Vinyl pressings
by Metallica · 1984
Ride The Lightning was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
23 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 7 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.
MRI-769-A ᐉ MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ L.I.✩ A-1Variant 1, Side A
MRI-769-B ᐉ A-1Variant 1, Side B
MRI-769-A ᐉ MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ L.I.✩ A-2Variant 2, Side A
MRI-769-B ᐉ A-1Variant 2, Side B
MRI-769-A ᐉ MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ L.I.✩ A-Runout groove side A
MRI-769-B ᐉ A-Runout groove side B
MFN 27 A1 MPO tySide A, Etched
MFN 27 B1 MPO tySide B, Etched
MPO MFN 27 A1 TYSide A, runout etched
MPO MFN 27 B1 TYSide B, runout etched
MPO MFN 27 A1 TYSide A, runout etched
MPO MFN 27 B1 TYSide B, runout etched
MPO MFN 27 A1 TYSide A runout
MPO MFN 27 B1 TYSide B runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Canada | Banzai Records BRC 1909First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Canada | Banzai Records BRC 1909First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | Roadrunner Records RR 9848First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Finland | Music For Nations MFN 27First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Finland | Music For Nations MFN-27LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
| 1984 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026 / Music For Nations SB 18026First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026 / Music For Nations SB 18026First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026 / Music For Nations SB 18026First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026 / Music For Nations SB 18026First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | Nexus K25P 501First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | South Korea | Elektra 60396-1LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1984 | UK | Music For Nations MFN 27First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Music For Nations MFN 27First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Music For Nations MFN 27First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Music For Nations MFN 27First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Argentina | Vertigo 29225 / Vertigo 838140-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1990 | Argentina | Vertigo 29225 / Vertigo 838140-1LP, Album, Promo, Reissue · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
| 1990 | Argentina | Vertigo 29225 / PolyGram 29225LP, Album, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1990 | Brazil | Vertigo 838 140 1LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1990 | Colombia | Vertigo 838140-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1990 | Ecuador | Vertigo 31022LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1990 | Ecuador | Vertigo LP-31022LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1990 | Ecuador | Vertigo LP-31022LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1990 | Mexico | Vertigo 838 140-1 / Vertigo LPR-23068LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1990 | South Korea | Sung Eum Limited SEL-RP 2026 / Vertigo 838 140-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1990 | South Korea | Vertigo SEL-RP 2026 / Vertigo 838 140-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1990 | US | Elektra 60396-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1991 | Spain | Vertigo 838 140-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1991 | Venezuela | Vertigo 20.077-L / Phonogram 838 140-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1992 | Greece | Vertigo 838 140-1 / Polygram 838 140-1LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Europe | Vertigo 838 140-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2002 | Germany | Vertigo 838 140-3LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Picture disc, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Picture disc, Colored vinyl |
| 2002 | UK | Vertigo 838 140-3LP, Album, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | Germany | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | Germany | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | Germany | Bernett Records SB18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | Germany | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2005 | Germany | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial |
| 2008 | Europe | Universal Music Group International 0600753085332LP, Reissue, Album | LP, Reissue, Album |
| 2008 | Europe | Universal Music Group International 0600753085332LP, Reissue, Album | LP, Reissue, Album |
| 2008 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2008 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2008 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | US | Warner Bros. Records 424636-112", 45 RPM, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 2010 | US | Warner Bros. Records 424636-112", 45 RPM, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | 12", 45 RPM, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2013 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2014 | Netherlands | Roadrunner Records RR 9848LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited, Numbered, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited, Numbered, Colored vinyl |
| 2014 | Netherlands | Roadrunner Records RR 9848LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2014 | US | Blackened BLCKND004-1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Repress | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Repress |
| 2015 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2015 | Europe | Blackened BLCKND004-1 / Blackened 0600753085332LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| 2016 | Unknown | Nexus K25P 501LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2016 | Unknown | Nexus K25P 501LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2016 | Unknown | Nexus K25P 501LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2016 | Europe | Blackened 00602547885241LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| 2016 | US | Blackened BLCKND004R-1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| 2016 | US | Blackened BLCKND004RD-1Box Set, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition, Numbered, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, LP, 12", EP, Picture Disc, Reissue, Remastered, CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered, CD, DVD, DVD-Video · Limited, Numbered, Picture disc | Box Set, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition, Numbered, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, LP, 12", EP, Picture Disc, Reissue, Remastered, CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered, CD, DVD, DVD-Video · Limited, Numbered, Picture disc |
| 2016 | US | Blackened BLCKND004R-1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Unknown | Music For Nations MFN 27LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 2021 | US | Blackened BLCKND004R-1WLP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Repress · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Repress · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2022 | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2022 | US | Blackened BLCKND004R-1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| 2023 | US | Blackened 00602547885241LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Repress | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Repress |
| 2023 | US | Blackened BLCKND004R-1WLP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Repress · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Repress · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | Europe | Blackened BLCKND004R-1U / Blackened 00602547885241LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Repress · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Repress · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2024 | USA & Europe | Blackened BLCKND004R-1LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2025 | Czech Republic | Music For Nations MFN 27LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 2025 | Europe | Roadrunner Records R 9848LP, Album, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Music For Nations PIC - K 96/2 ALP, Picture Disc, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc | LP, Picture Disc, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc |
| ? | Unknown | Music For Nations 838-140-3LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc |
| ? | Unknown | Elektra 60396-1LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | Unknown | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| ? | Unknown | Blackened BLCKND004R-1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | Europe | Roadrunner Records RR 9848LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | Europe | Roadrunner Records RR 9848LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | Europe | Music For Nations MFN 27LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| ? | France | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| ? | France | Not On Label (Metallica) 838 140-3 / SB18026LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Picture disc | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Picture disc |
| ? | South Korea | FS 584LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | UK | Bernett Records SB 18026LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| ? | UK | Vertigo 838 140-3LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc |
| ? | UK | Music For Nations MFN 27LP, Album | LP, Album |
156 vinyl pressings of Ride The Lightning are listed here, from 26 countries, released between 1984 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK, Japan, Canada and more. One of them is Megaforce Records MRI 769, released July 27, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MRI 769, MFN 27, K25P 501, BRC 1909) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MRI-769-A ᐉ MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ L.I.✩ A-1 and MRI-769-B ᐉ A-1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
