Tracklist
Fight Fire With Fire | 4:44 | ||
Ride The Lightning | 6:36 | ||
For Whom The Bell Tolls | 5:10 | ||
Fade To Black | 6:56 | ||
Trapped Under Ice | 4:03 | ||
Escape | 4:23 | ||
Creeping Death | 6:36 | ||
The Call Of Ktulu | 8:52 |
Credits (26)
- Cliff BurtonBass
- MetallicaCover [Concept]
- Ad ArtistsDesign [Cover]
- Lars UlrichDrums
- Flemming RasmussenEngineer
- Mark WhitakerEngineer [Concert Sound], Management [Production Manager]
Notes
Released July 27, 1984
Guitar, Vocals: James Hetfield
Drums: Lars Ulrich
Bass: Cliff Burton
Guitar: Kirk Hammett
Produced by Metallica
Assisted by Flemming Rasmussen & Mark Whitaker
Engineered by Flemming Rasmussen
Recorded & Mixed at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark — Spring 1984
Mastered by Tom Coyne
Remastered by Bob Ludwig (1984)
Remastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York, NY (1995)
Remastered by Howie Weinberg at Howie Weinberg Mastering, Los Angeles, CA (2016)
Cover Concept: Metallica
Cover Design: Ad Artists
Photographers: Peter Cronin (Lars/Back Cover), Rick Brackett (Kirk/Back Cover & James/Back Cover), Harald O (Cliff/Back Cover), Fin Costello (B&W Group), Anthony D. Sommella (Live Pix Group), Robert Hoetink (Dressing Room)
Management: Q Prime, Inc.
All songs © 1984 Creeping Death Music (Global Music Rights)
℗ & © 1984 Blackened Recordings
Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica.
Originally released by Megaforce.
Two months after its release, Elektra Records signed Metallica to a multi-year deal and reissued the album.
The album was recorded in three weeks with producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. The overall recording costs were paid by Metallica's European label Music for Nations because Megaforce was unable to cover it.
The artwork, based on a concept by the band, depicts an electric chair being struck by lightning flowing from the band logo.
Title was taken from a passage in Stephen King's novel "The Stand"
Although rooted in the thrash metal genre, the album showcased the band's musical growth and lyrical sophistication. This was partly because bassist Cliff Burton introduced the basics of music theory to the rest of the band and had more input in the songwriting. Instead of relying heavily on fast tempos as on its debut Kill 'Em All, Metallica broadened its approach by employing acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more complex harmonies.
It is the last album to feature songwriting contributions from former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and the first to feature contributions from his replacement, Kirk Hammett.
Ride the Lightning received a positive response from music critics, who saw it as a more ambitious effort than its predecessor. Metallica promoted the album on the Bang That Head That Doesn't Bang European tour in late 1984, and on its North American leg in the first half of 1985. The band performed at major music festivals such as Monsters of Rock and Day on the Green later that year. Ride the Lightning peaked at number 100 on the Billboard 200 with no radio exposure.
Although 75,000 copies were initially pressed for the American market, the album sold half a million by November 1987. It was certified 6× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2012 for shipping six million copies in the United States. Many rock publications have ranked Ride the Lightning on their best album lists, saying it had a lasting impact on the genre.
Main runouts of the 1984 vinyl pressings per country.
US
MRI-769
MRI 769
ST-E-60396-1-A-AR / ST-E-60396-1-B-AR (Allied Pressing)
ST-E60396-1-A-SP / ST-E60396-1-B-SP (Specialty Pressing)
UK
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A1 ty
France
MPO MU SB 18026
MPO MU SB 18026
MPO MU SB 18026
Japan
K25P-501
K25P - 501A 121 ❇
Canada
BRC-1909A THIS SNB 230 EL DM 18
BRC-1909A THIS SNB 230 EL DM 18
EU
RR 9848 - A 55235
Finland
MFN-27 A MTV-MB
South Korea
MRI-769-A ▻
Guitar, Vocals: James Hetfield
Drums: Lars Ulrich
Bass: Cliff Burton
Guitar: Kirk Hammett
Produced by Metallica
Assisted by Flemming Rasmussen & Mark Whitaker
Engineered by Flemming Rasmussen
Recorded & Mixed at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark — Spring 1984
Mastered by Tom Coyne
Remastered by Bob Ludwig (1984)
Remastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York, NY (1995)
Remastered by Howie Weinberg at Howie Weinberg Mastering, Los Angeles, CA (2016)
Cover Concept: Metallica
Cover Design: Ad Artists
Photographers: Peter Cronin (Lars/Back Cover), Rick Brackett (Kirk/Back Cover & James/Back Cover), Harald O (Cliff/Back Cover), Fin Costello (B&W Group), Anthony D. Sommella (Live Pix Group), Robert Hoetink (Dressing Room)
Management: Q Prime, Inc.
