Metallica - Harvester of Sorrow 12" VINYL EP Album

- 1988 USA Release on Vertigo Records

Alright, let's crank up the volume on Metallica's "Harvester of Sorrow" 12" EP! This 1988 release is a thrash metal monster, showcasing the band at their peak. The title track is a relentless assault of riffs and Hetfield's signature growl, while the B-side features a killer cover of Diamond Head's "The Prince" and a blistering take on Budgie's "Breadfan." It's a must-have for any Metallica fan or anyone looking to experience the raw power of 80s thrash.

 

 

large album front cover photo of: Metallica - Harvester of Sorrow

"Harvester of Sorrow" Album Description:

Metallica's 1988 release of "Harvester of Sorrow" wasn't just a single; it was a statement. This USA-exclusive 12" maxi-single vinyl delivered the crushing power of the title track along with a pair of thrilling heavy metal cover songs, showcasing Metallica's mastery of the genre and their respect for its roots.

Side A: Thrash Metal Powerhouse

The A-side explodes with the relentless energy of "Harvester of Sorrow." This track, a centerpiece of their landmark album "...And Justice For All," exemplifies Metallica's progressive thrash metal sound. Its complex structure, relentless tempo changes, and James Hetfield's haunting lyrics create a sonic tour-de-force.

Side B: A Tribute to Heavy Metal's Legacy

Metallica flips the record to pay homage to two influential heavy metal bands:

* Breadfan (Budgie cover): Metallica ramps up the aggression in their take on this Budgie classic. Their blistering cover showcases their raw power and honors the Welsh band's impact on the heavy metal scene.

* The Prince (Diamond Head cover): This lesser-known Diamond Head gem gets the full Metallica treatment. The band injects their signature intensity, delivering a powerful, headbanging tribute to one of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal's defining acts.

Collector's Essential

The "Harvester of Sorrow" maxi-single is more than just a collection of songs; it's a snapshot of Metallica's creative energy and their dedication to the heavy metal genre. The unique track selection and the classic 12" vinyl format make this release a must-own for collectors and fans of Metallica's early years.

Vinyl Identification 101: All You Need to Know
To identify this particular pressing:
  • Barcode: 0 42287 06141
  • Record Label Side One: The label on side A has the same artwork as on the front cover
  • Record Label Side Two:
    • At 9 o'clock LC 1633 UK METAL 212 INT 870 614-1 2 STEREO (p) 1988 METALLICA (c) 1988 METALLICA ORIGINAL SOUND RECORDING MADE BY METALLICA
    • At 3 o'clock Phonogram Logo Vertigo Logo
  • Matrix Code SIde One: METAL 212 A-5U-1-1
  • Matrix Code Side Two: METAL 212 B-6U-1-1
 Collector's attributes: This section contains detailed information to be able to uniquely identify this particular version/release of the album Harvester of Sorrow

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "Harvester of Sorrow" was produced by:

Metallica and Flemming Rasmussen

Sound/Recording Engineer(s):

Flemming Rasmussen

  • Flemming Rasmussen – Producer, Sound Engineer

    Sweet Silence Studios founder/engineer whose fingerprints show up on metal records that sound way bigger than the room they were made in.

    Flemming Rasmussen is one of those behind-the-glass names I keep spotting like a quality stamp: a Danish producer and sound engineer, and the founder of Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen. His timeline reads like a metal history syllabus I actually want to study: Rainbow (1981), then Metallica (1984–1988: Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, ...And Justice for All), followed by Artillery (1990), Morbid Angel (1993), Blind Guardian (1995–1998), Ensiferum (2003–2004), and Evile (2007). He even won a Grammy for producing Metallica’s "One" (1989), which is kind of hilarious when you remember that song is basically anxiety with military boots on.

    Flemming Rasmussen Wiki

    • Sound Mixers:

    Steve Thompson, Michael Barbiero, Mike Clink, Toby "Rage" Wright, George Cowan

    Mastering Engineer:

    Bob Ludwig

  • Bob Ludwig – Mastering Engineer

    My quick tell for a record that’s about to sound expensive: “Mastered by Bob Ludwig” quietly lurking in the credits.

    Bob Ludwig, for me, is the final boss of “make it hit”: cutting lacquers at A&R in the late ’60s, shaping the 1970s at Sterling Sound, the 1976–1992 Masterdisk era, then building Gateway Mastering in Maine (founded 1992) before retiring in 2023. His mastering fingerprints run from classic rock to metal to modern pop—Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed through Metallica, Nirvana, Tool, and Daft Punk.

    Bob Ludwig Wiki

    •  

    Record Company & Catalog number: 

    Vertigo – METAL 212, Vertigo – 870 614-1

    Media Format:

    12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  
    Year & Country:  1988 USA
    Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: Harvester of Sorrow
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • James Hetfield - Vocals, Guitars
    • Bass - Jason Newsted (ex-Voivod, ex-Flotsam and Jetsam)
    • Jason Newsted – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Jason Newsted entered Metallica in 1986 under impossible circumstances, replacing Cliff Burton and immediately stepping into the loudest spotlight in metal. I always hear his era as the band’s most relentless period, spanning “...And Justice for All” through “Reload” until his exit in 2001. Before that he cut his teeth with Flotsam and Jetsam (1981–1986), later resurfacing with Voivod (2002–2009) and his own Newsted project (2012–2014).
      Jason Newsted Wiki
    • Lars Ulrich - Drums
    • Kirk Hammett - Guitars
    Complete Track-listing of the album "Harvester of Sorrow"

    The detailed tracklist of this record "Harvester of Sorrow" is:

      Track-listing Side One:
    1. Harvester Of Sorrow (05:42)
      Track-listing Side Two:
    1. Breadfan (05:44)
    2. The Prince (04:26)

    Breadfan is a cover of the song priginally performed by BUDGIE in 1973.

