What's up with that Metallica graphic?

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Metallica graphic June 12

Since June 9, a mysterious image on the Metallica website has puzzled fans across the globe.

Under the headline "???" the graphic originally appeared with what looked like either the initials "DC" or two opposing magnets. An updated image on June 11 added the initials"EI," making it then apear as if it was to be read "DEIC."

Yesterday, June 12, the image was again updated, and it now appears to read "DEETIC."(Compare all three versions in our photo gallery.)

Since June 9, there has been no word as to what the image represents or whether it will form part of the cover artwork for the band's much-anticipated new studio album. The CD is due out in September, with the title expected to be announced soon through the new Mission: Metallica web site.

In other Metallica news, the band will play today at Tennessee's Bonnaroo Festival.

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.

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