The first printings of the disc will also include a bonus DVD featuring live performances (in the studio) of the band performing the songs from the album. 

Here is Elektra’s official spin on why the moved the release up:

Metallica To Release Much Anticipated St. Anger Five Days Early

New York, NY - Due to the unprecedented level of anticipation and the prevalence of sub-standard versions of Metallica’s upcoming, St. Anger, already in circulation, Elektra Records has moved up the release date of the new album, from Tuesday, June 10, to Thursday, June 5.

Elektra and Metallica have taken this extraordinary measure to ensure that counterfeit copies of the band’s first studio album in six years do not proliferate in the marketplace. Metallica unanimously approved the move, guaranteeing that fans get first crack at hearing the acclaimed disk the way the band intended: Loud and unadulterated.

A spokesperson for Elektra indicates that this is a rare exception to standard release policy for the label, pointing out that demand for the new Metallica album warrants every measure be undertaken to prevent unauthorized leaks of St. Anger. In the past year, superstar artists such as Eminem and 50 Cent have both moved up their respective release dates to stem illegal piracy. Metallica is the first rock band to move up a release to counter the spread of unauthorized copies. According to noted magazine’s Spin and Blender, Metallica followers will be ecstatic to hear St. Anger the way the band intended.

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