METALLICA - Load Gatefold 12" Vinyl 2LP Album

- Blackened Records 2015, Thrash Metal

This the high-end audiophile release pressed on two 12" vinyl records each on 180 gram vinyl. "LOAD" is the 1996 and sixth album released by the American Thrash Metal band "Metallica". The album artwork was by Andres Serrano and was based on his own semen and blood.

 

Album Front Cover Photo of METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records

"Load" Album Description

Metallica's 1996 release, "Load," marked a significant turning point in their sonic trajectory. The album saw the iconic thrash metal pioneers embracing a blues-infused hard rock sound, a shift that both alienated and intrigued audiences. The 2015 reissue on Blackened Records as a deluxe gatefold 12" vinyl 2LP offers fans a chance to revisit this controversial yetundeniably powerful album through a high-fidelity audiophile lens.

Beyond the Thrash: "Load" as a Blues-Rock Experiment

"Load" saw Metallica shedding much of their trademark thrash metal ferocity in favor of a slower, groovier approach. Songs like "King Nothing," "Until It Sleeps," and "The Outlaw Torn" showcase a newfound emphasis on bluesy riffs, introspective lyrics, and a more expansive sonic palette. The band explored diverse influences, from Southern rock to country-tinged ballads, further alienating some of their core fan base while simultaneously attracting new listeners.

Controversial Artwork: Serrano's Provocative Vision

The album's cover art, created by controversial artist Andres Serrano, is as infamous as the music itself. Serrano's composition, titled "Semen and Blood III," is an abstract image created using his own bodily fluids, sparking outrage and censorship in some quarters. The artwork adds another layer of provocation to Metallica's already bold artistic statement.

Audiophile Excellence: The 180-gram Vinyl Experience

The 2015 vinyl reissue of "Load" does justice to the album's sonic depth and power. The 180-gram vinyl format allows for superior sound reproduction, capturing the warmth and richness of the bluesy guitar tones, the driving force of Lars Ulrich's drums, and the nuanced vocal delivery of James Hetfield. The gatefold packaging further enhances the experience, offering a larger canvas for Serrano's provocative artwork.

2x4: Everything About It

The Riff: "2 x 4" opens with a driving, blues-infused riff that's simple yet incredibly powerful. It's one of the faster-paced songs on the album, providing a nod to Metallica's thrash origins.

Working Title Origins: There's some debate about the meaning of the title. Some believe it started as a reference to the song's structure (perhaps a riff played twice, for four measures). However, the reference to a "2 x 4" also works its way into the lyrics.

Violent Imagery: The lyrics are filled with aggressive imagery and the feeling of being pushed to the limit. The line "Put the screws into ya!" and the overall tone suggest the song might be about a violent confrontation, perhaps even using a 2 x 4 (a common lumber size) as a weapon.

Fan Interpretation: Many fans enjoy the song's raw power and see the lyrics as a metaphor for fighting back when cornered or frustrated.

Musical Significance: "2 x 4" is a great example of how Metallica blended their earlier thrash sound with a slower, groove-oriented approach on "Load". It's a testament to their ability to keep their music aggressive and exciting even within a new stylistic framework. .

Listen for yourself to 2x4:

Essential Album Information For: METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Blackened Recordings – BLCKND011-1

Media Format:

Record Format: Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

2015 Europe

METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records Production & Recording Information

Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains many photos of the Metallica band, artwork. , production details.

Each record of "Load" on "Blackened Records" comes in a custom inner sleeve with many photos of Metallica and lyrics of all the songs on this album.

Producers:

Bob Rock - Producer

Bob Rock is a renowned music producer and sound engineer hailing from Winnipeg, Canada. Born on 19 April 1954, Rock's passion for music began at a young age, and he developed a strong interest in rock and heavy metal genres. Over the years, he has made an indelible mark on the music industry, working with numerous iconic bands and shaping the sound of some of the most influential albums in rock history.

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Rock's career took off in the 1980s when he started collaborating with various artists and bands. His reputation as a skilled producer and engineer quickly grew, and he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and power of heavy metal music. One of his earliest notable collaborations was with the Swiss hard rock band Krokus, for whom he produced their successful album "Headhunter" in 1983.

However, it was his work with the legendary band Metallica that truly catapulted Rock to international fame. In the early 1990s, Rock collaborated with Metallica as the producer on their self-titled fifth studio album, commonly known as "The Black Album". Released in 1991, the album was a massive success, selling millions of copies worldwide and propelling Metallica to new heights of mainstream popularity. Rock's production on the album was praised for its polished yet heavy sound, and it remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.

Following the success of "The Black Album", Rock continued to work with Metallica on their subsequent albums, including "Load" (1996) and "Reload" (1997). His collaboration with the band played a significant role in shaping their evolving sound and experimenting with new musical directions. Rock's ability to adapt to different artistic visions while maintaining a high level of production quality became one of his trademarks.

In addition to his work with Metallica, Rock has produced and engineered albums for several other major heavy metal bands. He worked with Mötley Crüe on their highly successful album " Dr. Feelgood " (1989), which showcased his knack for capturing the band's sleazy and aggressive sound. Rock also collaborated with Aerosmith on their comeback album "Permanent Vacation" (1987), which marked a resurgence in the band's popularity and featured several hit singles.

