"Master of Puppets"
is the third studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica. The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart and was the group's first record to be certified gold for sales of over 500,000 copies. This was done without any radio airplay or the release of a music video. The album eventually was certified 6x platinum by the RIAA. Master of Puppets marks the last Metallica album with bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a bus accident while touring to promote the album. The album met with critical acclaim at the time of its release. It is considered a classic thrash metal album by fans, critics, and the band members themselves and is considered to be one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time
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 of the thrash metal movement. The UK release via Music For Nations Records offers a unique perspective on the album's impact and enduring legacy.
The Music For Nations Release
The original UK vinyl pressing of "Master of Puppets" through Music For Nations Records features several subtle distinctions. Notable elements include the "Made in England" label designation and the erroneous 1988 copyright date on side B. These minor details set the initial UK vinyl release apart from other editions. Importantly, however, it preserves the raw power and musical intricacy that make "Master of Puppets" an undeniable classic.
Track by Track: A Masterclass in Metal
From the explosive riffs of the title track to the epic closer "Damage, Inc.", "Master of Puppets" delivers a relentless barrage of metal mastery. The haunting "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" and the anti-war anthem "Disposable Heroes" showcase the band's depth and ambition. Cliff Burton's bass solo on "(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth" remains a jaw-dropping highlight, tragically marking one of his final contributions to Metallica before his untimely passing.
Get your Teeth Pulled by Cliff Burton:
Collector Notes:
"Master of Puppets" is the third album by American heavy metal band Metallica. "Master of Puppets" marks the last recording by bassist "Cliff Burton", who died in a bus accident while on tour to promote the album.
Music Genre:
Power / Speed / Thrash Metal
Album Production information:
Produced by Metallica and Fleming Rasmussen
Flemming Rasmussen is a legendary Danish music producer and sound engineer, acclaimed for his work in heavy metal. He played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Metallica, producing iconic albums like Ride the Lightning (1984) and Master of Puppets (1986). His expertise at Sweet Silence Studios influenced many metal classics. Learn more .
Michael Wagener - Producer, Mix Engineer
Michael Wagener is a legendary music producer and sound engineer, known for crafting the signature sounds of hard rock and heavy metal. He co-founded Accept before shifting to production, working with top bands like Metallica, Skid Row, and Dokken. His powerful, polished mixes defined an era of rock. Learn more
George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer
George Marino was a legendary mastering engineer whose expertise shaped the sound of countless iconic albums. Born in 1947, he honed his craft at Capitol Records before joining Sterling Sound in 1973. His mastering work on albums by AC/DC, Metallica, and Guns N' Roses defined rock and metal's sonic power. His legacy endures through his meticulous audio craftsmanship. Learn more
Robert Ellis is a renowned music photographer celebrated for capturing iconic live performances and behind-the-scenes moments of legendary rock and metal bands. His compelling visual storytelling has appeared in countless magazines and album sleeves. Discover more through this dedicated profile.
Ross Halfin - Photography
Ross Halfin is a British rock photographer renowned for capturing legendary bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Led Zeppelin. Since the 1970s, his dynamic images have defined rock photography, appearing in album covers, magazines, and books. Halfin’s work offers an intimate glimpse into the raw energy of live performances and backstage moments. Discover more about his legacy on this page .
Record Label & Catalognr:
Music For Nations MFN 60
Media Format:
12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram
Year & Country:
1986 Made in England
Band Members and Musicians on: METALLICA - Master of Puppets
Complete Track Listing of: METALLICA - Master of Puppets
The Song/tracks on "Metallica Master of Puppets" are
Side One:
Battery
Master of Puppets
The Thing That Should Not Be
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Side Two:
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion
Damage Inc
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: METALLICA - Master of Puppets
The album cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' UK edition features a striking and symbolic landscape, dominated by a seemingly endless field of white crosses. These crosses, reminiscent of military gravestones, rise from overgrown, dry grass, reinforcing the themes of loss and control. The perspective leads toward the horizon, where the crosses appear to converge into the distance, creating a powerful sense of depth.
