METALLICA - MASTER OF PUPPETS 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Netherlands Release on RoadrunneR/Music For Nations Records

Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album cover features a vast graveyard of white crosses, each tethered to strings, stretching into the distance. The sky is ablaze with a deep red-orange sunset, casting an eerie glow over the scene. A pair of giant ghostly hands loom above, manipulating the strings as if controlling the crosses like marionettes. The band's metallic silver logo is prominently displayed at the top, with the album title, 'Master of Puppets,' written in white at the bottom

"Master of Puppets" by Metallica, the iconic masterpiece, resonates on a 12" Vinyl LP Album in this Netherlands release under Music For Nations. This album, a cornerstone in the thrash metal genre, epitomizes Metallica's musical prowess. With tracks like "Battery" and the title track, "Master of Puppets," it solidifies Metallica's dominance in the metal realm. The Netherlands release under Music For Nations adds a distinct touch to this legendary album, making it a sought-after gem for collectors and metal enthusiasts alike.

"Master of Puppets" Album Description

Metallica's 1986 album "Master of Puppets" is a landmark release in the world of heavy metal. Its relentless riffs, complex song structures, and socially conscious lyrics solidified Metallica's position as leaders of the thrash metal movement. The album's intensity and power found favor with European audiences, and a Netherlands pressing on Music For Nations Records (Catalognr: Music For Nations RR 9717) offers a unique perspective on this iconic record.

Historical Context

"Master of Puppets" marked a departure from the raw aggression of Metallica's earlier albums. While maintaining their signature speed and technical skill, the band incorporated progressive elements, resulting in longer, more complex song arrangements. The album explores themes of addiction ("Master of Puppets"), war ("Disposable Heroes"), religious manipulation ("Leper Messiah"), and even insanity ("Welcome Home (Sanitarium)"). This lyrical depth resonated with fans seeking music with both substance and energy.

The Netherlands release on Music For Nations came at a pivotal time for the band. European audiences embraced heavy metal with enthusiasm, and Metallica's 1986 European tour further fueled the demand for their music. The Music For Nations pressing ensured wider availability of "Master of Puppets" across the continent.

The Music For Nations Release

Sonically, the Netherlands pressing of "Master of Puppets" offers a faithful reproduction of the original mix. The record became renowned for its clarity and punchy production, courtesy of Flemming Rasmussen. It typically came housed in a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics and credits, and some copies even included inserts promoting the 1986 European tour and merchandise.

Featured Song: "Disposable Heroes" Explained

Metallica's "Disposable Heroes" is a thrash metal masterpiece that throws a heavy punch against the dehumanization of soldiers in war. Released in 1986 on their groundbreaking album "Master of Puppets," the song remains a powerful indictment of the manipulation and sacrifice inherent in warfare.

Lyric Breakdown

The song opens with a chilling quote from the anti-war novel "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo, setting the bleak tone. The lyrics paint a picture of soldiers being conditioned and controlled by those in power, referred to as "masters of war." Lines like "Lethal injection in your veins / Sterilized and lobotomized" depict the soldiers as disposable pawns rather than individuals.

The complex song structure, featuring tempo changes and instrumental sections, reflects the chaotic nature of war. The fast-paced thrash sections mirror the intensity of battle, while slower passages offer moments of reflection on the human cost. James Hetfield's distinctive vocals snarl with anger and frustration, emphasizing the emotional toll on soldiers.

Inspiration and Legacy

The song's title draws inspiration from Ray Bradbury's dystopian novel "Fahrenheit 451," where firemen burn books to control information. Metallica repurposes the term "disposable heroes" to highlight the way soldiers are used and discarded by those in power.

"Disposable Heroes" Live in Mexico City:

Music Genre:

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 .

Sound mix: Michael Wagener

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

Record Label & Catalognr:

RoadrunneR RR 9717 (MFN Music For Nations)

Album Packaging:

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of Metallica

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

1986 Made in Holland
 
Band Members and Musicianson: Metallica Master of Puppets

Band Members, Musicians, and Performers

James Hetfield - Vocals, Guitars Kirk Hammett - Guitars
Cliff Burton - Bass
Cliff Burton was a member of Metallica from 1982 until his tragic death in 1986. He played bass on the band's first three albums:
  • Kill 'Em All (1983)
  • Ride the Lightning (1984)
  • Master of Puppets (1986)
Lars Ulrich - Drums
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

Metallica Master of Puppets Album Photo Gallery:

Master of Puppets Album Front Cover
Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album cover features a vast graveyard of white crosses, each tethered to strings, stretching into the distance. The sky is ablaze with a deep red-orange sunset, casting an eerie glow over the scene. A pair of giant ghostly hands loom above, manipulating the strings as if controlling the crosses like marionettes. The band's metallic silver logo is prominently displayed at the top, with the album title, 'Master of Puppets,' written in white at the bottom.

