "tends to help us dig deeper. We tell him what we're after and he tries to help us achieve that".{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=235}} He credited Rock with helping him deliver stronger vocal performances.<ref name="BillboardMag" /> The recording atmosphere was productive,{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=218}} and the band's songwriting process became looser and more relaxed compared to previous albums. Hetfield attributed this to the break the band members took from each other that allowed each member to "grow up on our own and come back with a little more respect for each other".{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=238}} Newsted agreed: "The studio thing has definitely gotten more comfortable.&nbsp;... I think since everybody has their own life, separate life really strong in its own way with their own set of friends, I think we're really comfortable when we do get together and things like this."{{sfn|Chirazi|2004|p=42}}

Encouraged by Ulrich,<ref name="Brannigan" /> Hammett played rhythm guitar for the first time on a Metallica album, having previously only played lead parts while Hetfield played all rhythm parts. Hammett said this was done to achieve "a looser sound".<ref name="HHInterview96" /> He ultimately became more influential in the songwriting process, sharing co-writing credits with Hetfield and Ulrich on seven of the final album's fourteen tracks.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=365}} Newsted, on the other hand, felt isolated as the other band members, particularly Hetfield, dismissed his song ideas. He said at the time: "I feel more satisfied putting my bass parts on James' cool writing than I would getting five of my songs on the record".{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=365}} Nevertheless, Newsted felt trapped within Metallica and began working on his own side projects such as IR8. An IR8 demo tape ended up being played on a San Fransisco radio station, which angered Hetfield and Ulrich.<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Newsted explained to them: "You guys are always getting to be out there doing your thing. And I always want to back you up. But somehow, somewhere, I gotta let my shit out."<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Newsted nevertheless did not want bad blood between them, acknowledging Metallica as Hetfield and Ulrich's band and a carefree attitude towards songwriting credits, because "I still put my signature on it".<ref name="RSInterview1996" />

Metallica worked for most of the next year with a break for the summer festival season.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=366}} A short tour commenced in August, during which the band debuted two new songs, "2 X 4" and "Devil's Dance".{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=227}} In November, Hetfield learned of his father's cancer diagnosis and briefly departed for Wyoming to be with him, using the time away to write lyrics.<ref name="Brannigan" /> The following month, Metallica made an appearance at [[Whisky a Go Go]] honoring the 50th birthday of [[Motörhead]] singer [[Lemmy]], performing several Motörhead covers.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=227}} In January 1996, with so many new songs recorded, the band decided to scrap the idea of a [[double album]] and release the material as two separate albums. This was decided for multiple reasons. Firstly, the band would have had to back out of the 1996 [[Lollapalooza]] festival to complete production of the double album.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=218}} Secondly, a double album only counts as one album on your contract, according to Ulrich, so "this way it counts as two [and] we get the pot of gold at the end even quicker!"{{sfn|Putterford|2000|p=102}} Lastly, the workload tired the members out. Hetfield said at the time: "As time went on we realized that we couldn't tackle all of it at once; we were like nine months into the recording and weren't even done with half of the songs. It was too hard to focus."<ref name="HHInterview96" /> So, half the songs would be released first as ''Load'' and the other half as ''[[Reload (Metallica album)|Reload]]'' the following year.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=258}} 

Concerned about the long recording process, Elektra Records set May 1, 1996 as the [[Mastering (audio)|mastering]] date for the upcoming album.<ref name="Brannigan" /> From March to April 1996,{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=222}} the band was in New York City recording [[Overdubbing|overdubs]] and commencing mixing at [[Sound on Sound Studios|Right Track Studios]], with further mixing being done at nearby Quad Recording Studios.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=366}} The band invited local journalists to these sessions to hear previews of the new album.<ref name="Brannigan" /> Hetfield's father died in late February 1996, after which Hetfield returned to New York to finish recording. In an interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', he stated that he "went back to when [former Metallica bassist] [[Cliff Burton|Cliff [Burton]]] died" and "got some of the feelings out through the music".<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> 

At 78 minutes and 59 seconds in length, ''Load'' is Metallica's longest studio album.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=367}} The long length was marketed by Elektra through advertisements on [[MTV]] and stickers affixed to initial pressings of the album itself.<ref name="BillboardMag" /> "The Outlaw Torn" had to be shortened by one minute to fit on the album;{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=367}} the full version of the track was released on the ''Reload'' single "[[The Memory Remains]]" as "The Outlaw Torn (Unencumbered by Manufacturing Restrictions Version)", with a running time of 10:48.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=262}}

==Composition==
===Music===
{{quote box|quote= This album and what we're doing with it&nbsp;– that, to me, is what Metallica are all about: exploring different things. The minute you stop exploring, then just sit down and fucking {{no wrap|die.<ref name="RSInterview1996">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/pretty-hate-machine-19960627 |title=Metallica: Pretty Hate Machine |last=Fricke |first=David |author-link=David Fricke |date=June 27, 1996 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203150416/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/pretty-hate-machine-19960627 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>}}|source=—Lars Ulrich on ''Load''{{'s}} exploratory nature, 1996|width=25em|align=right|style=padding:8px;}}
''Load'' represented a stylistic departure for Metallica<ref name="Wiederhorn" /> away from their [[thrash metal]] roots in favor of a [[hard rock]] sound.{{sfn|Prown|Newquist|1997|p=226}}<ref name="StereogumRank" /> While the band had already taken a step away from thrash metal on ''Metallica'', they went further on ''Load'', resulting in a "cleaner" sound.{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=175}} At the time of the album's release, thrash metal had been on a decline{{sfn|McIver|2004|pp=249–250}} amidst the rising grunge and alternative rock movements.<ref name="SpinRank" /> Authors Joel McIver and [[Paul Stenning]] argue that with ''Load'' and its follow-up ''Reload'', Metallica recognized and adapted to a changing music scene, compared to other metal bands such as [[Slayer]] who stuck to their formula.{{sfn|McIver|2004|pp=247–249}}{{sfn|Stenning|2010|pp=176–177}}

