On this day March 3 1986 Metallica released their third studio album Master of Puppets. Widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time the album showcased the band's aggressive sound complex compositions and intense lyrical themes.
Master of Puppets reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 charts and went on to sell over six million copies in the United States. It featured some of Metallica’s most iconic songs including Battery Welcome Home Sanitarium and the legendary title track Master of Puppets. The album was the last to feature bassist Cliff Burton before his tragic death later that year.
The album’s success helped Metallica break into the mainstream without compromising their thrash metal roots. It remains a landmark in heavy metal influencing countless bands and earning recognition as a genre defining masterpiece.
80s insight: Master of Puppets was the first Metallica album to be certified platinum and was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance.
Master of Puppets reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 charts and went on to sell over six million copies in the United States. It featured some of Metallica’s most iconic songs including Battery Welcome Home Sanitarium and the legendary title track Master of Puppets. The album was the last to feature bassist Cliff Burton before his tragic death later that year.
The album’s success helped Metallica break into the mainstream without compromising their thrash metal roots. It remains a landmark in heavy metal influencing countless bands and earning recognition as a genre defining masterpiece.
80s insight: Master of Puppets was the first Metallica album to be certified platinum and was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance.
