- European / Netherlands Release on Vertigo Records
METALLICA at it's BEST!
"Ride the Lightning" marked Metallica's departure from raw aggression and into more complex territory. Intricate songwriting, blistering tempos, and socially conscious themes are found throughout. Classics like "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Creeping Death", and the title track established Metallica as masters of thrash metal, transcending their debut and influencing the metal landscape forever.
Metallica's 1984 release of their seminal album "Ride the Lightning" on the Vertigo Records label marked a pivotal moment in the European heavy metal scene. This Netherlands pressing brought the intense, raw energy of Metallica's thrash metal to a whole new audience, solidifying the band's iconic status.
A Masterclass in Metal
"Ride the Lightning" showcases Metallica's evolution from their raw debut "Kill 'Em All". This album unleashed anthems like "Fight Fire With Fire", "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Creeping Death", and the breathtaking instrumental "The Call of Ktulu". The album's expanded musicality, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics demonstrated the band's exceptional creative growth.
The European Connection
The European release of "Ride the Lightning" has a unique backstory. Produced by Flemming Rasmussen in Denmark's Sweet Silence Studios, the album was initially released on Music for Nations in the UK. Its European distribution, however, was handled by Roadrunner Records, a label renowned for championing heavy metal bands. To reflect this collaboration, the Netherlands pressing featured both Roadrunner Records and Vertigo Records on its labels, a distinct characteristic of this release.
Collector's Gem
Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" on Vertigo Records is a highly sought-after collector's item. Its unique combination of European pressing, distinct label details, and historical significance in cementing Metallica's European fanbase makes it a valuable addition to any serious music collection. Fans of classic thrash metal and die-hard Metallica enthusiasts recognize this pressing as a symbol of the band's early international success.
Metallica's "Fight Fire With Fire" (1984) is a defining thrash metal anthem. It opens with a deceptive acoustic intro before exploding into relentless riffs, blistering tempos, and Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield's furious guitar work. The song's lyrics are a scathing indictment of nuclear escalation, a stark warning about the futility of fighting violence with violence.
"Fight Fire With Fire" showcased Metallica's musical evolution, moving beyond the raw aggression of their debut with more complex structures and socially conscious lyrics. It solidified their position as thrash pioneers, influencing countless metal bands.
The song's blistering energy makes it a thrilling live staple. Decades on, "Fight Fire With Fire" remains shockingly relevant. Its message about the absurdity of war, coupled with its sheer sonic intensity, ensures its legacy as a thrash metal classic and a relentless call for a more peaceful future. .
Music Genre: USA Thrash Metal |
Album Production information for "Ride the Lightning" by "Metallica": Producers: Metallica Mark "Marc" Whitaker - Producer, Sound Engineer Flemming Rasmussen - Producer, Sound Engineer Mark Whitaker Mark Whitaker, a luminary in the realm of music production and sound engineering, was born in 1965, in London, United Kingdom. His journey into the intricate world of audio craftsmanship commenced in the mid-1980s when the heavy metal scene was burgeoning with raw energy and unbridled creativity. In the late 1980s, Whitaker made a decisive leap into the competitive music industry. His breakthrough came when he was enlisted as a sound engineer for the legendary thrash metal band Exodus. The collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment in Whitaker's career, as he contributed his technical prowess to shape the band's sonic identity. Whitaker's fascination with the technical aspects of sound production blossomed during his formative years, drawing inspiration from the revolutionary works of iconic European producers. This passion led him to pursue formal education in audio engineering at the renowned Abbey Road Institute in London, where he honed his skills under the guidance of seasoned mentors. The heavy metal landscape was undergoing a seismic shift, and Whitaker found himself at the forefront of this sonic revolution. His adept handling of complex recording techniques and nuanced understanding of heavy metal dynamics caught the attention of Metallica, one of the genre's defining acts. Whitaker's collaboration with Metallica on seminal albums such as "Master of Puppets" and "And Justice for All" solidified his reputation as a maestro in the studio. As Whitaker's portfolio expanded, so did his influence on the heavy metal genre. His work extended beyond the confines of established acts, as he lent his expertise to emerging bands like Laaz Rockit, contributing to the shaping of their sonic landscapes. Bob Ludwig - Mastering Engineer Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz. Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work. Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process. Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time. Tim Young - Mastering Engineer Tim Young is a sound and mastering engineer who started his career in music in 1971. During the 1980s he has mastered two dozen of Heavy Metal albums. Anthony D. Sommella - Photography Fin Costello - Photography Fin Costello: Discover the man behind the lens who immortalized rock's golden age. Explore Fin Costello's journey through the vibrant 70s music scene and his iconic photographs that defined an era. Harald Oimoen - Photography, Bass Pete Cronin - Photography Pete Cronin has been a photographer for over 30 years and has photographed rock bands like: Demon Pact, Avenger, Metallica, Exciter, English Dogs, Plasmatics, Briar, Bow Wow, Thin Lizzy, Alice in Chains, Megadeth and others. Rick Brackett - Photography Robert Hoetink - Photography Dave Mustaine - Songwriter Dave Mustaine ( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene. Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica , but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth , which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica , Slayer , and Anthrax . Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting. In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career. |
Record Label & Catalognr: Vertigo 838 140 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: METALLICA - Ride The Lightning |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" |
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Photo of "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" Album's Inner Sleeve |
High Resolution Photo of the young Metallica band on the Original Custom Inner Sleeve
High Resolution Photo of the LP Side One
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's "Vertigo 838 140-1" label
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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. |
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 LPIssued 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 LPThe 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"Kill 'Em All" showcases the raw talent and relentless musicianship of the band's original lineup: James Hetfield on vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums, Dave Mustaine on lead guitar, and Cliff Burton on bass.
- 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 LPThis 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 LPMetallica'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 DiscThis 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 LPRecorded 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 LPMetallica'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 LPSt. 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 LPFollowing 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