Metallica is one band that’s serious about gaming. The band’s upcoming album, Death Magnetic, will be released as a “Guitar Hero III” download the same day it lands in stores.

“It’s exciting, 27 years into your career, to be doing something first,” said drummer Lars Ulrich. “In five to 10 years it’ll be a normal thing to release an album to ‘Guitar Hero’ the same day as the record.”

Ulrich also pointed out that another benefit in music video games is exposing young audiences to rock’s heritage.

“Dad’s a little cooler than he was yesterday,” Ulrich said. “I now have a 7-year-old whose favorite band is Mountain, and a 9-year-old who’s into Black Sabbath and Danzig. It’s a great way for kids to be exposed to stuff that transcends generation.”