"Metal Box" is the second studio album by the British post-punk band Public Image Ltd (PiL), released on November 23, 1979, by Virgin Records. The album takes its name from the distinctive packaging, which originally featured a round metal canister designed to resemble a 16mm film reel case. This innovative packaging contained three 12-inch 45rpm records. The album was later reissued as Second Edition in February 1980, in a more conventional vinyl format.
Metal Box marked a significant departure from the band's 1978 debut First Issue, with the band embracing a more avant-garde sound. The album is known for its cryptic lyrics by John Lydon, dub-inspired rhythms driven by bassist Jah Wobble, and an abrasive, metallic guitar tone created by guitarist Keith Levene. The album has been widely regarded as a landmark in the post-punk genre and is considered one of PiL's finest works.
The album was recorded over several sessions with various drummers, none of whom were credited on the original release. Notable contributors include David Humphrey, Richard Dudanski, and Martin Atkins, who would later become a permanent member of the band. Metal Box also included instrumental tracks and unconventional song structures, which contributed to its experimental nature.
The packaging of Metal Box was both innovative and impractical. The metal canister was difficult to handle, and the records inside were prone to being scratched and nicked. The original release was limited to 60,000 units and was withdrawn from the market by November 23, 1979. The album was reissued in February 1980 as Second Edition, featuring a more conventional gatefold sleeve with distorted photos of the band and lyrics printed on the rear cover.
While the original metal canister design was not a commercial success, it became iconic over time and influenced future album packaging. Metal Box has since been re-released in various formats, including a smaller version of the metal canister in the 1990s for its compact disc release.
The album is considered a seminal work in the post-punk movement and has been included in numerous "greatest albums" lists. In 2012, it was ranked number 461 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
