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Data as of Jun 16, 2026
Metallica – Ride The Lightning
1984 · US · Megaforce Records · Vinyl LP Album
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Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Runout — side A
- MRI-769-A ᐉ MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ L.I.✩ A-1MRI-769-A ᐉ MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ L.I.✩ A-2
- Runout — side B
- MRI-769-B ᐉ A-1MRI-769-B ᐉ A-2
- Rights society
- ASCAP
- Manufactured By
- Important Record Distributors, Inc.
- Recorded At
- Sweet Silence Studios
- Mixed At
- Sweet Silence Studios
- Mastered At
- Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs
- Lacquer Cut At
- Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs
- Pressed By
- Hauppauge Record Manufacturing Ltd.
Specifications
- Artist
- Metallica
- Genre
- Rock
- Style
- Thrash, Speed Metal
- Year
- 1984
- Label
- Megaforce Records
- Catalog number
- MRI 769
- Country
- US
Tracklist
- A1Fight Fire With Fire4:44
- A2Ride The Lightning6:36
- A3For Whom The Bell Tolls5:10
- A4Fade To Black6:56
- B1Trapped Under Ice4:03
- B2Escape4:23
- B3Creeping Death6:36
- B4The Call Of Ktulu8:52
- Engineer [Concert Sound], Management [Production Manager]
- Mark Whitaker
- Producer
- Metallica
- Producer [Assistant]
- Flemming Rasmussen
- Producer [Assistant]
- Mark Whitaker
- Mastered By
- Tom Coyne
- Engineer
- Flemming Rasmussen
About this record
Metallica's 1984 album "Ride The Lightning" is a landmark release in the thrash and speed metal genres. This US pressing, issued by Megaforce Records under the catalogue number MRI 769, is a highly sought-after vinyl LP among collectors.
Known for its aggressive sound and influential tracks, the album features eight tracks that helped define the early metal scene. This particular pressing is notable for being an original US release without a barcode, a key detail that appeals to enthusiasts of vintage metal vinyl.
Collectors often seek this edition for its historical significance and its role in Metallica's rise to fame.
How to appraise this pressing
To verify this pressing, collectors should look for the Megaforce Records label and the catalogue number MRI 769 on the vinyl and sleeve. The absence of a barcode is another identifying feature of this 1984 US pressing.
Additionally, the presence of runout etchings in the vinyl's dead wax area can help confirm authenticity and pressing details. When assessing condition, both the media and sleeve should be examined for signs of wear, scratches, or ring wear, as these factors heavily influence value.
Generally, the demand for early Metallica pressings, combined with condition and authenticity markers, drives collector interest and pricing in the marketplace.
Further reading: grading a record, what makes a pressing valuable.
Listen
Hear the album before you buy.
Official videos via YouTube.
Release notes
℗ © 1984 Precious Metal Music/ASCAP Manufactured and marketed by Important Record Distributors, Inc. Jacket and sleeve made in Canada Recorded and mixed at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark during spring 1984 Mastered at Frankford Wayne, NYC
Including a printed inner sleeve with lyrics and photos. Some copies came with mail-in merchandise flyer.
Promo copies have a post-manufacture hot-foil gold stamp on the back of the sleeve: "Loaned For Promotion Only. Not for sale. Ownership and all rights reserved".
Silver center labels with label address printed on.
Track A3 is misspelled as "For Whom The Bells Toll" on the back cover.
Notes sourced from the Discogs database.
Frequently asked
How can I identify the original 1984 US pressing of "Ride The Lightning"?
Check for the Megaforce Records label, catalogue number MRI 769, absence of a barcode, and runout etchings on the vinyl.
Does this pressing include a barcode on the sleeve?
No, the original 1984 US Megaforce pressing does not have a barcode.
How many tracks are on this vinyl album?
This LP contains 8 tracks.
What genres and styles does this album represent?
"Ride The Lightning" is categorized under Rock, specifically Thrash and Speed Metal styles.
What should I look for in the runout etchings?
Runout etchings can confirm pressing details and authenticity; examine them carefully for inscriptions unique to this release.