The album cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' presents a haunting and symbolic landscape. A seemingly endless field of white crosses, resembling military grave markers, rises from the ground, their bases entwined with overgrown, dry grass. The perspective leads toward a fiery sunset in the background, with the sky painted in ominous hues of red, orange, and deep purple. The setting sun casts long shadows across the graves, emphasizing the solemn yet surreal atmosphere.

Above this graveyard, a pair of massive, spectral hands emerges from the darkness, each gripping strings that connect to the crosses below. This imagery suggests manipulation, as if an unseen force is controlling the graves like marionettes, a visual metaphor for the album’s themes of control, power, and loss of autonomy.

At the top of the image, Metallica’s bold, angular logo is prominently displayed in a metallic silver gradient, cutting across the fiery backdrop. The title, 'Master of Puppets', is written in stark white at the bottom, standing out against the darkened ground. This cover, designed by Metallica and painted by artist Don Brautigam, remains one of the most iconic album artworks in heavy metal history.

Master of Puppets Album Back Cover
Back cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album features a deep red background with white text listing the album’s tracks. At the center is a band photo of Metallica members standing together, wearing denim and leather. Additional smaller images include live concert shots of Cliff Burton, Lars Ulrich, and James Hetfield, as well as a massive crowd shot from behind the drum kit.

The back cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album is set against a dark red background, featuring a structured layout of text and images. The album's tracklist is split into two sections, labeled "I" and "II," listing songs such as "Battery," "Master of Puppets," "Disposable Heroes," and "Damage, Inc." in white uppercase letters.

Dominating the upper-middle section is a formal band photo, showing Cliff Burton, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and James Hetfield standing together in their signature 80s metal style, clad in denim, leather jackets, and band tees. Each member has a distinct pose, reflecting their personalities—Burton appears stoic, Ulrich confident, Hammett relaxed, and Hetfield intense.

Below, a collage of five smaller photographs captures Metallica in action. One image features Cliff Burton smiling with his curly hair blowing in the wind. Another shows Lars Ulrich mid-performance, aggressively striking his drum kit. A third image provides a dramatic view from behind the drums, overlooking a vast audience packed into an open-air stadium. To the right, James Hetfield is depicted mid-performance, holding his guitar with a fierce expression. Another smaller image captures a female figure, possibly a member of the crew or a fan.

At the bottom, production credits acknowledge Metallica and Flemming Rasmussen as producers, with Michael Wagener credited for mixing. The Roadrunner Records logo and catalog number "RR 9717" appear in the upper right corner, with distribution details printed in small white text at the bottom.

The design of this back cover complements the album's aggressive and powerful themes, balancing formal band presentation with raw, high-energy live shots.

Master of Puppets Album Custom Inner Sleeve
Inner sleeve of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album features a black background filled with white text credits at the top. A large black-and-white photograph in the center shows the band members—Cliff Burton, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett—on a tour bus, smiling, drinking, and flipping off the camera. Below, four smaller black-and-white images outlined in yellow capture Metallica in intense live performances and candid moments.

The inner sleeve of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album is designed with a high-contrast black background featuring white text. The upper portion is densely packed with credits, including acknowledgments, band members' contributions, and production details. The text is organized into multiple columns, giving it a structured but overwhelming appearance.

At the center, a prominent black-and-white photograph framed in a thick yellow border showcases Metallica’s four members—Cliff Burton, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett—seated on what appears to be a tour bus or backstage lounge. The image exudes a raw, unfiltered energy, with Hetfield and Ulrich playfully flipping off the camera, Hammett laughing, and Burton relaxed but engaged. The table in front of them is cluttered with food, drinks, newspapers, and other casual items, reinforcing their chaotic yet authentic lifestyle on the road.

Below the central image, four smaller black-and-white photos, also outlined in yellow, highlight various moments from Metallica’s live performances and candid offstage settings. The first captures Kirk Hammett intensely playing his guitar. The second image shows an aerial stage view of a concert, emphasizing the band's massive audience. The third presents James Hetfield mid-performance, bathed in dramatic stage lighting, gripping his guitar. The fourth showcases Cliff Burton in an intense, passionate moment with his bass guitar.