Primarily a hard rock and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] album,<ref name="Louder" /><ref name="EW" /><ref name="allmusic"/> ''Load'' features a variety of musical influences from genres such as [[Southern rock]], [[blues rock]], [[country rock]],<ref name="allmusic"/> [[alternative rock]],<ref name="EW"/>{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=253}} and [[grunge]].<ref name="NYT" />{{sfn|Clerc|2023|pp=228: "Until It Sleeps"; 232: "Hero of the Day"}} Numerous critics have compared the music to 1970s-era hard rock bands like [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[AC/DC]], [[Aerosmith]], and [[ZZ Top]].<ref name="Brannigan" /><ref name="allmusic" /><ref name="NYT" /><ref name="Vice">{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/metallica-load-hardcore/ |title='Load' Is the Definitive Metallica Album Because It Stinks |last=Harder |first=Jeff |date=July 26, 2016 |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |access-date=May 23, 2025}}</ref> Metallica had listed several artists and bands they were inspired by while writing ''Load'' and ''Reload'' that took them away from their thrash roots, including [[Alice in Chains]], [[Soundgarden]], [[Primus (band)|Primus]], [[Pantera]], [[Ted Nugent]], [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], [[Alanis Morissette]], and [[Garth Brooks]], among others;<ref name="HHInterview96">{{cite web |last=Beaujour |first=Tom |title=From the Archive: Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett Discuss Their 1996 Album, 'Load' |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/archive-metallicas-james-hetfield-and-kirk-hammett-discuss-their-1996-album-load |website=[[Guitar World]] |date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901081954/https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/archive-metallicas-james-hetfield-and-kirk-hammett-discuss-their-1996-album-load |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Wiederhorn">{{cite web |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |title=27 Years Ago: Metallica Release ''Load'' |url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-load-album-anniversary/ |website=Loudwire |date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724195950/https://loudwire.com/metallica-load-album-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Brannigan">{{cite web |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |title=''Load'' isn't that bad: the story behind the most overhated metal album of all time |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/it-felt-like-a-big-fuck-you-metallica-s-contentious-load-revisited |website=Metal Hammer |date=August 14, 2016 |access-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805035953/https://www.loudersound.com/features/it-felt-like-a-big-fuck-you-metallica-s-contentious-load-revisited |url-status=dead }}</ref> the songs "[[Mama Said (Metallica song)|Mama Said]]" and "Wasting My Hate" were inspired by Hatfield's friendship with [[Waylon Jennings]].{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=374}}{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=242}} Hetfield described ''Load'' as "the [[U2]] version of Metallica".{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=367}}

''Load'' was Metallica's first album on which all tracks were down-tuned to [[E♭ tuning]]. Hammett it was his attempt to play like [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Stevie Ray Vaughan]], and [[Thin Lizzy]]. Hetfield liked the change, believing the extra half step gave his voice a "break".<ref name="Haircuts">{{cite web |url=https://www.metallica.com/so-what-article/427029.html |title=20 Years of Blood, Semen & Haircuts: A Conversation about ''Load'' |date=June 9, 2016 |work=Metallica Official Website |access-date=April 19, 2021 |url-access=registration |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302151544/https://www.metallica.com/login/?scope=gated&original=%2Fso-what-article%2F427029.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to biographer Joel McIver, allowing Hammett to play rhythm guitar led to a looser, less "metal" and more "[[Rock music|rock]]" sound, a result of Hetfield's growing maturity and the band's "desire to move forward".{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=248}} The band members also utilized more experimentation in their playing styles. [[Jon Pareles]] describes Ulrich's drumming as "land[ing] with brutal certainty a nanosecond behind the beat, letting the guitars and bass claw each power chord unencumbered".<ref name="NYT" /> Hammett used [[slide guitar]] on "Ain't My Bitch" and various amplifiers to create different [[Texture (music)|texture]]s and soundscapes on "[[Hero of the Day]]"; Hetfield used a [[Talk box]] to perform the guitar solo on "The House Jack Built";{{efn|This was the first and only time a talk box was used on a Metallica album.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=226}}}} and Newsted played a [[fretless bass]] on "[[Until It Sleeps]]" and used different amplifier effects to achieve his bass sound on "Thorn Within".{{sfn|Clerc|2023|pp=222, 226, 228–229, 232, 246}} Hammett described his guitar solo on "Bleeding Me" as a summation of all his influences, "with a good dose of my own style".{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=236}}

===Lyrics===
Compared to previous albums, which touched on themes of confronting a frightening outside world, the lyrics on ''Load'' are more personal and reflective, influenced by topics such as [[neurosis]] ("Thorn Within", "Poor Twisted Me") and [[psychotherapy]] ("Until It Sleeps").<ref name="NYT" /> Hetfield maintained that he wanted the lyrics to be vague to allow for listener interpretation. Nevertheless, the lyrics are amongst the band's most personal yet, with author [[Mick Wall]] stating that they offer insight into Hetfield's psyche; several songs are addressed at himself.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=364}} "Bleeding Me" was an "intensely personal" song about some of Hatfield's biggest internal struggles.{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=176}}{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=236}} He explained that "I was going through therapy at the time and I was so unwilling... it was like the therapist had put leeches on me just to get it all out. There was a lot of secret pain, so that song came from me experiencing therapy for the first time."{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=176}}
"Mama Said" and "Until It Sleeps", are about the death and relationship, respectively, of Hetfield's mother,{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=175}} while "Hero of the Day" offers "estranged youth" and "mother-and-child" themes.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=233}} Religion also impacted some of the lyrics,{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=176}} such as on "Thorn Within".{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=246}} "Ronnie" concerns a shooting that occurred in Washington state in 1995. Author Benoît Clerc believes it may have been inspired by the story of Ronnie Long, an African-American imprisoned for a crime he did not commit in 1976, eventually being released in 2020.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=248}}

==Artwork and packaging==
[[File:Andres Serrano (2023).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Artist Andres Serrano in 2023|The cover art for ''Load'' was created by New York artist [[Andres Serrano]] (pictured in 2023).]]
The cover of ''Load'' is an original artwork titled ''Semen and Blood III''. It is one of three photographic studies created by New York artist [[Andres Serrano]] in 1990 by mingling [[Bovinae|bovine]] blood and his own [[semen]] between two sheets of [[Plexiglas]].<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Hammett came across the photo in an art book of Serrano's work titled ''Body and Soul'' that he purchased from the [[San Francisco Museum of Modern Art]]. He said at the time that at first glance, he thought it resembled hot-rod flames due to a similar tattoo he had.<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Recalling the [[abstract art]] and [[psychedelia]] of a 1960s gig poster,{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=367}} the image depicts an amoeba-like blend of strawberry-red and creamy white tones swirling against a mottled black background.<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Serrano had known of the band but was unaware of their music.<ref name="SerranoInterview">{{cite web |last=Goodman |first=Eleanor |title="I think James is still fuming": an interview with the artist who created Metallica's ''Load'' and ''Reload'' album covers |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-load-reload-covers-andres-serrano-interview |website=Metal Hammer |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216130354/https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-load-reload-covers-andres-serrano-interview |archive-date=February 16, 2025 |date=September 20, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> He appreciated the collaboration and believed it would help expand his audience.<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Hammett wanted the picture as ''Load''{{'s}} cover artwork because he thought it was "beautiful" and "it was the form, not the content, that was great".<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> One of Serrano's artworks was also used for the cover of ''Load''{{'s}} follow-up ''Reload'' the following year.<ref name="SerranoInterview" />

