On the Record: Metallica – Kill 'Em All (1983 Original Megaforce Vinyl)

Before Metallica ruled stadiums, they kicked the door open with Kill 'Em All — a raw, high-speed assault that rewrote the rules of heavy metal. Released in 1983 by Megaforce Records, the original U.S. pressing is one of the most iconic thrash metal albums of all time — and one of the most collectible debut LPs in metal history.

The first pressing was independently released, featuring different label credits, an early misprint of Cliff Burton’s name, and the original Megaforce logo. Issued in limited numbers, it quickly sold out and was later reissued by larger labels — but for collectors, it’s the original Megaforce edition that reigns supreme.

Behind the Pressing

Kill 'Em All was recorded on a tight budget at Music America Studios and self-funded by Metallica and their then-label head Jon Zazula. The original Megaforce pressing (catalog #: MRI 069) was released before the band signed to Elektra. It includes:

Handwritten liner notes

Misprinted Cliff Burton credit (“Cliff” misspelled as “Cliffton” on some inserts)

"Bang That Head That Doesn't Bang" slogan etched in the runout

Insert with fan address for Metallica's fan club

These small DIY touches make the Megaforce pressing a powerful piece of metal history.

How to Identify the Original 1983 Megaforce Pressing

Label: Megaforce Records (gray/silver labels), catalog # MRI 069

Matrix/runout: Side A etched with “BANG THAT HEAD THAT DOESN’T BANG”

Insert: Includes early band photo and fan club info

Sleeve: No barcode, printed in the U.S.

Vinyl: Standard black vinyl only — no colored variants in this run

⚠️ Beware of represses and boots. Elektra reissues started in 1984 and lack many original Megaforce markers. True first presses are often faked — double check matrix etchings.

Collector’s Value

Original Megaforce copies in VG+/NM condition regularly sell for $800–$1,500 AUD, with sealed or mint condition examples fetching even higher. Early promo copies and those with misprints can drive collector interest even further.

Why It Matters

Kill 'Em All wasn’t just Metallica’s debut — it was the first true thrash metal album, period. Fast, aggressive, and revolutionary, it tore through the scene like a chainsaw. The original Megaforce pressing captures that fire in its purest form — a raw slab of vinyl that started a movement.