The bottom of the sleeve features production credits in bold, capitalized white text, crediting Metallica and Flemming Rasmussen as producers, with engineering by Flemming Rasmussen in Denmark and mixing by Michael Wagener in Los Angeles. Additional credits include mastering at Sterling Sound and design work by Metallica with artist Don Brautigam, the creator of the album’s cover art.

This inner sleeve encapsulates Metallica’s rebellious, larger-than-life persona—balancing professionalism with the raw, aggressive energy that defines their sound and presence in heavy metal history.

Master of Puppets Record Label
Side One record label of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album from Music for Nations. The label features a dramatic illustration of a muscular man in a yellow shirt gripping a bar, set against red drapery. The lower half is yellow, displaying track listings including 'Battery,' 'Master of Puppets,' and 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium),' with black text and the Roadrunner Records catalog number RR 9717.

This is the Side One label of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album, released under the Music for Nations label. The circular design is split into two sections. The top half features a striking illustration of a muscular man with slicked-back dark hair, wearing a partially unbuttoned yellow shirt. His intense expression is directed toward the right side of the label as he grips a horizontal bar with both hands. Behind him, deep red drapery flows dramatically, adding a sense of tension and movement.

The lower half of the label is solid yellow and contains black text providing essential album details. The Metallica logo is printed in bold capital letters, with "Master of Puppets" directly below. The tracklist for Side One is displayed, listing:

  • Battery – 5:10
  • Master of Puppets – 8:38
  • The Thing That Should Not Be – 6:32
  • Welcome Home (Sanitarium) – 6:28

The catalog number RR 9717 appears on the left, with the speed format "33 1/3 RPM" on the right. Additional text at the bottom credits Metallica & Flemming Rasmussen as producers and notes that all songs were published by Creeping Death Music, ASCAP. A copyright notice indicates "1986 Roadrunner Prod. B.V.."

The design effectively blends bold artwork with structured typography, making it both visually striking and informative—an iconic element of this legendary heavy metal album.

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

METALLICA - And Justice For All
Picture Of METALLICA - And Justice For All Blackened Records 180Gr Vinyl album front cover

  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)
METALLICA - Creeping Death (Complete Set Coloured Vinyl Records)
METALLICA - Creeping Death (Complete Set Coloured Vinyl Records) album front cover vinyl record

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)
METALLICA - Death Magnetic
Picture Of METALLICA - Death Magnetic ( Blackened Records ) album front cover

  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
METALLICA - Hamburg Colorline
METALLICA - Hamburg Colorline album front cover vinyl record

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
METALLICA - Hardwired to Self Destruct
METALLICA - Hardwired to Self Destruct album front cover vinyl record

"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
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)
METALLICA - Jump in the Fire (Dutch and English Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"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
METALLICA - Jump in the Fire album front cover vinyl record

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 - Kill 'Em All (International Pressings)
METALLICA - Kill 'Em All (International Pressings) album front cover vinyl record

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)
METALLICA - Legendary Garage Tapes
METALLICA - Legendary Garage Tapes album front cover vinyl record

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
METALLICA - Live at the Playhouse Theatre
METALLICA - Live at the Playhouse Theatre album front cover vinyl record

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 - 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)
METALLICA - Master of Puppets (Two English Versions) album front cover vinyl record

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, Netherlands)
Updated
- Master of Puppets (1986, England) - Master of Puppets 2LP DMM audiophile (England)
METALLICA - Master of Puppets
METALLICA - Master of Puppets Picture Disc album front cover vinyl record

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
METALLICA - Self-Titled The Black Album
Picture Of METALLICA The Black Album 2LP album front cover

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
METALLICA - Oberhausen Kopi Arena
METALLICA - Oberhausen Kopi Arena album front cover vinyl record

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 - Ride The Lightning (European Releases)
Picture Of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Blackened Records album front cover

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
METALLICA - S&M album front cover vinyl record

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

St. Anger 12" Vinyl LP
METALLICA - The 5.98 EP Garage Days Re-Revisited
METALLICA - The 5.98 EP Garage Days Re-Revisited album front cover vinyl record

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)
METALLICA - Until It Sleeps Red Vinyl (1996)
METALLICA - Until It Sleeps Red Vinyl (1996) album front cover vinyl record

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