Metallica to 'do a Radiohead'?

Metallica have hinted that they are considering releasing music in the style of Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails, who recently gave away material free online.

Drummer Lars Ulrich told Rolling Stone that he had observed the behaviour of both acts, and said Metallica may be influenced by them in the future.

The band's traditional record deal with Warners expires when they release their next studio album.

"We're looking at how we can embrace everything," Ulrich said. "We want to be as free players as possible. We've been observing Radiohead and Trent Reznor [of Nine Inch Nails] and in 27 years or however long it takes for the next record, we'll be looking forward to everything in terms of possibilities with the internet."

The news may come as a surprise to some Metallica fans. Ulrich has traditionally been opposed to free downloads. In 2000 the band sued peer-to-peer software company Napster for distributing their songs.