Not all band members liked the photo. While Ulrich loved it,<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Newsted hated it and refused to discuss it in interviews. Hammett believed Newsted "cared too much about what the fans think", although he did not want fan reactions to "dictate or censor" what he did.<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> Hetfield felt indifferent about the artwork and was more concerned about potential backlash from retailers who would refuse to sell the album over the cover.<ref name="RSInterview1996" />{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=368}} In 2009, Hetfield expressed his dislike of the artwork, calling it a "piss-take" around art made "for the sake of shocking others".<ref name="Blabbermouth">{{cite web |title=Metallica's James Hetfield Is 'Still Fuming' Over 'Load' and 'Reload' Artwork, says Cover Artist |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-james-hetfield-is-still-fuming-over-load-and-reload-artwork-says-cover-artist |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530035241/https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-james-hetfield-is-still-fuming-over-load-and-reload-artwork-says-cover-artist |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |date=April 23, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the band's differing views, a compromise was reached wherein the artwork's title would not appear in the album's liner notes, but Serrano remained credited as the cover artist.<ref name="RSInterview1996" /> In a 2018 interview, Ulrich maintained his appreciation for the ''Load'' and ''Reload'' covers, calling them his favorite Metallica album covers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lars Ulrich Picks His Favorite Metallica Album Covers |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/lars-ulrich-picks-his-favorite-metallica-album-covers/ |website=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913223716/https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/lars-ulrich-picks-his-favorite-metallica-album-covers/ |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |date=December 27, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Load'' featured a new Metallica logo that simplified and modernized its appearance, going from "metal" to "alternative".{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=370}} The album booklet featured photographs of the band by former [[U2]] and [[Depeche Mode]] collaborator [[Anton Corbijn]].{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=370}} With ''Load'', the band adopted a new image that strayed away from their metal roots. They wore short hair, tailored shirts, leather jackets, and make-up.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=218}}<ref name="Brannigan" /> At certain press events, Hammett and Ulrich kissed each other.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=218}}

==Release and promotion==
When ''Load'' was unveiled in May 1996, fan reactions were mixed, with many criticizing Metallica's new image and change in sound.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=218}} Some regarded it as a betrayal of the band's heavy metal roots.<ref name="Brannigan" /> Hammett said: "I think we made a really fucking great album, and people aren't going to walk away from our music even if they think we look like 'poofs'. At the end of the day, it all begins and ends with the music. I think we're now much more than a heavy metal band."<ref name="Brannigan" /> In a 1999 interview, Ulrich described the heavy-metal audience as "very conservative" and resistant to change, saying, "If at the end of the day someone's opinion of us comes down to whether we're wearing leather jackets, then they shouldn't be buying the records."<ref>{{cite web |last=Sprague |first=David |title=New Again: Metallica |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/new-again-metallica |website=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]] |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122190037/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/new-again-metallica |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |date=February 17, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Rock commended the band for not caring what the fans think and doing "what they feel is right for them".{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=219}}

''Load'' was released on June 4, 1996,{{efn|Reportedly released a day earlier in the U.K. on June 3.<ref name="Brannigan" />{{sfn|Dome|2010|p=96}}}}<ref name="MO" /> through Elektra Records in the United States and [[Vertigo Records]] in the United Kingdom and Europe,{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=213}} in [[Compact disc|CD]], [[Cassette tape|cassette]], and double [[LP record|LP]] formats.<ref name="BillboardMag">{{cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Melinda |title=Metallica In for a Lollapalooza of a Summer |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=May 25, 1996 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-05-25.pdf |pages=9, 96 |access-date=May 16, 2025 |via=worldradiohistory.com }}</ref> The album was a commercial success, debuting and spending four consecutive weeks at number one on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart.<ref name="USchart" /> The album sold 680,000 units in its first week, making it the biggest opening week for Metallica as well as the biggest debut of 1996.<ref>{{cite news|first=Shauna|last=Snow|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-21-ca-1151-story.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|title=Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press|date=November 21, 1996|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715012204/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-11-21/entertainment/ca-1151_1_tupac-shakur|url-status=live}}</ref> It was certified [[RIAA certification|5× platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for shipping five million copies in the United States.<ref name="RIAA" /> ''Load'' also attained number one positions in the U.K.,<ref name="UKchart" /> Australia,<ref name="AUchart" /> Austria,<ref name="AUSchart" /> Belgium Flanders,<ref name="BELFLchart" /> Czech Republic,<ref name="CZEchart" /> Denmark,<ref name="DANchart" /> the Netherlands,<ref name="NETHchart" /> Finland,<ref name="FINchart" /> France,<ref name="FRAchart" /> Germany,<ref name="GERchart" /> Hungary,<ref name="HUNchart" /> New Zealand,<ref name="NZchart" /> Norway,<ref name="NORchart" /> Portugal,<ref name="PORchart" /> Scotland,<ref name="SCOTchart" /> Sweden,<ref name="SWEchart" /> and Switzerland.<ref name="SWITchart" /> ''Load'' reached number two in Belgium Wallonia,<ref name="BELWAchart" /> Ireland,<ref name="Irishchart" /> Italy,<ref name="ITAchart" /> and Spain,<ref name="Spainchart" /> and number eight in Zimbabwe.<ref name="ZIMchart" /> Nevertheless, according to Wall, overall sales were less than half of ''Metallica''.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=371}}

