Yes, it was pretty clearly a publicity stunt for the band I'd never heard of until Metallica supposedly sued them. I seem to have forgotten their name already. Phew.

The hoaxers have my admiration but hopefully that doesn't mean I have to listen to their music as well.

What's surprising for such a poorly executed prank is how well it worked. Usually people at least cook up an obfuscated url to pass off as the real deal.

But what mattered most is that a lot of people were willing to believe Metallica would actually do this.

Also, note that the guy who runs (ran; it claims to be shut down) scoopthis.com is the leader of the band these articles are claiming is being sued. No, really - go to the band's site, and find the link to a review on UGO.

Publicity stunt, which may result in a real suit from Metallica for defamation of character!