S&M²

The concert film was released in theaters worldwide for a limited time before the album release, breaking records for a rock cinema event. The film included behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, giving fans a deeper look into the preparation for this massive undertaking.

"S&M²" included several notable highlights, such as the first-ever orchestral renditions of songs from "Death Magnetic" and "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct". Additionally, the concert featured unique performances, including a solo showcase for bassist Robert Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett, and a classical piece performed by the orchestra alone.

The release of "S&M²" was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, charting globally and once again demonstrating the potent synergy between Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony. The project was also released in various formats, including a box set, providing fans with an immersive listening and viewing experience.

The "S&M²" concerts were held at San Francisco's Chase Center, marking the inaugural event at the new venue. The shows featured a blend of classic Metallica hits, tracks from their later albums, and symphonic pieces, showcasing the band's and the orchestra's evolutionary journey since their first collaboration.

Michael Kamen, the original conductor and arranger for "S&M", had passed away in 2003. For "S&M²", the arrangements were helmed by conductor Edwin Outwater and music director Michael Tilson Thomas, with contributions from Metallica's longtime collaborator Bruce Coughlin. The new arrangements sought to honor Kamen's legacy while exploring new musical territories.

One of the most emotional moments of the concert was Scott Pingel, the symphony's principal bassist, performing a solo tribute to Cliff Burton. He played "Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)" on an electric upright bass, capturing the distortion and wah-pedal intensity of the original recording while adding a classical flair.

Unlike the first "S&M", this concert featured the band performing sections of classical music. They played Alexander Mosolov's "Iron Foundry" and Sergei Prokofiev's "Scythian Suite", pieces chosen to reflect the "heavy metal" nature of classical composition.