Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has insited that the band are happy despite their new album leaking ahead of its official release next week.

'Death Magnetic', which is due worldwide on September 12th, emerged online after a record shop in Paris accidentally sold a copies to customers yesterday (September 2nd).

Speaking to California radio station Live 105, Ulrich said: "Listen, we're ten days from release. I mean, from here, we're golden.

“If this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me. Ten days out and it hasn't quote-unquote fallen off the truck yet? Everybody's happy.

“It's 2008 and it's part of how it is these days, so it's fine. We're happy."

Metallica have attempted to keep information about 'Death Magnetic' secret since they confirmed that the record had been completed earlier this year.

(by Jason Gregory)