After finishing its promotional tour, Metallica began composing new material, and from September, began performing the songs that were to make up Ride the Lightning at concerts. The album helped to establish thrash metal, a heavy metal subgenre defined by its brisk riffs and intense percussion. Metallica released its debut album, Kill 'Em All, on the independent label Megaforce Records on July 25, 1983. ![]() Many rock publications have ranked Ride the Lightning on their best album lists, saying it had a lasting impact on the genre. ![]() It was certified 6× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2012 for shipping six million copies in the United States. ![]() Although 75,000 copies were initially pressed for the American market, the album sold half a million by November 1987. Ride the Lightning peaked at number 100 on the Billboard 200 with virtually no radio exposure. Two months after its release, Elektra Records signed Metallica to a multi-year deal and reissued the album. The band performed at major music festivals such as Monsters of Rock and Day on the Green later that year. Metallica promoted the album on the Bang That Head That Doesn't Bang European tour in late 1984, and on its North American leg in the first half of 1985. Ride the Lightning received a positive response from music critics, who saw it as a more ambitious effort than its predecessor. It is the last album to feature songwriting contributions from former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and the first to feature contributions from successor Kirk Hammett. The overall recording costs were paid by Metallica's European label Music for Nations because Megaforce was unable to cover it. Beyond the fast tempos of its debut Kill 'Em All, Metallica broadened its approach by employing acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more complex harmonies. Bassist Cliff Burton introduced the basics of music theory to the band and had more input in the songwriting. The title was taken from a passage in Stephen King's novel The Stand, in which a character uses the phrase to refer to execution by electric chair.Īlthough rooted in the thrash metal genre, the album showcased the band's musical growth and lyrical sophistication. The artwork, based on a concept by the band, depicts an electric chair being struck by lightning flowing from the band logo. ![]() The album was recorded in three weeks with producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. In case that's not enough, there are three classic gig posters from 'Tallica's Ride the Lightning era, and if you're the reading type, the set features a gorgeous hardback book full of exclusive photos and stories.Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on July 27, 1984, by the independent record label Megaforce Records. Once opened, fans will get their hands on the newly remastered album pressed on high-quality vinyl as well as on CD and digital formats. On top of that, you'll be spinning a double-LP of Metallica's Magig at the Hollywood Palladium, featuring a classic setlist including "Fight Fire With Fire," "Ride the Lightning" and "Creeping Death." Oh, and speaking of "Creeping Death," there is a beautiful picture disc with the single artwork pressed on Side A - and backed with "Am I Evil?" and "Blitzkrieg." On top of all that, fans get several CDs, including one chock full of demos and rough mixes from Lars Ulrich's vault, a couple of never-before-released live shows and interviews with Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton. With a similar price tag as the Kill 'Em All set, the deluxe set of Ride the Lightning is worth your hard-earned cash.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |