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Metallica (Remastered) 2LP vs Metallica Ride the Lightning LP

Buy the self-titled 2LP if you want the 1991 record with the singles everyone knows and a digital download included. Buy Ride the Lightning if you want the band's 1984 thrash peak and a single disc that is easier to handle. Both are 180gm Blackened pressings and owners rate them closely; Ride the Lightning edges ahead on ratings, the Black Album wins on extras and song recognition.

  • Choose the Metallica (Remastered) 2LP if you want the Black Album's singles, a Bob Ludwig remaster and a download code in the sleeve.
  • Choose the Ride the Lightning LP if you want early thrash Metallica, a Cliff Burton-era record and a single disc to flip.

Prices

  • Metallica (Remastered) 2LP: $28.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Metallica Ride the Lightning LP: $29.99 at World Wide Stereo (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Metallica (Remastered) 2LP is $1.00 cheaper than the Metallica Ride the Lightning LP at the latest prices (Nov 8)
Blackened Recordings
Metallica (Remastered edition) 2LP

Metallica (Remastered) 2LP

Metallica (Remastered edition) 2LP

4.6(46 ratings)
$28.99at eBayObserved Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Contains Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters and Sad But True
  • 180gm double LP with a download code
  • Bob Ludwig remaster, Fidelman overseeing
  • Collectible limited edition
Cons
  • Two discs mean more flipping and handling
  • The 1991 material is slower and less thrash than the early records
  • Fewer owner ratings than Ride the Lightning
Blackened Recordings
Metallica Ride the Lightning [LP]

Metallica Ride the Lightning LP

Metallica Ride the Lightning [LP]

4.7(68 ratings)
$29.99at World Wide StereoObserved Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
See all prices and details
Visit World Wide Stereo
Pros
  • Early thrash peak with Fade to Black and Creeping Death
  • Single 180gm disc is simpler to play and store
  • Higher owner rating from more ratings
  • Cliff Burton's bass and songwriting input are prominent
Cons
  • No download code
  • Only 8 tracks
  • No named mastering engineer in the listing

What separates them

Metallica (Remastered) 2LPMetallica Ride the Lightning LP
Era and style1991 self-titled record: slower, heavier, radio-ready hard rock1984 second album: fast thrash with acoustic passages and long instrumentals
Disc countTwo LPs, four sides to flipOne LP, two sides
Digital downloadCode included in the packageNot included
Remaster creditBob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering, overseen by Greg FidelmanDigitally remastered, no mastering engineer named in the listing
Track count12 tracks8 tracks
Owner ratings4.6 out of 5 from 46 ratings4.7 out of 5 from 68 ratings
CollectibilityMarked limited edition and collectibleLimited 180gm pressing

Price history

  • Metallica (Remastered) 2LP: lowest $27.97 on Nov 8 at Walmart.
  • Metallica Ride the Lightning LP: lowest $22.97 on Nov 8 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Metallica (Remastered) 2LP

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by smokeysattic

    $28.99Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
    Visit eBay
  • Urban OutfittersNew

    In stock

    $27.98+ $6.95 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 12:03 PM
    Visit Urban Outfitters
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $27.97+ $6.99 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $29.97+ $5.99 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 12:03 PM
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 12 stores and price history →

Metallica Ride the Lightning LP

  • World Wide StereoNew

    In stock

    $29.99Observed Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
    Visit World Wide Stereo
  • TillysNew

    In stock

    $29.99+ $5.95 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 1:02 PM
    Visit Tillys
  • Rough Trade NYCNew

    In stock

    $29.99+ $7.95 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
    Visit Rough Trade NYC
  • MadameZuzu'sNew

    In stock

    $29.99+ $9.99 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
    Visit MadameZuzu's

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • BooksamillionCheck price at Booksamillion
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Specs compared

SpecMetallica (Remastered) 2LPMetallica Ride the Lightning LP
ArtistMetallicaMetallica
GenreHard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal
Release Date2021-09-102016-04-15
Music genreRock—
Music subgenreVinyl Record—
Music release typeVinyl—
Media formatLP—
EditionRemastered—
Number of tracks12—
Has parental advisory labelN—
Number of discs2—
Series titleMetallica - Metallica (Remastered) [VINYL LP] R…—
Show all 18 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMetallica (Remastered) 2LPMetallica Ride the Lightning LP
Record labelBlackened Recordings—
Digital audio file formatVinyl—
Music media formatMP3—
MediaVinyl—
Limited EditionYes—
TypeMusic—

What reviewers say

Metallica (Remastered) 2LP

  • 4.6 / 546 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 46 ratings, buyers are largely satisfied with this pressing. Complaints are few and mostly about packaging and pressing details rather than the music.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedBuyers say the Ludwig remaster sounds full and clear on vinyl.
  • PressingMixedMost copies arrive flat and quiet, but a few buyers report warping or surface noise.
  • ValuePraisedOwners see it as a good price for a 180-gram double LP with a download.
  • PackagingMixedThe gatefold is solid, though some wish the sleeve were heavier.

Metallica Ride the Lightning LP

  • 4.7 / 568 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 68 ratings, the reissue is well received as a solid pressing of a landmark album. Buyers mostly praise the sound and the 180-gram weight; a minority question the remaster's mastering and report pressing flaws.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedBuyers say the remaster sounds full and clear, with Burton's bass more audible.
  • Pressing qualityMixedMost copies arrive flat and quiet, but some owners report warps or surface noise.
  • MasteringMixedPurists argue the 2016 remaster smooths the rawness of the original 1984 mix.
  • ValuePraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for someone new to Metallica?
The self-titled 2LP. Its singles are the most familiar and the slower songs are an easier entry point. Ride the Lightning rewards listeners who already like fast thrash.
Which record sounds better on vinyl?
Both are 180gm Blackened pressings and owners rate them closely. The Black Album has a named Bob Ludwig remaster, which gives it a documented mastering chain; Ride the Lightning's remaster is not credited to an engineer in the listing.
Which lasts longer as a collectible?
The self-titled set is marked limited edition and collectible, so sealed copies tend to hold interest. Ride the Lightning is a standard limited 180gm pressing that stays widely available.
Is the Black Album worth stepping up to over Ride the Lightning?
Step up if you want the download code, the extra disc and the hits. Stay with Ride the Lightning if you prefer the band's faster, rawer early sound and a single disc.
Do both include a digital download?
Only the self-titled 2LP includes a download code. Ride the Lightning is vinyl only.
How many songs are on each?
The Black Album has 12 tracks across two LPs. Ride the Lightning has 8 tracks on one LP.

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All 5 stores and price history →
Buyers call it good value for a 180-gram limited reissue of a classic album.