METALLICA - RIDE THE LIGHTNING 12" LP VINYL Album

- 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.

 

High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records

"Ride the Lightning" Album Description

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.

"Fight Fire With Fire": Metallica's Thrash Metal Call to Arms

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. .

Head Bang With Me on???:

Music Genre:

USA Thrash Metal 

Album  Production information for "Ride the Lightning" by "Metallica":

Producers: Metallica
Recorded June - September 1984 at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark

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.

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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 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.

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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 is a renowned pop and rock photographer who has made a significant impact on the music industry with his captivating images of numerous bands and artists. Known for his work in the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene, Costello has captured iconic moments and immortalized the essence of some of the most influential bands in history.

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Born with a passion for photography, Fin Costello developed a keen eye for capturing the raw energy and emotion of live performances. His journey in the world of music photography began in the late 1960s when he started photographing emerging rock bands and artists in his hometown. With dedication and a genuine love for the music, he quickly established himself as a sought-after photographer.

Costello's breakthrough came in the 1970s when he started working with some of the biggest names in rock and metal. His unique ability to capture the intensity and personality of the musicians made him a trusted photographer among bands and their management. His portfolio grew rapidly, and he became known for his exceptional talent in capturing dynamic live performances and intimate behind-the-scenes moments.

Among the notable bands and artists Costello has photographed, the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genre holds a special place in his career. His collaborations with bands like Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, and King Diamond have resulted in some of his most iconic and widely recognized images. Through his lens, he has managed to capture the essence of these artists, immortalizing their stage presence and capturing the spirit of their music.

Over the years, Fin Costello's work has been featured in numerous music magazines, album covers, and promotional materials, establishing him as one of the most respected photographers in the industry. His images have graced the pages of publications such as Rolling Stone, Kerrang!, and Metal Hammer, among others, contributing to his widespread recognition and acclaim.

Beyond his work in the music industry, Costello's passion for photography extends to other genres as well. He has explored various styles and subjects, showcasing his versatility as a photographer. However, it is his contributions to the rock and metal scene that have left an indelible mark on music history.

Throughout his career, Fin Costello's photographs have not only captured the moments that defined an era but also preserved the spirit and energy of the artists who have shaped the landscape of popular music. His dedication, artistic vision, and technical prowess have made him an influential figure in the world of music photography.

Today, Fin Costello's photographs continue to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts and artists alike. His body of work stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of rock and metal music. Whether it is a high-energy live performance or an intimate portrait, Costello's photographs serve as a window into the soul of the musicians he has captured with his lens, immortalizing their artistry for generations to come.

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.

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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 Information:

Vertigo 838 140

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1984 Made in Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: METALLICA - Ride The Lightning
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Cliff Burton
  • James Hetfield
  • Lars Ulrich
  • Kirk Hammet
Complete Track-listing of the album "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning"

The detailed tracklist of this record "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" is:

    Side One:
  1. Figth Fire with Fire
  2. Ride the Lightning
  3. For Whom the Bells Toll
  4. Fade to Black
    Side Two:
  1. Trapped Under Ice
  2. Escape
  3. Creeping Death
  4. The Call of Ktulu
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning"
High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records  
Album Back Cover  Photo of "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning"
High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records  
Photo of "METALLICA - Ride The Lightning" Album's Inner Sleeve  

High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records  

High Resolution Photo of the young Metallica band on the Original Custom Inner Sleeve  

High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records  

High Resolution Photo of the LP Side One  

High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records  

Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's "Vertigo 838 140-1" label  

High Resolution Photo of METALLICA - Ride The Lightning Vertigo Records  

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.

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