As plans were being made to enter the studio to write and record its first album in nearly five years, Metallica postponed the recording due to the departure of Jason Newsted. Metallica rented an old army barracks on The Presidio of San Francisco, California and converted it into a makeshift studio in January 2001. The album was certified 2x platinum by the RIAA and has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. Anger", won a Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance". Upon its release, it met mixed critical reviews and has since gained less favorable reception.
Anger debuted at the top of sales charts in 30 countries, including the US Billboard 200. It is also the only album by Metallica to be recorded as a three-piece band instead of four, as well as their only album with a Parental Advisory label on it, due to some tracks containing profanity. Anger is often recognized for being a radical musical departure from Metallica's earlier work it features a Nu-metal style, raw production, and no guitar solos. Recording of the album initially started on April 24, 2001, but was postponed indefinitely when rhythm guitarist and singer James Hetfield entered rehab for "alcoholism and other addictions". And Justice for All to have a title track. Newsted left the band prior to the initial sessions for the album, leaving Rock to temporarily take his place until a permanent replacement could be found. Anger is the first Metallica album since Master of Puppets that does not feature long-time bassist Jason Newsted. The album marks the final collaboration between Metallica and producer Bob Rock, whose relationship began with the band's fifth studio album, 1991's Metallica.
Anger was originally intended for release on June 10, 2003, but was released five days earlier due to concerns over unlicensed distribution through peer-to-peer file-sharing networks.
Not only was it the band's first album of the 21st century, but it was the band's last album released through Elektra, thus marking the end of the longest timespan between studio albums from Metallica, with nearly six years between the release of ReLoad and this album. Anger was released on Jthrough Elektra Records. Nu Metal, Crossover Thrash, Alternative Metal