With Stern Pinball's news of the release last week for the complete line of Metallica pinball machines going on sale, the internet blew up while ordering insanity ensued as people tried to get their hands on a Metallica pin of their own. With a last minute 100 unit bump on the Master of Puppets limited edition (LE) games to help fill demand distributors could not keep up with orders which left many people scrambling to find the LE model wherever they could dig one up. A little less than half of the limited edition games were destined to go overseas which left many US buyers out in the cold if they wanted the top-of-the-line model. 

Fortunately for those who did not get a limited edition model, Stern will be manufacturing a Premium model with the same features as the LE but with different "road case" artwork. Now, as it appears due to heavy demand and an affinity by many collectors for the hand-drawn art, Stern has announced the addition of a second Premium model. The new version will include artwork more closely aligned with the Pro and LE models which feature hand drawn artwork by Metallica artist, Dirty Donny Gillies.  

Stern has also enjoyed world wide exposure on mainstream media websites such as WSJ regarding the game which has helped generate awareness about the game and pinball in general.

The complete press release after the break.

***UPDATE***

Unbelievable. Stern pinball announces the sell out to distributors of the Mtallica Master of Puppets Limited Edition pinball machine.

"Dear Ladies & Gentlemen,

Our US allocation for Metallica Master of Puppets has sold out within the 
first hour of our detailed announcement. The export allocations are 
selling out quickly. Working together we will have tremendous sales and 
success with all versions of ths great Metallica game."

Gary Stern
President
Stern Pinball, Inc

I have been in the pinball hobby / business for many years and have never seen any game sell out this quickly. It's just like selling out concert tickets in record time. If you did not get one pre ordered it might be tough.

Congratulations Stern on your success!

Song list for the game will be:

Creeping Death
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Fuel
Master Of Puppets
The Unforgiven
Seek And Destroy
Battery
Sad But True
Enter Sandman
One
Fade To Black
The End Of The Line

See new pics after the break

It's the news that Metal Heads everywhere have been waiting for. The cosmic forces of pinball have converged once again with the heaviest pinball machine of all time, Metallica Pinball by Stern. Designed by John Borg and Lyman Sheats, with original hand drawn art by Metallica artist Dirty Donnie, and of course, shredding metal by James, Lars, Kirk and Robert of METALLICA.

This game also featuring one-of-a-kind custom molded interactive playfield toys, custom speech by members of the band, shredding riffs and fast-as-hell double bass, this pinball machine is looks to Kill 'Em All!

Ultimate Metallica collectors will want the special Limited Edition Master of Puppets model with unique artwork, powder coated legs and hardware, apron and more.....

Three editions include the following: 
Pro Version:  $4,995
Premium Version (road case): $6,995
Limited Edition Version: (Master of Puppets) $7,595

Read the Stern Pinball press release and see images of all 3 models after the break.

Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's only maker of real pinball games, has announced the imminent arrival of the METALLICA pinball machine. The newest addition to the iconic Stern collection honors one of the most legendary heavy metal bands the world has ever seen.