Vinyl pressings
by The Heavys · 1989
Metal Marathon was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
020 S 612180A-1 SONDEREGGER IISide A runout, etched
020 S 612 180 B-1-II SONDEREGGERSide B runout, etched
S 612 180 ASide A label
S 612 180 BSide B label
MX303455 612180 MK 1Side 1 Etched Runout
MX303456 612180 MK 2Side 2 Etched 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia | RCA Victor 612 180First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | Germany | Ariola 612 180First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | Germany | Ariola 112 180First year7", Single, Mixed | 7", Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | Germany | Ariola12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | Greece | Ariola 4424First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | Italy | Ariola 112 180First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mixed | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | South Africa | Ariola ARI (L) 1134First year12", Maxi-Single, Mixed | 12", Maxi-Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | South Africa | Not On Label STEELSP 5First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Mixed, Promo · Promo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Mixed, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Spain | BMG Ariola España 3A 612180First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Spain | Ariola 1A 112180First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mixed | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mixed |
| 1989 | UK | Ariola 612 180First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Ariola 112 180First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mixed | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mixed |
12 vinyl pressings of Metal Marathon are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in Germany, UK, Australia, Greece and more. One of them is Ariola 612 180.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 612 180, 112 180, 4424, ARI (L) 1134) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 020 S 612180A-1 SONDEREGGER II and 020 S 612 180 B-1-II SONDEREGGER. 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.