Suspended from each cross are thin, nearly transparent strings that extend upward into the sky, where they are grasped by a pair of massive, ghostly hands. The imagery strongly conveys the idea of manipulation, as if an unseen force is controlling the graves like marionettes. This aligns with the album’s themes of power, control, and helplessness.
The backdrop consists of an intense red-orange sunset, casting a fiery glow over the entire landscape. The darkened clouds and fading light add an ominous and haunting quality to the scene, enhancing its emotional impact. At the top of the image, Metallica’s signature logo appears in a bold metallic silver, angled and stylized to match the album’s heavy and aggressive tone. Below, the album title, 'Master of Puppets', is printed in white, contrasting sharply with the dark lower portion of the image.
This artwork, originally painted by Don Brautigam, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic album covers in heavy metal history. The UK edition maintains the same intensity and visual storytelling, making it a defining image for Metallica and the thrash metal genre as a whole.
Photo of Metallica Album's Back Cover
The back cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' UK edition is set against a dark red background, structured with album details and dynamic photography. At the top, the album’s track listing is split into two sections, "Side I" and "Side II," featuring songs like "Battery," "Master of Puppets," "Disposable Heroes," and "Damage, Inc." in bold white text.
Centered on the cover is a formal band photo of Cliff Burton, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and James Hetfield. They stand together in their signature 80s heavy metal attire—denim jackets, leather, and band t-shirts—exuding confidence and intensity. Each member has a distinct pose, with Burton’s calm demeanor contrasting with Hetfield’s fierce expression.
Surrounding this central image, five smaller photographs highlight different aspects of Metallica’s energy. On the left, an image of Cliff Burton shows him smiling, his curly hair blowing in the wind. Below that, a dramatic shot captures Lars Ulrich behind his drum kit mid-performance. The largest of the smaller images, positioned centrally at the bottom, presents a breathtaking view from behind Ulrich’s drum set, overlooking a massive festival crowd, emphasizing the scale of Metallica’s live performances.
To the right, an intense shot of James Hetfield playing his guitar captures his commanding stage presence, while another image of a female figure, possibly a crew member or fan, adds an additional element of the band’s interaction with their audience.
At the top right corner, the Music For Nations logo and catalog number "MFN 60" are prominently displayed. Below, a barcode and a small yellow sticker labeled "Import Trade" indicate that this pressing was distributed outside of its original release country. The bottom of the cover features the label’s London address: "Music For Nations, 8 Carnaby Street, London W1V 1PG England."
This back cover layout effectively balances professional band presentation with the raw energy of Metallica’s live performances, making it an essential visual complement to one of the most iconic heavy metal albums ever released.
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's "Music For Nations MFN 60" label
This is the Side One record label of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' UK pressing, released under the Music For Nations label. The circular design is divided into two distinct sections. The top half showcases a dramatic illustration of a muscular man with slicked-back dark hair, wearing an open-collared yellow shirt. He grips a horizontal bar firmly with both hands, his face turned to the right with an intense, determined expression. The backdrop is deep red with draped fabric, giving it a theatrical appearance.
The lower half of the label is solid yellow and features black text detailing the album's essential information. The Music For Nations logo is prominently displayed at the top, with the catalog number "MFN 60" appearing on the left. "Side One" is printed below, alongside the speed format "33⅓ RPM."
The tracklist for Side One is presented in a clean, readable format, listing:
This label design, with its bold artwork and clear typography, reflects the album’s power and intensity, making it an essential collector’s item for fans of Metallica’s early thrash metal era.
This section shows the complete Metallica discography ordered by album-title. Several titles are International and have been listed with the country of release
METALLICA - And Justice For All
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.
METALLICA - Creeping Death (Complete Set Coloured Vinyl Records)
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.
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.
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.
"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"
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.
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."
METALLICA - Kill 'Em All (International Pressings)
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.
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
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.
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 - Master of Puppets (Two English Versions)
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
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.
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".
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*
METALLICA - Ride The Lightning (European Releases)
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.
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".
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
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
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.