=== Singles ===
"Until It Sleeps" was released as the [[lead single]] on May 20, 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Metallica: Unparalleled in the Hard Rock Marker|last=Pattenden|first=Mike|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=10|date=May 11, 1996|quote=On May 20, the Metallica behemoth again grinds into gear with a new single, Until It Sleeps...}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=25|date=May 18, 1996}}</ref> Its avant-garde [[music video]],<ref name="Louder" /> directed by [[Samuel Bayer]], displays the band in their new image and features neo-biblical imagery, including references to the [[Hieronymus Bosch]] paintings ''[[The Garden of Earthly Delights]]'', ''[[The Haywain Triptych|The Haywain]]'', and ''[[Ecce Homo (Bosch, Frankfurt)|Ecce Homo]]''.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=370}} The video won the [[MTV Video Music Award]] for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video|Best Rock Video]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1996/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829224311/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1996/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2008|title=MTV Video Music Awards 1996|publisher=[[MTV]]|access-date=July 23, 2012}}</ref> The single became Metallica's first – and to date only – top ten single on the U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]],{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=370}} as well as the band's second top five in the U.K., with number one positions in Australia, Sweden, and Finland.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=370}} "Hero of the Day" was released as the second single on September 10.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=232}} Its music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, centers on a "drugged-up kid" staring at a television while ''Load''-themed channels play, all featuring the Metallica members.{{sfn|Wall|2012|pp=370–371}} It stalled on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 60,<ref name="Hot100">{{cite magazine |title=Metallica Chart History (Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/metallica/chart-history/hsi/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221040422/https://www.billboard.com/artist/metallica/chart-history/hsi/ |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> but was the band's second number-one single on the [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Mainstream Rock]] chart after "Until It Sleeps".<ref name="MainstreamRock">{{cite magazine |title=Metallica Chart History (Mainstream Rock) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/metallica/chart-history/rtt/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230709180607/https://www.billboard.com/artist/metallica/chart-history/rtt/ |archive-date=July 9, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> 

"Mama Said" appeared as the third single on November 25.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=244}} Its music video, also directed by Corbijn, features Hetfield playing the song on an acoustic guitar sitting alone in the back seat of a car. He travels down a metaphorical highway while the other three members peer at him through the windows. At the end, it is revealed it was a back seat prop in a studio, after which Hetfield and a white horse walk off-screen.{{sfn|Wall|2012|pp=370–371}} It reached number 19 in the U.K.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=238}} The fourth and final single, "[[King Nothing]]", was released in the U.S. and Canada only{{sfn|Hadland|1998|p=143}} on January 7, 1997.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=230}} It was promoted by a music video directed by [[Matt Mahurin]].{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=230}} It reached number 90 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number six on the Mainstream Rock chart.<ref name="Hot100" /><ref name="MainstreamRock" />

===Tour===
[[File:James Hetfield - Cardiff 1996.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|alt=James Hetfield performing live on stage with Metallica in 1996|Hetfield performing live with Metallica during the ''Load'' tour in 1996]]
Metallica performed various fanclub-only shows in June, after which they performed at the 1996 Lollapalooza festival.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=236}} Metallica's appearance at the festival was controversial; longtime fans of the band accused them of [[selling out]], while regular festival attendees believed their appearance was hijacking the music and culture the festival had been originally designed to reject.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=373}} Metallica performed at the festival as a headliner, sharing the bill with [[Soundgarden]], the [[Ramones]], [[Rancid (band)|Rancid]], and [[Screaming Trees]].{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=374}}

After the Lollapalooza shows, Metallica embarked on the Poor Touring Me tour,{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=236}} which spanned 19 countries and ran 125 concerts from September 6, 1996, to May 28, 1997.{{Sfn|Clerc|2023|p=258}} According to Newsted, "We wanted to take the music to a new generation of Metallica fans."{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=236}} The tour began in Europe, where the band made appearances on the British television show ''[[Later... with Jools Holland]]'' and at the European MTV Awards in November.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=236}} The American leg began in late December and spanned the entire Unites States and Canada.{{sfn|McIver|2004|pp=239, 241}} The band enjoyed their time on the road, with Ulrich stating the band was in the best physical and mental shapes of their career.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=239}} Ulrich and Hetfield married their respective girlfriends in January and August 1997, respectively.{{sfn|McIver|2004|pp=241–242}}

At the end of the tour, Metallica announced ''Load''{{'s}} follow-up album, ''Reload'', to be released in November.{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=242}} ''Reload'' was composed of outtakes from the ''Load'' sessions, with additional recording sessions taking place from July to October 1997.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=258}} Upon its release, like ''Load'', ''Reload'' was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200.{{sfn|Wall|2012|pp=376–377}}

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|title=''Load'' – Metallica|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/load-mw0000183633|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=May 16, 2025|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328133206/https://www.allmusic.com/album/load-mw0000183633|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[Drowned in Sound]]''
|rev2score = 9/10<ref name="drowned">{{cite web|last=Lancaster|first=Nick|title=Metallica: ''Load''|date=July 18, 2003|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/4832/reviews/7544-metallica-load|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|access-date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630004510/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/4832/reviews/7544-metallica-load|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''[[The Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]''
|rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{sfn|Larkin|2011|p=2,003}}
|rev4 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev4score = B<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine|last=Browne|first=David|title=Metallica; ''Load''|date=June 7, 1996|url=https://ew.com/article/1996/06/07/load/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209002130/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,292873,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev5 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
|rev5score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref name="LA review">{{cite news|last=Masuo|first=Sandy|title=Album Review: Metallica – ''Load''|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-02-ca-10929-story.html|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 2, 1996|access-date=January 27, 2014|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173011/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-06-02/entertainment/ca-10929_1_album-review|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[NME]]''
|rev6score = 7/10<ref name="CDUniverse"/>
|rev7 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
|rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="CDUniverse">{{cite web|title=Metallica – ''Load'' CD Album|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1095966&style=music&fulldesc=T|work=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|publisher=[[CD Universe]]|access-date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=July 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723201708/http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=9022152|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev8 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev8score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine|last=Fricke|first=David|title=Metallica: ''Load''|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/load-202551/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=December 4, 1996|access-date=May 23, 2025|archive-date=February 23, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223035839/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/load-202551/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev9 = ''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]''
|rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brackett|first1=Nathan|last2=Hoard|first2=Christian David|title=[[The New Rolling Stone Album Guide]]|date=2004|publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]]|location=New York City|isbn=0-7432-0169-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/538 538]}}</ref>
|rev10 = ''[[The Village Voice]]''
|rev10score = C+<ref name="VV">{{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=December 3, 1996|url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/ts96-96.php|title=Turkey Shoot|newspaper=[[The Village Voice]]|access-date=February 1, 2019|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309024257/https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/ts96-96.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
''Load'' received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Positive reviews praised the band's performances and welcomed the change in sound.<ref name="EW" /><ref name="Musician" /> ''[[Musician (magazine)|Musician]]'' magazine's Mac Randall said that "The boys are more into cohesion now, more interested in the slow increase of momentum."<ref name="Musician">{{cite magazine |last=Randall |first=Mac |title=Metallica: ''Load'' (Elektra) |url=https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/metallica-iloadi-elektra |magazine=[[Musician (magazine)|Musician]] |date=August 1996 |access-date=May 14, 2025 |via=[[Rock's Backpages]] |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703115949/https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/metallica-iloadi-elektra |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'s}} [[David Fricke]] believed that longtime fans should get over the change in image and appreciate the band's growth with "easily the heaviest record of the year".<ref name="RS" /> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' enthused, "These boys set up their tents in the darkest place of all, in the naked horror of their own heads... Metallica are still awesome... What is new is streamlined attack, the focus and, yes, the tunes."<ref name="CDUniverse" /> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''{{'s}} David Browne wrote that the band "approach each song on ''Load'' with grim, teeth-gritting determination" and exhibit "subtle" signs of emotional growth.<ref name="EW" /> ''[[Kerrang!]]'' editor Phil Alexander wrote that Metallica has "let their individual talents breathe" and with ''Load'', the band "still tower over the competition with audacity and power".{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=177: Phil Alexander, ''[[Kerrang!]]''}}

