Artist page · 05/07/2026
About
50 vinyls tracked, including original pressings from 1983; prices range from €20 to €260 for rare editions.
Metallica is an American heavy metal band originating from Los Angeles in 1981. Initially formed by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist-vocalist James Hetfield, the group quickly rose to prominence with their aggressive thrash metal style. Early line-ups included guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Cliff Burton, replaced later by Kirk Hammett and Jason Newsted, respectively. Their discography encompasses 50 vinyl releases, spanning studio albums, live recordings, and limited editions.
The band’s catalog includes landmark albums such as 'Kill 'Em All' (1983), '...And Justice For All' (1988), and '72 Seasons' (2023). Their sound evolved from raw thrash metal to a more polished heavy metal style while maintaining complex arrangements and lyrical depth.
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Blackened · 2023
Blackened · 2023
Blackened · 2023
Blackened · 2020
Blackened · 2019
Blackened · 2017
Blackened · 2016
Not On Label (Metallica Self-released) · 2013
Not On Label (Metallica Self-released) · 2013
Blackened · 2013
Not On Label (Metallica Self-released) · 2013
Warner Bros. Records · 2011
Warner Bros. Records · 2008
Not On Label (Metallica Self-released) · 2006
Elektra · 2003
Elektra · 1999
Elektra · 1997
Elektra · 1996
Elektra · 1993
Elektra · 1991
Elektra · 1988
Elektra · 1986
Megaforce Records · 1984
Megaforce Records · 1983Playlist
The tracks that sum up Metallica's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Metallica’s debut album brought thrash metal to vinyl collectors, featuring ten tracks of raw speed and precision, including "Hit The Lights" and "Seek & Destroy".
This album features complex compositions and darker themes; includes the track "One," notable for its groundbreaking video and musical narrative.
Latest studio release with 12 tracks blending modern heavy metal elements; limited editions on vinyl are highly valued by collectors.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
To Live Is To Die is a last compositional tribute from bassist Cliff Burton.— Metallica Archival Notes
During the 1986 Master of Puppets tour, the band bus slid on ice near Stockholm, killing bassist Cliff Burton instantly. This tragic event deeply affected the band's trajectory and led to recruiting Jason Newsted.
Producer Bob Rock worked closely with Metallica from the 1991 Black Album through St. Anger (2003), even acting temporarily as studio bassist between Jason Newsted’s departure and Robert Trujillo’s arrival.
The song "One" from...And Justice For All inspired Metallica's first official video, using scenes from the film 'Johnny Got His Gun' and portraying the horror of a soldier trapped in his own body.
Multiple vinyl pressings exist of Metallica’s 1986 London performances at the Hammersmith Odeon, capturing early thrash in a live setting highly prized by collectors.
Official store
T-shirts, posters, accessories and limited editions.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Metallica was formed in October 1981 in Los Angeles, California by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield.
The band primarily spans thrash metal, heavy metal, and hard rock genres.
Early pressings of 'Kill 'Em All' and limited editions of recent albums like '72 Seasons' are highly collectible.
It contains complex compositions and the track 'One', whose video was Metallica's first. Original pressings from 1988 hold collector value.
Look for label markings such as Vertigo or Megaforce on early pressings, and check catalog numbers on the sleeve.
Yes, certain limited editions and Record Store Day releases, such as Hardwired...To Self-Destruct, have European pressings with unique catalog numbers.
The album features ten tracks including iconic songs like 'Hit The Lights' and 'Seek & Destroy', exemplifying early thrash metal.
Multiple live albums titled 'Live At The Hammersmith Odeon 1986' are pressed on vinyl, capturing performances from that year.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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