UK
October 28, 1991- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo METAL 812Vertigo 866 137-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
METAL 812 A-1U-1-I
METAL 812 B-1U-1-I
MetallicaThe Unforgiven
Vinyl pressings
The Unforgiven
by Metallica · 1991
11 pressings3 countriesHeavy MetalRock
The Unforgiven was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. 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 The Unforgiven
9 pressings came out in 1991, the album's first year, in 2 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.
UK
October 28, 1991- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo METAP 812Vertigo 866139-1
- Format
- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc
- Runout / matrix
METAP+812+A ORLAKESide A
METAP+812+B ORLAKESide B
UK
October 28, 1991- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo METAL 8Vertigo 866 136-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
METAL 8 A-1U-1- Q1Side A, variant 1
METAL 8 B-1U-1- Q1Side B, variant 1
METAL 8 A-1U-1-2Side A, variant 2
METAL 8 B-1U-1-2Side B, variant 2
UK
1991- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo METAL 8Vertigo 866 136-7
- Format
- 7", Single · Paper Labels
- Runout / matrix
METAL 8 A-1U-1-2Runout Side A
METAL 8 B-1U-1-2Runout Side B
UK
1991- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo Metal 8
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label
- Runout / matrix
METAL 8 A-1U-1-2Side A runout
METAL 8 B-1U-1-2Side B runout
UK
October 1991- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo METDJ 812
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
MET DJ 812 A B̶-1U-1-1Side A
MET DJ 812 B-1U-1-1Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1990s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Europe | Vertigo 866 136-7 / Vertigo METAL 8First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Vertigo 866 137-1 / Vertigo METAL 812First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo METAL 8 / Vertigo 866 136-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo Metal 8First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo METDJ 812First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo METDJ8First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo METAL 812 / Vertigo 866 137-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo METAP 812 / Vertigo 866139-1First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo METAL 8 / Vertigo 866 136-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1993 | France | Vertigo 866 136-77", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Vertigo 866 136-77", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
Tracklist
- AThe Unforgiven
- BKilling Time
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Unforgiven are there?
11 vinyl pressings of The Unforgiven are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1991 and 1993.
When was The Unforgiven first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, Europe. One of them is Vertigo METAL 812, released October 28, 1991.
How do I tell if my copy of The Unforgiven is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use METAL 812, METAP 812, METAL 8, Metal 8) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, METAL 812 A-1U-1-I and METAL 812 B-1U-1-I. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Unforgiven 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.
