Metal Massacre (1982): The Compilation That Launched a Movement
Released in June 1982, Metal Massacre (Metal Blade Records – MBR 1001) stands as one of the most historically significant heavy metal compilations ever produced. Conceived by Brian Slagel, founder of Metal Blade Records, the LP served as a showcase for unsigned American metal bands during the rise of the early 1980s underground scene.
This release is most famously known for featuring Metallica’s first-ever appearance on vinyl, cementing its status as a cornerstone collectible in heavy metal history.
Origins: A Fanzine Becomes a Record Label
Before Metal Blade Records existed, Brian Slagel published a printed fanzine called The New Heavy Metal Revue, dedicated to promoting underground metal bands. The compilation concept grew directly out of the fanzine community: Slagel wanted to give these rising bands broader exposure.
With his own funds and the support of local musicians, Metal Massacre became Metal Blade’s first official release, setting the stage for one of the most influential metal labels of the next four decades.
Details of the 1982 First Pressing (MBR 1001)
Cover & Label Characteristics
The first pressing is identifiable by several distinct production features:
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Front cover:
Black background featuring the iconic skull artwork. -
Back cover:
Lists only Metal Blade Records—no address, barcode, or additional labels. -
Record labels:
Printed in silver and black with simple typesetting.
These visual identifiers distinguish the 1st press from later 1982 represses and the more widely distributed versions that followed.
Tracklist & Unique First-Press Attributes
The original 1st pressing contains 10 tracks and includes:
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“Cold Day in Hell” – Steeler
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“Tell the World” – Ratt
Notably, the early Steeler and Ratt recordings appear only on this pressing. Later pressings remove Steeler and Ratt and add Black ’n Blue instead.
The LP closes with:
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“Hit the Lights” – Metallica
This track marks Metallica’s debut on vinyl, and on the first press, their name is misspelled as:
“Mettallica”
This misspelling appears on both the back cover and the label of some early copies, making it one of the most famous misprints in heavy metal vinyl history.
Pressing Quantity
In a 2012 interview with fuse.tv, Brian Slagel confirmed that the first pressing was limited to 2,500 copies.
Because many of these were sold locally or directly to fans at shows, surviving copies—especially complete and clean examples—have become highly collectible.
Historical Significance
Launchpad for Metallica
The inclusion of “Hit the Lights” introduced Metallica to the world and played a direct role in helping them secure early attention in the Los Angeles metal scene. This track predates their first single, first demo re-recordings, and their debut album.
Snapshot of the Early LA Metal Scene
The compilation features bands that would go on to shape different branches of American metal and hard rock, including:
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Steeler (Ron Keel, Yngwie Malmsteen would later join the band)
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Ratt, one of the defining glam metal acts of the 1980s
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Malice, Cirith Ungol, Bitch, Demon Flight, and others
Many tracks represent the earliest vinyl appearance for these artists.
Metal Blade’s First Release
Metal Massacre also marks the beginning of Metal Blade Records, which would later sign and develop acts such as Slayer, Armored Saint, Fates Warning, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth.
This compilation essentially created the template for independent metal labels.
Collector Notes
First-press copies are distinguishable by:
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Black skull cover
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Silver/black simple type labels
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“Mettallica” misspelling
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Ratt & Steeler included
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Black ’n Blue not included
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Only “Metal Blade Records” printed on the back
Because the pressing was limited to 2,500 copies and many were handled heavily during the early 80s metal-trading scene, high-grade examples are difficult to find.
Why Collectors Should Own This
Collectors seek the 1982 first press of Metal Massacre because it represents:
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Metallica’s first appearance on vinyl
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Metal Blade’s very first release, launching one of the most important metal labels in history
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A snapshot of the early LA metal underground, featuring bands on the brink of discovery
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A limited pressing of 2,500 copies, many lost or heavily played
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Early versions of songs not found on later editions
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One of the most significant and influential metal compilations ever produced
For heavy metal, NWOBHM-era collectors, and Metallica completists, the original Metal Massacre is universally regarded as a top-tier essential grail.
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