30 Years Ago: Metallica Release ‘Master of Puppets’

Metallica released their third studio album Master of Puppets on this day 30 years ago (March 3, 1986).

Metallica’s fast tempo, aggressive sound made them one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands along with Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer. The band established a growing fanbase in the underground metal community and won critical acclaim for their first four albums. Master of Puppets was released on Elektra Records and peaked at No, 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was the first trash metal album to go platinum and has since gone 6 times platinum in the United States. It has been described as one of the most influential and heaviest thrash albums. Master of Puppets would be the last album to feature bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a bus accident while the band was on tour. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album No. 167 on their list of the 100 greatest albums of all time.

Crank up some Metallica Master of Puppets today in honor of it's 30th anniversary! I know I will be.