This image released by Blackened Recordings shows “72 Seasons," by Metallica. (Blackened Recordings via AP)

WHEELING — Metallica’s long-awaited new album “72 Seasons” is being released today, Friday, April 14, and a special in-store event will be taking place tonight at Nail City Records in Wheeling as part of a global listening party.

Nail City Records, located on the third floor of the McLain Building at Suite 300, at 40-12th St., will be stocked with exclusive vinyl records, CDs and yes, even cassette tapes, of Metallica’s new album for the public to take home, along with gifts with each purchase and an exciting giveaway featuring some “seriously cool promo items,” according to the store.

Downstairs, Vagabond Kitchen will be serving up a special Metallica “72 Seasons”-themed cocktail, curated by the culinary rockstar chef Matt Welch.

The listening party starts at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

It has been six years since Metallica’s last full-length studio album, “Hardwired … To Self-Destruct” was released. With 12 tracks totaling over 77 minutes, “72 Seasons” is the band’s 12th studio album (if you count the 2011 collaboration with Lou Reed “Lulu.”)

The new album was produced by Greg Fidelman, along with Metallica’s own James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.