Throughout his career, Bob Rock has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He has received Grammy Awards for his work with Metallica and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Rock's talent and expertise as a producer and engineer have made him one of the most sought-after figures in the industry, and he continues to work with a diverse range of artists and bands, leaving his mark on the music world with every project he takes on.

Bob Rock's passion for music, his innate understanding of rock and heavy metal, and his unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch production quality have cemented his status as one of the most influential music producers and sound engineers of his time. His contributions to the genre have left an indelible impact and have shaped the sound of countless iconic albums, making him a true legend in the world of rock music.

James Hetfield - Producer

Lars Ulrich - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Brian Joseph Dobbs - Sound Engineer

Chris A. Vrenna - Digital Editing

Jason Goldstein - Sound Engineer

Kent Matcke - Sound Engineer

Matt Curry - Sound Engineer

Mike Fraser - Sound Engineer

Mike Gillies - Digital Editing

Mike Rew - Sound Engineer

Paul Decarli - Digital Editing

Randy Staub - Sound Engineer

George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer

George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres.

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From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched.

During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:

These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies.

George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more.

Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

Recording Location:

"Load" was recorded at The Plant Studios, Sausolito, California between May 1995 and February 1996.

Sound mixed at Right Track Recording, New York, March - April 1996 and Quad Recording Studio, New York.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Andres Serrano - Cover Art

Andy Airfix - Artwork

Photography:

Anthony Corbijn - Photography

Anton Corbijn , in the world of photography, there are certain individuals who transcend the boundaries of their craft, creating a lasting impact through their unique vision and artistic prowess. One such luminary is Anton Corbijn, a Dutch photographer and filmmaker renowned for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects. With a portfolio that spans several decades and encompasses a diverse range of genres, Corbijn has firmly established himself as one of the world's most influential photographers.

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Born on 20 May 1955, in Strijen, the Netherlands, Corbijn initially pursued a career in music journalism before realizing his true passion lay behind the camera. He gained recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s for his distinctive black-and-white portraits of iconic musicians, particularly those within the burgeoning punk and new wave movements. Corbijn's ability to connect with his subjects on a personal level allowed him to capture their essence in a way that resonated with both the artists themselves and their fans.

One of Corbijn's most significant early collaborations was with the influential British band Joy Division. His iconic photograph of lead singer Ian Curtis, taken shortly before Curtis's tragic death in 1980, has become an enduring symbol of the band's legacy. Corbijn's ability to convey vulnerability and emotion through his images added a new dimension to music photography, elevating it from mere documentation to a form of art in its own right.

Corbijn's work extends far beyond the realm of music, with his evocative portraits of actors, directors, and other cultural figures capturing their innermost thoughts and emotions. His unique visual style, characterized by a careful use of light and shadow, often in monochromatic tones, adds a depth and intensity to his photographs, creating a sense of intimacy between the viewer and the subject.

Throughout his career, Corbijn has collaborated with some of the most influential figures in popular culture. His long-standing association with Irish rock band U2 has resulted in a series of iconic album covers and music videos that have helped shape the band's visual identity. Corbijn's ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of performers such as David Bowie, Tom Waits, and Patti Smith has made him a sought-after photographer in the world of music.

In addition to his photography, Corbijn has also made a name for himself as a filmmaker. He directed a number of critically acclaimed music videos, including Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence". In 2007, he made his feature film debut with "Control", a biographical film about Ian Curtis and Joy Division that received widespread acclaim for its artistry and emotional depth.

Corbijn's contributions to the world of photography have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Award for his outstanding achievements in the field of photography. His photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, solidifying his status as a true master of the medium.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Corbijn is known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. Despite his success, he remains dedicated to his craft, constantly seeking new ways to challenge himself and push the boundaries of his creativity. Whether photographing world-famous musicians or ordinary individuals, Corbijn has an uncanny ability to capture the humanity that resides within each subject, revealing their inner complexities and vulnerabilities.

Visit: Anton Corbijn his lens captures raw essence like no other, making him a true master of photography. Explore his timeless vision that has shaped decades of art


Musicians:
  • James Hetfield - guitar, vocals
  • Lars Ulrich - drums
  • Kirk Hammett - guitar
  • Jason Newsted - bass
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Ain't My Bitch
  2. 2 X 4
  3. The House Jack Built
  4. Until It Sleeps
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. King Nothing
  2. Hero Of The Day
  3. Bleeding Me
Tracklisting Side Three:
  1. Cure
  2. Poor Twisted Me
  3. Wasted My Hate
  4. Mama Said
Tracklisting Side Four:
  1. Thorn Within
  2. Ronnie
  3. The Outlaw Torn 9:49

METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Front Cover Photo Of METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records

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Photo Of The Back Cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo of album back cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
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Photo of album back cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo of the inside cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo of album back cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo one of the custom inner sleeve METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo one of album back cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo two of the custom inner sleeve METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo two of album back cover METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
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Photo of Side One: METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
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Photo of Side Four: METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records
Photo of Side Four: METALLICA - Load Gatefold 2LP 180GR LP Thrash Blackened Records

Index of METALLICA Vinyl Records and Album Covers Gallery

This section shows the complete Metallica discography ordered by album-title. Several titles are International and have been listed with the country of release