Others were more mixed on ''Load''. Some critics felt that the band's experimentations made them less forward-thinking and conventional,<ref name="allmusic" /><ref name="NYT" /> failing to push the band forward creatively.<ref name="EW" /><ref name="MiamiHerald" /> [[Jon Pareles]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' remarked that "for the first time, Metallica sounds as if it's looking over its shoulder, wondering where it fits in the era of grunge".<ref name="NYT">{{cite web |last=Pareles |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Pareles |title=RECORDINGS VIEW; Trying Not to Get Old Before Their Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/02/arts/recordings-view-trying-not-to-get-old-before-their-time.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=May 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526155454/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/02/arts/recordings-view-trying-not-to-get-old-before-their-time.html |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |date=June 2, 1996 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Howard Cohen of the ''[[Miami Herald]]'' felt that ''Load'' sounded "tame" compared to Metallica's previous records,<ref name="MiamiHerald">{{cite magazine |last=Cohen |first=Howard |title=Metallica's tame ''Load'' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-metallica-load-album-r/172515323/ |magazine=[[Miami Herald]] |date=June 7, 1996 |page=190 |access-date=May 16, 2025 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-access=subscription}}</ref> which Browne attributed to the "clean but parched production".<ref name="EW" /> ''[[Melody Maker]]'' expressed reservations about ''Load''{{'s}} heaviness compared to its predecessors: "A Metallica album is traditionally an exhausting event. It should rock you to exhaustion, leave you brutalised and drained. This one is no exception. It is, however, the first Metallica album to make me wonder at any point, 'What the fuck was that?' It's as if the jackboot grinding the human face were to take occasional breaks for a pedicure."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=June 8, 1996|title=Metallica: ''Load'' review|magazine=[[Melody Maker]]|page=49}}</ref> In ''[[The Village Voice]]'', [[Robert Christgau]] said "this is just a metal record with less solo room, which is good because it concentrates their chops, and more singing, which isn't because they can't."<ref name="VV"/> [[AllMusic]]'s [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] considered ''Load'' repetitive, uninteresting and poorly executed.<ref name="allmusic" /> One of Metallica's contemporaries, [[Slayer]]'s [[Kerry King]], expressed his dislike for ''Load'' in a 1996 interview with ''[[Kerrang!]]'' magazine, saying that the music lacks "attitude" and "fire".{{sfn|McIver|2004|pp=253–254}}

==Legacy==
Opinions on ''Load'' and ''Reload'' have been mixed in the years and decades following its release. Both albums have typically placed low in lists ranking Metallica's studio albums.<ref name="StereogumRank">{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Doug |url=http://www.stereogum.com/1511282/metallica-albums-from-worst-to-best/franchises/counting-down/ |title=Metallica Albums From Worst to Best |date=October 14, 2013 |work=[[Stereogum]] |access-date=August 23, 2015 |archive-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023000707/https://www.stereogum.com/1511282/metallica-albums-from-worst-to-best/franchises/counting-down/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="LoudwireRank">{{cite web |last=Bowar |first=Chad |title=Metallica Albums Ranked |url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-albums-ranked/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501201355/https://loudwire.com/metallica-albums-ranked/#google_vignette |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |date=August 4, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MHRank">{{cite web |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |title=Every Metallica album ranked from worst to best |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallicas-albums-ranked-worst-to-best |website=Metal Hammer |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404125710/https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallicas-albums-ranked-worst-to-best |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |date=March 15, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SpinRank">{{cite magazine |last=Shipley |first=Al |title=Every Metallica Album, Ranked |url=https://www.spin.com/2023/04/every-metallica-album-ranked/ |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505214208/https://www.spin.com/2023/04/every-metallica-album-ranked/ |archive-date=May 5, 2025 |date=April 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="UCRRank">{{cite web |title=Metallica Albums Ranked Worst to Best |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-albums-ranked-worst-best/ |website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513123933/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-albums-ranked-worst-best/ |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |date=April 18, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many commentators agree that ''Load'' is bloated<ref name="Vice" />  and overlong.{{sfn|Clerc|2023|p=238}}<ref name="MHRank" /><ref name="Schafer">{{cite web |last=Schafer |first=Joseph |title=Justify Your Shitty Taste: Metallica's "Load" Turns 20 |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2016/06/04/justify-your-shitty-taste-metallica-s-load-turns-20/ |website=[[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]] |access-date=May 23, 2025 |date=June 4, 2016 |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206191912/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2016/06/04/justify-your-shitty-taste-metallica-s-load-turns-20/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Author Paul Stenning wrote that several songs sound like extended [[Jam session|jam]]s rather than having coherent [[Song structure|structure]]s.{{sfn|Stenning|2010|p=175}} ''Metal Hammer''{{'s}} Paul Brannigan said that ''Load''{{'s}} main fault was "quality control", containing tracks that can be considered "throwaway" and "mediocre".<ref name="Brannigan" /> Some have argued ''Load'' and ''Reload'' could have been one "pretty good" album but the band was "too loose" regarding editing.{{sfn|McIver|2004|pp=250–251}}<ref name="UCRRank" /> In his 2004 biography of the band, Joel McIver argues that with the experimentation, Metallica lost sight of themselves and what they succeed at best: "heavy metal with power, aggression, and kill".{{sfn|McIver|2004|p=253}} Others have shown appreciation for ''Load''. In 2022, ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Louder]]''{{'s}} Terry Bezer called the album underrated and Metallica's "last great album".<ref name="Louder">{{cite web |last=Bezer |first=Terry |title=Why ''Load'' is Metallica's last great album |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/blog-why-load-is-metallica-s-last-truly-brilliant-album |website=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Louder]] |access-date=May 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212182408/https://www.loudersound.com/features/blog-why-load-is-metallica-s-last-truly-brilliant-album |archive-date=December 12, 2024 |date=September 20, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, ''Loudwire''{{'s}} Jon Wiederhorn argued that the songs on ''Load'' are "solid and well-composed" and the album rewards repeated listens.<ref name="Wiederhorn" />

