Metallica - Ride the Lightning 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Netherlands Release

"Ride The Lightning" by Metallica, the iconic masterpiece, thunders onto a 12" Vinyl LP Album in this genuine European release from 1984, specifically Made in Holland. This album, a cornerstone in the thrash metal genre, epitomizes Metallica's musical prowess and features some of their most enduring tracks. The Netherlands release adds a distinct touch to this legendary album, making it a sought-after gem for collectors and fans of Metallica's early discography. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

large album front cover photo of: Metallica Ride the Lightning

Album Description

Metallica's second studio album, "Ride the Lightning," was a revelation in the heavy metal world and cemented the band's status as masters of thrash. Its 1984 Netherlands release on 12" vinyl brings a distinct European flavor to this iconic album, making it a coveted piece for collectors and fans alike.

Labels and Origins

The Dutch pressing of "Ride the Lightning" boasts an interesting mix of record labels:

Roadrunner Records (RR 9848): The classic heavy metal label renowned for its roster of influential metal acts. Roadrunner handled distribution throughout Europe.

Music For Nations: Metallica's European label that funded the album's recording due to Megaforce Records' financial limits at the time.

Take Out Music: A possible indication of a sub-license issued for production specifically within the Netherlands.

The Music

"Ride the Lightning" marked a departure from the raw aggression of Metallica's debut, "Kill 'Em All." It showcased the band's maturing songwriting, featuring more complex arrangements and introspective lyrics without sacrificing any of their blistering intensity.

This album features timeless classics like:

Fight Fire With Fire: A relentless opener, its breakneck riffs, and James Hetfield's snarling vocals set the stage for the album's power.

Ride the Lightning: The title track explores themes of mortality and injustice, underpinned by haunting melodies and dynamic shifts.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's novel, this song delivers a crushing, doom-laden sound.

Fade to Black: A Metallica classic, showcasing the band's growing emotional depth as it grapples with themes of despair and loss.

Creeping Death: This epic track incorporates a Biblical narrative into its furious assault, with Kirk Hammett's blistering solos and Hetfield's chants leading the charge.

European Appeal and Legacy

Metallica found significant success with European audiences early in their career. The Netherlands release of "Ride the Lightning" speaks to the band's devoted following across the continent. This pressing offers a unique piece of Metallica history, embodying the album's enduring power and highlighting the band's widespread popularity.

"Ride the Lightning": Description

Metallica's "Ride the Lightning", the title track of their groundbreaking 1984 album, stands as a defiant anthem that explores themes of injustice, the death penalty, and the raw power of heavy metal itself. With its relentless riffs, haunting melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, the song is considered a thrash metal milestone.

The Sound: A Thunderous Storm

"Ride the Lightning" kicks off with an ominous, atmospheric guitar intro before exploding into a barrage of driving riffs. Kirk Hammett's blistering solos soar over the relentless rhythm section built by the thunderous drums of Lars Ulrich and the pulsating bass of the late Cliff Burton. James Hetfield's vocals convey anger and despair, perfectly matching the intensity of the music.

The Lyrics: Facing the Electric Chair

Inspired by Stephen King's novel "The Stand", "Ride the Lightning" delves into the perspective of a prisoner on death row, wrongfully convicted and facing imminent execution. It's a chilling exploration of powerlessness, fear, and existential questions about life, death, and justice.

Lines like "Guilty as charged/But damn it, not my fault," express the prisoner's frustration and rage, while "No one to save me now/ Only darkness I see," paint a bleak picture of despair within the system. This focus on a darker, more socially conscious subject matter marked a departure for Metallica and heralded a new level of maturity in their music.

Let's Ride the Lightning:

Music Genre:

Speed Thrash Metal Music

Collector's info:

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

Album  Production information:

Producers: Metallica

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

Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark is a Danish music recording music in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is owned by Freddy Hansson and Flemming Rasmussen (producer of Metallica albums).

Mark "Marc" Whitaker - 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.

Flemming Rasmussen - Producer, Sound Engineer

Danish maestro Flemming Rasmussen shaped the sound of heavy metal. Metallica's thunderous albums? His work. Founder of legendary Sweet Silence Studios, he's produced icons across genres.

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:

Roadrunner RR 9848, Music for Nations, Take Out Music.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

1984 Made in Holland
Band Members and Musicians on: Metallica Ride the Lightning
    Metallica's Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Cliff Burton
  • James Hetfield
  • Lars Ulrich
  • Kirk Hammet
Track Listing of: Metallica Ride the Lightning
    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
Album cover photos of : Metallica Ride the Lightning
High Resolution Photo of Metallica Ride the Lightning netherlands    
Photo of Metallica (backstage) on the inner sleeve  

High Resolution Photo of Metallica Ride the Lightning netherlands  

High Resolution Photo of Metallica Ride the Lightning netherlands  

High Resolution Photo of Metallica Ride the Lightning netherlands    

Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. 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