All songs © 1984 Creeping Death Music (Global Music Rights)
℗ & © 1984 Blackened Recordings
Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica.
Originally released by Megaforce.
Two months after its release, Elektra Records signed Metallica to a multi-year deal and reissued the album.
The album was recorded in three weeks with producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. The overall recording costs were paid by Metallica's European label Music for Nations because Megaforce was unable to cover it.
The artwork, based on a concept by the band, depicts an electric chair being struck by lightning flowing from the band logo.
Title was taken from a passage in Stephen King's novel "The Stand"
Although rooted in the thrash metal genre, the album showcased the band's musical growth and lyrical sophistication. This was partly because bassist Cliff Burton introduced the basics of music theory to the rest of the band and had more input in the songwriting. Instead of relying heavily on fast tempos as on its debut Kill 'Em All, Metallica broadened its approach by employing acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more complex harmonies.
It is the last album to feature songwriting contributions from former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and the first to feature contributions from his replacement, Kirk Hammett.
Ride the Lightning received a positive response from music critics, who saw it as a more ambitious effort than its predecessor. Metallica promoted the album on the Bang That Head That Doesn't Bang European tour in late 1984, and on its North American leg in the first half of 1985. The band performed at major music festivals such as Monsters of Rock and Day on the Green later that year. Ride the Lightning peaked at number 100 on the Billboard 200 with no radio exposure.
Although 75,000 copies were initially pressed for the American market, the album sold half a million by November 1987. It was certified 6× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2012 for shipping six million copies in the United States. Many rock publications have ranked Ride the Lightning on their best album lists, saying it had a lasting impact on the genre.
Main runouts of the 1984 vinyl pressings per country.
US
MRI-769
MRI 769
ST-E-60396-1-A-AR / ST-E-60396-1-B-AR (Allied Pressing)
ST-E60396-1-A-SP / ST-E60396-1-B-SP (Specialty Pressing)
UK
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A¹ TY
MPO MFN 27 A1 ty
France
MPO MU SB 18026
MPO MU SB 18026
MPO MU SB 18026
Japan
K25P-501
K25P - 501A 121 ❇
Canada
BRC-1909A THIS SNB 230 EL DM 18
BRC-1909A THIS SNB 230 EL DM 18
EU
RR 9848 - A 55235
Finland
MFN-27 A MTV-MB
South Korea
MRI-769-A ▻
Versions
Filter by
571 versions
Image | , | – | In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory | Version Details | Data Quality | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Roadrunner Records – RR 9848 | Europe | 1984 | Europe — 1984 | ||||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Megaforce Records – MRI 769 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Specialty Pressing | Elektra – 9 60396-1, Megaforce Records, Inc. – 9 60396-1, Elektra – 60396-1, Megaforce Records, Inc. – 60396-1 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, White Label | Banzai Records – BRC 1909 | Canada | 1984 | Canada — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album | Music For Nations – T MFN 27, Music For Nations – TMFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Green Sleeve | Bernett Records – SB 18026, Music For Nations – SB 18026 | France | 1984 | France — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Nexus International – K25P 501, Nexus International – K25P-501, Nexus (3) – K25P 501 | Japan | 1984 | Japan — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | Finland | 1984 | Finland — 1984 | ||||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, SR | Elektra – 9 60396-4, Elektra – 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, Green Cover | Bernett Records – SB 18526 | France | 1984 | France — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Promo, Reissue, SP - Specialty Pressing | Elektra – 60396-1 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Test Pressing | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, SR, White Shell, 11 Markers | Elektra – 9 60396-4, Elektra – 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label | Music For Nations – MFN-27 | Finland | 1984 | Finland — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album | Megaforce Records – MRIT-769 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album | Banzai Records – BRC4 1909 | Canada | 1984 | Canada — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Promo | Nexus (3) – K25P 501 | Japan | 1984 | Japan — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, Club Edition, Columbia House | Elektra – E4 60396, Megaforce Worldwide – 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Test Pressing | Megaforce