{{quote box|quote= [We were] trying to be something we weren't and that confused us even further musically. There's quite a few great songs on there that could have been greater if the cover and the pictures were different I think. A lot of the fans got turned off quite a bit from the music but mostly, I think, from the image. It just doesn't work. You absolutely have to evolve, but let's have it evolve naturally. It didn't seem natural to {{no wrap|me.<ref name="Brannigan" />}}|source=—James Hetfield, 2003|width=25em|align=right|style=padding:8px;}}
The band has held mixed opinions on the ''Load'' and ''Reload'' period in subsequent decades. Hetfield felt he was following Hammett and Ulrich's vision and did not believe in the idea of revamping their image.<ref name="DiVita" /> He felt that the large number of songs "diluted the potency of the poison of Metallica".<ref name="Cliff">{{cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe |title=James Hetfield: Cliff Burton Would Have Shown 'Resistance; to Metallica's 1990s Albums |url=https://loudwire.com/james-hetfield-cliff-burton-would-have-shown-resistance-to-metallicas-1990s-albums/ |website=Loudwire |date=November 9, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000608/https://loudwire.com/james-hetfield-cliff-burton-would-have-shown-resistance-to-metallicas-1990s-albums/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hetfield also believed that former bassist Cliff Burton, if still alive, would likely have disapproved of the direction the band took for the two albums.<ref name="Cliff" /> Nevertheless, Hetfield did not regret the period because it "felt like the right thing to do" at the time.<ref name="DiVita">{{cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe |title=James Hetfield: I Followed the Vision of Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett on Metallica's 'Load' and 'Reload' |url=https://loudwire.com/james-hetfield-followed-lars-ulrich-kirk-hammett-metallica-load-reload/ |website=Loudwire |date=November 24, 2017 |access-date=May 23, 2025 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009215717/https://loudwire.com/james-hetfield-followed-lars-ulrich-kirk-hammett-metallica-load-reload/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When interviewed in 2002, Ulrich said he liked some of the material from ''Load'' and ''Reload'' and was more disappointed that fans reacted poorly to the music based on the band members' new image rather than the music itself.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Get a chick! Or get a monkey!|magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]|issue=48|date=Christmas 2002|page=6}}</ref> By 2003, Ulrich agreed that the two albums could have been condensed into one, but felt that at the time, he and Hetfield wanted to release all the newly-written songs and lacked "an edit button on our instrument panel".<ref name="Brannigan" /> Reflecting on ''Load'', Hammett said that pushing boundaries and surprising fans is part of Metallica's creative identity. He acknowledged that taking risks can either be rewarding or damaging, but ultimately, the band stayed true to themselves by experimenting and letting the music guide them.<ref name="Wiederhorn" />

==Reissue==
''Load'' will be reissued as a super deluxe box set on June 13, 2025. Described in a press release as "an ambitious and comprehensive time capsule of 1995–1997 era Metallica", the super deluxe set includes previously unreleased demos, rough mixes, videos, live recordings, and more. The physical release is spread across 15 CDs, six vinyl records, four DVDs, a 128-page hardcover book, and additional materials. The reissue also includes a new remaster of the original album by Reuben Cohen and the original extended version of "The Outlaw Torn", which was edited down due to manufacturing limits.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rolli |first=Bryan |title=Metallica Touts 1,800 Minutes of 'Load' in Massive Reissue |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-load-reissue/ |website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |access-date=May 14, 2025 |date=April 29, 2025 |archive-date=May 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503001551/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-load-reissue/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Paul |title=Metallica / ''Load'' Reissue |url=https://superdeluxeedition.com/news/metallica-load-reissue/ |website=Super Deluxe Edition |access-date=May 14, 2025 |date=April 29, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510214259/https://superdeluxeedition.com/news/metallica-load-reissue/ |archive-date=May 10, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Load'' track listing
| all_lyrics = [[James Hetfield]]
| all_music = Hetfield and [[Lars Ulrich]], except where noted<ref name="booklet" />
| title1 = [[Ain't My Bitch]]
| length1 = 5:04
| title2 = 2 X 4
| music2 = {{hlist||Hetfield|Ulrich|[[Kirk Hammett]]}}
| length2 = 5:28
| title3 = The House Jack Built
| music3 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length3 = 6:39
| title4 = [[Until It Sleeps]]
| length4 = 4:28
| title5 = [[King Nothing]]
| music5 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length5 = 5:30
| title6 = [[Hero of the Day]]
| music6 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length6 = 4:22
| title7 = [[Bleeding Me]]
| music7 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length7 = 8:18
| title8 = Cure
| length8 = 4:54
| title9 = Poor Twisted Me
| length9 = 4:00
| title10 = Wasting My Hate
| music10 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length10 = 3:57
| title11 = [[Mama Said (Metallica song)|Mama Said]]
| length11 = 5:20
| title12 = Thorn Within
| music12 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length12 = 5:52
| title13 = Ronnie
| length13 = 5:17
| title14 = The Outlaw Torn
| length14 = 9:49
| total_length = 78:59
}}

== Personnel ==
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="MO">{{cite web |title=Metallica Discography: ''Load'' |website=Metallica Official Website |url=https://www.metallica.com/releases/albums/release-4214.html| access-date=December 21, 2020| archive-date=November 26, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126012251/https://www.metallica.com/releases/albums/release-4214.html| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="booklet">{{Cite AV media notes |author=Anon. |title=Load |others=[[Metallica]] |year=1996 |publisher=[[Elektra Records]] |location=US |type=CD booklet |id=61923-2}}</ref>

'''Metallica'''
* [[James Hetfield]]&nbsp;– vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on "2 X 4", "The House Jack Built", "King Nothing", "Thorn Within" and "The Outlaw Torn"<ref name="Haircuts"/>
* [[Kirk Hammett]]&nbsp;– lead and rhythm guitar<ref name="HHInterview96" /><ref name="Haircuts"/>
* [[Jason Newsted]]&nbsp;– bass
* [[Lars Ulrich]]&nbsp;– drums

