Germany
1985- Label and catalog number
- Noise N 0024
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo · Silver Labels
- Runout / matrix
N 0024-A Mastered by SNBSide A Stamped & Etched
N 0024-B Mastered by SNBSide B Stamped & Etched
Celtic FrostEmperor's Return
Vinyl pressings
Emperor's Return
by Celtic Frost · 1985
15 pressings4 countriesSpeed MetalHeavy MetalBlack MetalThrash
Emperor's Return was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Emperor's Return
7 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
Germany
1985- Label and catalog number
- Noise N 0024
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo · Silver Labels
- Runout / matrix
N 0024-A Mastered by SNBRunout side A
N 0024-B Mastered by SNBRunout side B
Germany
August 15, 1985- Label and catalog number
- Noise N 0024
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Misprint, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
(Side A - stamped): N 0024-A
(Side B - stamped): N0024-B
(Side A etched): mastered by SNB
(Side B etched): mastered by SNB
Germany
1985- Label and catalog number
- Noise N 0024
- Format
- 7", Single, Misprint
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- Metal Blade Records MBR 1048Enigma 72066-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
MBR-1048-72066-1-A G-1 S-14901 1-1Side 1 Matrix
MBR-1048-72066-1-B G-1 S-14902 1-1 MASTERED BY CAPITOLSide 2 Matrix
Canada
1985- Label and catalog number
- Banzai Records BRSX 102
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 15 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Canada | Banzai Records BRSX 102First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Banzai Records BRSX 102First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Germany | Noise N 0024First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Noise N 002412", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | Germany | Noise N 0024First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Noise N 0024First year7", Single, Misprint | 7", Single, Misprint |
| 1985 | US | Metal Blade Records MBR 1048 / Enigma 72066-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1985 | US | Metal Blade Records MBR 104812", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | Germany | Noise N 0024First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Misprint, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | Noise N 002412", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Repress, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Repress, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | Noise International N 0042 PD12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1988 | Germany | Noise N 002412", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album, Repress, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album, Repress, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Metal Blade Records MBR 1048 / Enigma 72066-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Reissue, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Reissue, Stereo |
2020s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Europe | Noise NOISE117CLP / BMGLP, 45 RPM, EP, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, 45 RPM, EP, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Metal Blade Records MBR 1048 / Enigma 72066-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Reissue | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Reissue |
Tracklist
- A1Circle Of The Tyrants4:28
- A2Morbid Tales3:24
- B1Dethroned Emperor4:33
- B2Visual Aggression4:11
- B3Suicidal Winds4:35
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Emperor's Return are there?
15 vinyl pressings of Emperor's Return are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1985 and 2023.
When was Emperor's Return first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Germany, US, Canada. One of them is Noise N 0024.
How do I tell if my copy of Emperor's Return is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use N 0024, MBR 1048, BRSX 102) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, N 0024-A Mastered by SNB and N 0024-B Mastered by SNB. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Emperor's Return on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
