MissionMetallica.com is alive. You can watch a three minute clip of Metallica recording new tracks for the cd with Rick Rubin.
 
Signing up for MissionMetallica.com will allow you to win backstage passes to every show for the summer and download the cd from the website at a fixed, high-cost, option.
 
However, if you want to dump more money into Lars' pocket, you can opt for the "platinum" level of MissionMetallica.com. This will entitle you to a copy of the new album (when it is released), a weekly "fly-on-the-wall" video, contests to see Metallica live, live show downloads, and ringtones.
 
Has anyone bought the platnium package? I can't vouch for it, but is seems like a colossal waste of money. You don't get the album ahead of anyone else, you can get ringtones for .99 on iTunes of Metallica songs, and contests are hit or miss. You shouldn't have to pay for the right to potentially win a contest.