Although no official reason has been given for the switch it is unlikely the band was among those being lined up to be dropped. However with most of the Elektra top guard axed in the merger (which many felt was a takeover of Elektra by Atlantic) it is likely the band no longer felt any allegiances to the division and would rather work with a label with less pending instability.

How they pulled off the switch is also being speculated in industry circles. Rumours say management threatened to postpone the delivery of the band's next album if such an internal move could not be facilitated. Given they make much more money on touring and merchandise than recording, getting Metallica back in the studio is going to be more important to the label than the band. Whether the band and their management had to make any concessions to secure the move - most likely extending the current contract in terms of albums to be delivered - is also as yet unclear.