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Ride the Lightning

by Metallica

Released: July 27, 1984

Thrash metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Ride the Lightning" is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica, released on July 27, 1984, by Megaforce Records. Musically, the album marked Metallica's growth, incorporating acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more intricate harmonies, reflecting a shift from the straightforward thrash of their debut, Kill 'Em All. Notably, bassist Cliff Burton's influence introduced music theory to the band's songwriting process.

Inside the Recording

Recorded over three weeks with producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, the album features artwork depicting an electric chair struck by lightning, inspired by a passage from Stephen King's The Stand.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Following its release, Metallica toured Europe and North…

Following its release, Metallica toured Europe and North America, playing major festivals like Monsters of Rock.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Metallica - Ride the Lightning

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Then

Reception

The album peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard 200 and gained significant sales momentum, achieving 6× platinum certification by the RIAA in 2012. Ride the Lightning received critical acclaim for its ambition and complexity.

Now

Legacy

Widely regarded as one of the greatest metal albums, Ride the Lightning has been featured on numerous best-of lists, solidifying its enduring impact on the genre.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Ride the Lightning" is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica, released on July 27, 1984, by Megaforce Records. Recorded over three weeks with producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, the album features artwork depicting an electric chair struck by lightning, inspired by a passage from Stephen King's The Stand.

Musically, the album marked Metallica's growth, incorporating acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more intricate harmonies, reflecting a shift from the straightforward thrash of their debut, Kill 'Em All. Notably, bassist Cliff Burton's influence introduced music theory to the band's songwriting process.

Ride the Lightning received critical acclaim for its ambition and complexity. Following its release, Metallica toured Europe and North America, playing major festivals like Monsters of Rock. The album peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard 200 and gained significant sales momentum, achieving 6× platinum certification by the RIAA in 2012.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest metal albums, Ride the Lightning has been featured on numerous best-of lists, solidifying its enduring impact on the genre.