    "The Prince" is a cover of the song originally performed by "Diamond Head" in 1980 on the album "Lightning to the Nations"

     
    High Resolution Photo #10 metallica harvester sorrow

     Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

    Album Back Cover  Photo of "Harvester of Sorrow"
     
    High Resolution Photo #11 metallica harvester sorrow  
    Photo of "Harvester of Sorrow" 12" LP Record - Side One:
     
    High Resolution Photo #12 metallica harvester sorrow  
    Photo of "Harvester of Sorrow" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
     
    High Resolution Photo #13 metallica harvester sorrow  

    Metallica Vinyl Discography – Complete Collection of Albums, EPs & Rare Cover Art

    After diving deep into one of Metallica’s albums, this section pulls the camera back for the wide shot — the full vinyl legacy. Here you’ll find every Metallica release lined up in their fierce chronology, from the garage-born chaos of the early ’80s to the heavyweight pressings of later decades. Each record listed below links to its own detailed gallery, letting you trace the evolution of sound, artwork, and attitude that made Metallica unstoppable.

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    - ..And Justice For All (Blackened Records) - ..And Justice for All (1988, Netherlands)
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    - Creeping Death Blue Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death Green Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death Red Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death White Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death Yellow Vinyl (1984, France)
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    METALLICA - Harvester of Sorrow
    METALLICA - Harvester of Sorrow album front cover vinyl record

    The A-side explodes with the relentless energy of "Harvester of Sorrow." This track, a centerpiece of their landmark album "...And Justice For All," exemplifies Metallica's progressive thrash metal sound.

    Harvester of Sorrow 12" Vinyl Single
    METALLICA - Jump in the Fire (Dutch and English Versions)
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    "Jump in the Fire" is a single derived from Metallica's debut studio album, "Kill 'em All", released in 1983.

    - Jump in the Fire (1983, England) - Jump in the Fire (1983, Holland)
    METALLICA - Jump in the Fire
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    The cover art for "Jump In The Fire" is as iconic as the track itself. Created by artist Les Edwards, the image features a demon-like creature surrounded by flames, inviting the listener to literally "jump in the fire."

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    METALLICA - Kill 'Em All (International Pressings)
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    Metallica’s Kill ’Em All is the explosive debut that defined thrash metal. Released in 1983, this 12” vinyl LP is raw, aggressive, and uncompromising, blending speed, power, and razor-sharp riffs. Featuring iconic tracks like ‘Seek & Destroy’ and ‘Whiplash,’ it captures the band’s youthful intensity, setting the stage for their legendary rise in the metal world.

    - Kill 'Em All ( Blackened Records ) - Kill 'em All 2LP (1983, England) - Kill 'Em All (1983, France) - Kill 'Em All (1983, Holland) - Kill 'Em All (1983, UK)
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    METALLICA - Load (European & USA Releases)
    METALLICA - Load (European & USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

    Metallica's "Load" is a sonic journey capturing the band's evolution. Released in 1996, the controversial album's vinyl edition enriches the listening experience, offering warmth and authenticity.

    METALLICA - Load ( 2LP Blackened Records ) - Load (1996,E/M Ventures Elektra )
    METALLICA - Master of Puppets (Two English Versions)
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    - Master of Puppets (1986, Netherlands)
    Updated
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    METALLICA - Master of Puppets
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    METALLICA - Self-Titled The Black Album
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    METALLICA - Ride The Lightning (European Releases)
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    Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" 12" Vinyl LP is a collector's gem. This iconic album marked a turning point in metal history, blending thrash metal and intricate compositions.

    - Ride The Lightning (1984, England). - Ride the Lightning (Roadrunner, 1984, Holland) - Ride The Lightning (Vertigo, 1984, Netherlands) - Ride The Lightning (Blackened Records, 2006)
    METALLICA - S&M
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    This is METALLICA's ninth album, recorded live with the San Francisco Symphony on April 21-22 of 1999. The set list contains songs from Ride the Lightning through ReLoad, as well as two new songs: "- Human" and "No Leaf Clover".

    S&M 12" Vinyl LP
    METALLICA - St. Anger
    METALLICA - St. Anger album front cover vinyl record

    St. Anger is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on 5 June 2003. The album was originally to be released on June 10, 2003, but because of fears of extended music piracy over filesharing network

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    Updated METALLICA - The $5.98 EP Garage Days Re-ReVisited album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

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    METALLICA - The $5.98 EP Garage Days Re-ReVisited

    This EP sounds like Metallica forcing themselves back into a sweaty room with the amps cranked and the clock running. No polish, no restraint — just raw thrash energy, punk attitude, and Jason Newsted hitting the low end hard from the first spin. Cut at 45 RPM, it rips fast and loud, capturing a band reconnecting with speed, grit, and zero compromises.

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