- 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.
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.
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. .
Thrash Metal
Blackened Recordings – BLCKND011-1
Record Format: Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
2015 Europe
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.
Bob Rock - Producer
Bob Rock invites you to explore his legendary contributions to rock music — visit his webpage to learn more!
James Hetfield - Producer
Lars Ulrich - Producer
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: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music.
"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.
Andres Serrano - Cover Art
Andy Airfix - Artwork
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 )
This section shows the complete Metallica discography ordered by album-title. Several titles are International and have been listed with the country of release
This release on "Blackened Records" label, is the 2018 audiophile re-issue of ""...And Justice for All" the first album released by Metallica after the death of Cliff Burton. It is also the first album with Jason Newsted on Bass guitar.
- ..And Justice For All (Blackened Records) - ..And Justice for All (1988, Netherlands)
Creeping Death by the American Thrash Metal band "Metallica" is a 12" EP Vinyl record from 1984. Un-official versions from France (with different labels) have been released in the colors: Blue, Green, Red, White and Yellow Vinyl.
- 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)
This is the audiophile re-release of "Death Magnetic" the 2009 album released by the American Thrash Metal band "Metallica". This re-release comes in a gatefold album cover and two audiophile quality 180grams records.
Death Magnetic ( Blackened Records ) 12" Vinyl LP
Issued as a limited edition 12" vinyl LP, "Hamburg Colorline 12 May 2009" has become a coveted collector's item. Its raw, unfiltered energy transports listeners back to the heart of that explosive concert.
Hamburg Colorline 12" Vinyl LP
"Hardwired to Self Destruct" is the 2016 double album released by the American Speed / Thrash Metal band "Metallica". It was released 8 years after their previous album "Death Magnetic"
Hardwired to Self Destruct 12" Vinyl LP
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
"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)
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."
Jump in the Fire 12" Shaped Picture Disc
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)
Before the polished production of "Kill 'Em All," Metallica's sound was a volatile beast, unleashed in the cramped confines of a garage. "The Legendary Garage Tapes" serve as a time capsule, showcasing the thrash metal titans
Legendary Garage Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
This 500-copy limited edition is a treasure trove for devotees of Metallica's raw, uncompromising roots. The setlist reads like a greatest hits collection of their early years.
Live at the Playhouse Theatre 12" Vinyl LP
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's 1986 album "Master of Puppets" stands as a towering achievement in heavy metal history. Its complex compositions, blistering aggression, and socially conscious themes cemented the band's reputation as leaders
- Master of Puppets (1986, England) - Master of Puppets 2LP DMM audiophile (England)
The METALLICA "Master of Puppets" 12" Vinyl Picture Disc, a 1986 UK 1st ISSUE with no barcode, is a rare gem for collectors. This limited edition features unique artwork on the vinyl picture disc, adding to its allure.
Master of Puppets 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
This the high-end audiophile release pressed on two 12" vinyl records each on 180 gram vinyl of the self-titled Metallica album and because of the black front and back cover, it is also known as "The Black Album".
METALLICA - Self-Titled The Black Album 12" Vinyl LP
Recorded at the Kopi Arena, this album transports listeners back in time to a pivotal moment in Metallica's career. The band was riding high on the success of their album *Death Magnetic*
Oberhausen Kopi Arena 12" Vinyl LP
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)
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
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
St. Anger 12" Vinyl LP
Following the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, Metallica found themselves with a significant void to fill. With Newsted taking over bass duties, the band opted to record Garage Days
- The 5.98 EP Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987, Holland) - The 5.98 Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987, UK)
This limited edition album "Until It Sleeps" is the first single and the fourth song from Metallica's 1996 album Load. This version is pressed on Red Vinyl and comes in a transparent sleeve.
Until It Sleeps Red Vinyl (1996) 12" Vinyl LP