'''Production'''
{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
* [[Bob Rock]]&nbsp;– production
* James Hetfield&nbsp;– assistant production
* Lars Ulrich&nbsp;– assistant production
* Brian Dobbs&nbsp;– engineering, mixing
* [[Randy Staub]]&nbsp;– engineering
* Jason Goldstein&nbsp;– assistant engineering
* Kent Matcke&nbsp;– assistant engineering
* [[Mike Fraser (record producer)|Mike Fraser]]&nbsp;– mixing
* Matt Curry&nbsp;– mixing assistant
* Mike Rew&nbsp;– mixing assistant
* [[George Marino]]&nbsp;– mastering
* Paul DeCarli&nbsp;– digital editing
* Mike Gillies&nbsp;– digital editing assistant
* [[Chris Vrenna]]&nbsp;– digital editing assistant
* Andie Airfix&nbsp;– design
* [[Andres Serrano]]&nbsp;– cover design
* [[Anton Corbijn]]&nbsp;– photography
{{div col end}}

==Charts==
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+Weekly chart performance for ''Load''
!scope="col"|Chart (1996)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=AUchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=AUSchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=BELFLchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|2|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=BELWAchart}}
|-
!scope="row"|Czech Albums ([[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|IFPI]])<ref name="CZEchart">{{cite web |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-07-06.pdf |title=European Top 100 Albums |publisher=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|IFPI CR]] |language=cs |date=July 6, 1996 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308062923/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-07-06.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|1
|-
!scope="row"| Danish Albums ([[Tracklisten|Hitlisten]])<ref name="DANchart">{{cite web|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-22.pdf|title=Top National Sellers: Denmark|work=[[Music & Media]]|page=16|date=June 22, 1996|access-date=September 22, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302151430/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=NETHchart}}
|-
!scope="row"| Europe ([[European Top 100 Albums]])<ref name="EURchart">{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-29.pdf|title=Eurochart Top 100 Albums – June 29, 1996|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=13|issue=26|page=21|date=June 29, 1996|access-date=November 18, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928230857/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|Finland|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=FINchart}}
|-
{{album chart|France|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=FRAchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|1|id=2322|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=GERchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|1|year=1996|week=25|rowheader=true|access-date=November 24, 2021|refname=HUNchart}}
|-
!scope="row"|Irish Albums ([[Irish Albums Chart|IRMA]])<ref name="Irishchart">{{cite web|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-22.pdf|title=Top National Sellers: Ireland|work=[[Music & Media]]|page=16|date=June 22, 1996|access-date=September 22, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302151430/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|2
|-
!scope="row"|Italian Albums ([[Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana|FIMI]])<ref name="ITAchart">{{cite web|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-22.pdf|title=Top National Sellers: Italy|work=[[Music & Media]]|page=16|date=June 22, 1996|access-date=September 22, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302151430/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|2
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=NZchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=NORchart}}
|-
!scope="row"|Portuguese Albums ([[Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa|AFP]])<ref name="PORchart">{{cite magazine|date=June 29, 1996|title=Top 10 Sales in Europe|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-UK/Music/Archive-Music-Media-IDX/IDX/90s/96/MM-1996-06-29-OCR-Page-0022.pdf|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|page=22|access-date=May 1, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501090805/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-UK/Music/Archive-Music-Media-IDX/IDX/90s/96/MM-1996-06-29-OCR-Page-0022.pdf}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|1|date=19960609|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=SCOTchart}}
|-
!scope="row"|Spanish Albums ([[Productores de Música de España|AFYVE]])<ref name="Spainchart">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pgkEAAAAMBAJ&q=Spain+Until+It+Sleeps&pg=PA60|title=Hits of the World – Spain|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=June 29, 1996|page=60|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302151605/https://books.google.com/books?id=pgkEAAAAMBAJ&q=Spain+Until+It+Sleeps&pg=PA60|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|2
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=SWEchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Metallica|album=Load|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=SWITchart}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|1|date=19960609|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=UKchart}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|1|artist=Metallica|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2021|refname=USchart}}
|-
!scope="row"| Zimbabwean Albums<ref name="ZIMchart">{{cite book |last=Kimberley |first=Christopher |year=1998 |title=Albums Chart Book: Zimbabwe |url=https://postimg.cc/bZGPrXxT |page=47 |access-date=April 26, 2025}}</ref>
|align="center"|8
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+1996 year-end chart performance for ''Load''
!scope="col"|Chart (1996)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1996/albums-chart|title=ARIA Top 100 Albums for 1996|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=March 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313224405/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1996/albums-chart|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|21
|-
!scope="row"|Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=1996|title=Jahreshitparade Alben 1996|website=austriancharts.at|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802201509/https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=1996|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|6
|-
!scope="row"|Canadian Albums (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9732&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9732.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9732|title=Top Albums/CDs |volume=64|issue=18|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|date=December 16, 1996|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=September 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909033300/https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9732&URLjpg=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2Fobj%2F028020%2Ff4%2Fnlc008388.9732.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9732|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|9
|-
!scope="row"|Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1996&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten – Album 1996|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802201536/https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1996&cat=a|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|33
|-
!scope="row"|European Top 100 Albums (''[[Music & Media]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Music-Media-IDX/IDX/90s/96/MM-1996-12-21-OCR-Page-0012.pdf#search=%22nirvana%20about%20girl%22 |title=European Top 100 Albums 1996 |magazine=[[Music & Media]]| date=December 21, 1996|access-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref>
|align="center"|10
|-
!scope="row"|French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=1996|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 1996|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029102847/https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=1996|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|17
|-
!scope="row"|German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-1996|title=Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts|language=de|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|access-date=September 8, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509161527/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-1996|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|6
|-
!scope="row"|New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-albums/1996-12-31|title=Top Selling Albums of 1996|website=The Official NZ Music Charts|access-date=November 16, 2021|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105223237/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/albums?chart=3885|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|17
|-
!scope="row"|Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/1996/alben|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1996|website=hitparade.ch|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413062143/https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/1996/alben|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|23
|-
!scope="row"|UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/19960107/37502/|title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 1996|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809075837/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/19960107/37502/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|59
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1996/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1996|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 5, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427174051/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1996/top-billboard-200-albums|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|14
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+1997 year-end chart performance for ''Load''
!scope="col"|Chart (1997)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
!scope="row"|Canadian Hard Rock Albums (Nielsen Soundscan)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/HARD_1997.html|title=HARD ROCK ALBUMS : Top 25 of 1997|access-date=February 2, 2025|archive-date=March 20, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010320221532/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/HARD_1997.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>
|align="center"|18
|-
|}

