Some Kind of Monster gave Metallica fans an inside look at the band's recording process and fragile psyche.

Metallica

Now the band is offering an online glimpse into its latest recording sessions, hoping to build buzz for its forthcoming, as-yet-untitled first album in five years. The band launched a new Web site this week called Mission: Metallica to offer fans exclusive content and teasers of new songs.

The site debuted today with a preview clip of the band recording and joking around in the studio. Fans who sign up will be eligible to "win backstage passes to every show this summer," among other special offers.

The band also appears interested in charging fans for access to a premium version of the site--dubbed Mission: Metallica Platinum--entitling fans to a copy of the new album delivered on street date, weekly "fly on the wall" video clips, contests to travel to shows, live show downloads, ringtones, and more. Details on how much the band will charge for the "platinum" access to site were not announced.

Metallica will be on the road this summer in advance of the as-yet-untitled album, beginning tomorrow with a show at Los Angeles' intimate Wiltern Theatre. A European run begins May 28 in Chorzow, Poland.

The new album is tentatively set for a September release.