Metallica have stormed to the the top of the US Billboard album chart, selling over 500,000 copies of their new record 'Death Magnetic' in under a week.

The band's new LP, which is also number one in the UK, only went on sale officially in stores last Friday (September 12th).

The record has outsold the opening sales week of Metallica's previous album, 'St Anger', which shifted 419,000.

The 2003 record was also released on a Friday but was rushed into stores after being leaked online.

As previously reported on Gigwise, Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' was also released on Guitar Hero, becoming the first album to get a simultaneous release via traditional formats and a video game.

Metallica previewed the new record during a special fan only show in London last night.

You can see pictures from the concert below, or click here the Gigwise's ultimate highlight reel.

More about: Metallica