===Decade-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+1990s-end chart performance for ''Load''
!scope="col"|Chart (1990–1999)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Geoff|last=Mayfield|title=1999 The Year in Music Totally '90s: Diary of a Decade – The listing of Top Pop Albums of the '90s & Hot 100 Singles of the '90s|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9w0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA4|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 25, 1999|access-date=October 15, 2010}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|81
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for ''Load''}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Argentina|artist=Metallica|title=Load|award=Platinum|relyear=1991|certyear=1996|certref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=&album=&LanDesde_MM=1&LanDesde_AA=1980&LanHasta_MM=12&LanHasta_AA=2010&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110706084844/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=&album=&LanDesde_MM=1&LanDesde_AA=1980&LanHasta_MM=12&LanHasta_AA=2010&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|archive-date=July 6, 2011|title=Discos de oro y platino|access-date=October 3, 2019|publisher=[[Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas]]|language=es|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|relyear=1996|certyear=2024|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=5|access-date=July 14, 2024}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|region=Austria|award=Platinum}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|access-date=August 17, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1997}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=1996}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Denmark|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|certref=<ref name=LOADEUROPE>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-29.pdf|title=The Album Load over 1.3 million European sales in week of release|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|date=June 29, 1996|page=5|access-date=November 18, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928230857/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-06-29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Finland|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|salesamount=94,384}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=1996|relyear=1996|access-date=May 31, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Metallica|title=Load|relyear=1996|certyear=2019|type=album|award=Gold|number=5|access-date=May 25, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=1996|salesamount=31,000|salesref=<ref name=Billboard>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=greece+album+certifications+billboard&pg=PA48|magazine=Billboard|title=Greek Acts Boast Local Market|first=Cosmas|last=Develegas|date=May 24, 1997|access-date=October 8, 2018|page=48|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302151553/https://books.google.com/books?id=fA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=greece+album+certifications+billboard&pg=PA48|url-status=live}}</ref>|certref=<ref name=Billboard/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Hungary|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=2000|nosales=true|access-date=May 4, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Italy|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|certref=<ref name=LOADEUROPE/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|certmonth=9|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|access-date=May 30, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=1996|relyear=1996|access-date=October 3, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|id=1996-08-16|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|relyear=1996}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=1996}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Portugal|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|certref=<ref name=LOADEUROPE/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|date=December 30, 1996}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=album|title=Load|artist=Metallica|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certref=<ref>{{cite book |last=Salaverri |first=Fernando |date=September 2005 |url=http://www.mediafire.com/file/pd758fesp2w7i7f/Spanish+Certifications+for+1996-1999.pdf |title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 |language=es |edition=1st |location=Madrid |publisher=[[Sociedad General de Autores y Editores|Fundación Autor/SGAE]] |page=942 |isbn=84-8048-639-2 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221020633/http://www.mediafire.com/file/pd758fesp2w7i7f/Spanish+Certifications+for+1996-1999.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|relmonth=6|access-date=August 17, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Switzerland|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|certref=<ref name=LOADEUROPE/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Turkey|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|certref=<ref name=LOADEUROPE/>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=2019|id=3951-2158-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|number=5|refname=RIAA|access-date=May 20, 2025|salesamount=5,400,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Simon|date=March 9, 2023|title=Here are the astonishing US sales stats for every Metallica album|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-album-sales-us|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311130902/https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-album-sales-us |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |access-date=March 12, 2023|website=[[Metal Hammer]]}}</ref>}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Load|artist=Metallica|region=Uruguay|award=Gold|type=album|certyear=2000 |access-date=May 30, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|title=Load|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1996|certyear=1997|access-date=May 30, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
*{{cite book |editor-last=Chirazi |editor-first=Steffan |title=So What!: The Good, The Mad, and The Ugly |date=2004 |publisher=[[Broadway Books]] |location=New York City |isbn=978-0767918817 }}
*{{cite book |last=Clerc |first=Benoît |title=Metallica All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track |date=2023 |publisher=[[Cassell (publisher)|Cassell]] |location=London |isbn=978-1-784-72893-9 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Metallica_All_the_Songs/gzh2zwEACAAJ?hl=en }}
*{{cite book |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |title=Metallica: The Music and the Mayhem |date=2010 |publisher=[[Omnibus Press]] |location=London |isbn=9781849386623}}
*{{cite book |last=Hadland |first=Sem |title=Metallica: Fuel & Fire |date=1998 |publisher=[[Collector's Guide Publishing]] |location=[[Burlington, Ontario]] |isbn=9781896522098 }}
*{{cite book|last=Larkin|first=Colin|chapter=Metallica|title=[[The Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|publisher=Omnibus Press|location=London|edition=5th concise|year=2011|isbn=978-0-85712-595-8}}
*{{cite book |last=McIver |first=Joel |title=Justice for All: The Truth About Metallica |date=2004 |publisher=[[Omnibus Press]] |location=London |isbn=9780711996007 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Justice_for_All/UU3rwAEACAAJ?hl=en }}
*{{cite book|author1-first=Pete|author1-last=Prown|author2-first=Harvey P|author2-last=Newquist|year=1997|title=Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|location=Milwaukee|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=60Jde3l7WNwC&pg=PA22|isbn=9780793540426}}
*{{cite book |last=Putterford |first=Mark |title=Metallica: In Their Own Words |date=2000 |publisher=[[Omnibus Press]] |location=London |isbn=9780711984400 |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Metallica.html?id=5zsz129WRgsC |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003144525/https://books.google.com/books/about/Metallica.html?id=5zsz129WRgsC |url-status=live }}
*{{cite book |last=Stenning |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Stenning |title=Metallica: All That Matters |date=2010 |publisher=[[Information Today|Plexus Publishing]] |location=London |isbn=9780859654357}}
*{{cite book |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link=Mick Wall |title=Enter Night: A Biography of Metallica |date=2012 |edition=1st U.S. |publisher=[[St. Martin's Press]] |location=New York City |isbn=978-1-250-00731-5 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Enter_Night/1EAspwAACAAJ?hl=en }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
*{{Discogs master|type=album|8866|name=Load}}

{{Metallica}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Load (Album)}}
[[Category:1996 albums]]
[[Category:Metallica albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Bob Rock]]
[[Category:Elektra Records albums]]
[[Category:Vertigo Records albums]]