Records – MRI 769 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Black Label | Banzai Records – BRC 1909 | Canada | 1984 | Canada — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Unofficial Release | Elektra (2) – 60396-1 | South Korea | 1984 | South Korea — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Reissue, Allied | Elektra – 60396-1, Elektra – 9 60396-1 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, W-99 | Elektra – 9 60396-4, Elektra – 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | Needs Changes | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album | Music For Nations – TMFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, Stereo, AR, Dolby HX Pro | Elektra – 9 60396-4, Elektra – 60396-4, Megaforce Records – 9 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Megaforce Records – MRI 769 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
Ride The Lightning LP, Album, White Label | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | ||||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, Club Edition, SR | Elektra – E4 60396, Megaforce Worldwide – 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, Dolby System | Vertigo – 838140-4 | Uruguay | 1984 | Uruguay — 1984 | Recently Edited | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album, Promo, Reissue, AR Pressing | Elektra – 60396-1, Elektra – 9 60396-1 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Nexus International – K25P 501, Nexus International – K25P-501, Nexus (3) – K25P 501 | Japan | 1984 | Japan — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album | Music For Nations – TMFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album, Club Edition, Clear Tape | Elektra – E4 60396, Megaforce Worldwide – 60396-4 | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Acetate, LP, Single Sided, Album | Elektra – none | US | 1984 | US — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning Cassette, Album | Music For Nations – T MFN 27, Music For Nations – TMFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission | |||
![]() | Ride The Lightning LP, Album | Music For Nations – MFN 27 | UK | 1984 | UK — 1984 | New Submission |
Recommendations
Reviews
- Edited 4 days agoPretty sure I have this copy, matrices on side A match… side B however has CB instead of black belt Levi… 🤔 there doesn’t appear to be a major difference between side A and B. Perhaps there’s better separation and drums are a little more prominent on B than A, but this could be psychosomatic. Either way - Im happy with it for the $24 I spent on it!
referencing Ride The Lightning (LP, Album, Reissue) MFN 27
As mentioned, Dynamics generally aren't the best - some detail lost in the mix, and the heavier bits are pretty squashed. Drums are fairly impactful but sound pretty dull high-end wise. Rhythm Guitar does shine on this pressing. Weirdly, 'Fade To Black' sounds absolutely impeccable on this pressing, at least on mine. Sounds SO alive, and beautiful. Best I've heard this track. The detail on the Acoustic Gtr is unreal. Despite its issues, it's f*kn early Metallica so still sounds badass. This pressing would be perfect for a casual fan who wants an old press, but if you're looking for pristine sonics, probably look for a different pressing.- Is this coloured pressing the same (sound-wise) as the standard black remaster vinyl? Better? Worse?
- They really butchered this album. Not sure why I expected something so great. This is the best example of a digital transfer. Horrible mix, don’t buy.
- Is this record rare at all? I got mine for free in a stack of 50 or so records, all of which were pretty much mint. I'm not planning on selling it, but I'm curious as to why I see the ones for sale for $60 and up, especially since it's not even a Megaforce pressing.
- Edited 2 months agoI purchased item few weeks ago, after many listenings i have to mention two things. First is that record is not bad, ok an Unofficial Release, but it sounds fine with nice bass. Second is that surface noise depends on needle weight, so if setting more heavy (about 3,5gr) noise is fully reduced.
- Great sound for an album like this. Lots of punch. Very pleased. I’ve found most of Levi Seitz cuts sound very good.
- Interestingly and just like the 1989 Vertigo releases, this was sourced not from the EU tape (the MFN master), but from the US tapes used for the Megaforce & Elektra releases. Noticeable on the general sound, but most notably on Fade To Black which presents the obvious alternative mix only found on most US-derived pressings (though there are some outliners). After that, any LP release used the MFN master tapes.
Certainly the "Tim Young" mastering credit is wrong, as this most likely used the Bob Ludwig mastering from the Elektra-retained tapes.
Some examples : https://ibb.co/zHb2nXvt
Master Release
Edit Master Release
Recently Edited
Recently Edited
For sale on Discogs
Sell a copy2,048 copies from $0.12
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