View source for Ride the Lightning

{{about|the Metallica album}}
{{featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox album
| name         = Ride the Lightning
| type         = studio
| artist       = [[Metallica]]
| cover        = Ridetl.png
| alt          = The artwork depicts an electric chair on a dark and ominous background being struck by lightning flowing from Metallica's pointed logo on top. The title is written in smaller white capital letters at the bottom.
| released     = {{Start date|1984|7|27}}
| recorded     = February 20 – March 14, 1984
| studio       = [[Sweet Silence Studios|Sweet Silence]] ([[Copenhagen]])
| genre        = [[Thrash metal]]
| length       = 47:26
| label        = {{hlist|[[Megaforce Records|Megaforce]]|[[Elektra Records|Elektra]]}}
| producer     = {{hlist|Metallica|[[Flemming Rasmussen]]|[[Mark Whitaker (record producer)|Mark Whitaker]]}}
| prev_title   = [[Kill 'Em All]]
| prev_year    = 1983
| next_title   = [[Master of Puppets]]
| next_year    = 1986
| misc         = {{Singles
 | name        = Ride the Lightning
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [[Creeping Death]]
 | single1date = November 23, 1984
}}
}}

'''''Ride the Lightning''''' is the second album by the American [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Metallica]], released on July 27, 1984, by the independent record label [[Megaforce Records]]. The album was recorded in three weeks with producer [[Flemming Rasmussen]] at [[Sweet Silence Studios]] in [[Copenhagen]], Denmark. The artwork, based on a concept by the band, depicts an [[electric chair]] being struck by lightning flowing from the band logo. The title was taken from a passage in [[Stephen King]]'s novel ''[[The Stand]]'', in which a character uses the phrase to refer to execution by electric chair.

Although rooted in the [[thrash metal]] genre, the album showcased the band's musical growth and lyrical sophistication. Bassist [[Cliff Burton]] introduced the basics of music theory to the band and had more input in the songwriting. Beyond the fast tempos of its debut ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'', Metallica broadened its approach by employing acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more complex harmonies. The overall recording costs were paid by Metallica's European label [[Music for Nations]] because Megaforce was unable to cover it. It is the last album to feature songwriting contributions from former lead guitarist [[Dave Mustaine]], and the first to feature contributions from successor [[Kirk Hammett]].

''Ride the Lightning'' received a highly positive response from music critics, who saw it as a more ambitious effort than its predecessor. Metallica promoted the album on the Bang That Head That Doesn't Bang European [[Ride the Lightning Tour|tour]] in late 1984, and on its North American leg in the first half of 1985. The band performed at major music festivals such as [[Monsters of Rock]] and [[Day on the Green]] later that year. Two months after its release, [[Elektra Records]] signed Metallica to a multi-year deal and reissued the album. ''Ride the Lightning'' peaked at number 100 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with virtually no radio exposure and has since reached number 48. Although 75,000 copies were initially pressed for the American market, the album sold half a million by November 1987. It was certified [[RIAA certification|6× platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) in 2012 for shipping six million copies in the United States. Many rock publications have ranked ''Ride the Lightning'' on their best album lists, saying it had a lasting impact on thrash metal.

==Background and recording==
[[Metallica]] released its debut album, ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'', on the independent label [[Megaforce Records]] on July 25, 1983.{{sfn|Gulla|2009|p=101}} The album helped to establish [[thrash metal]], a [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] subgenre defined by its brisk riffs and intense percussion.{{sfn|Dome|Wall|2011|loc=Chapter 1: Kill 'Em All}} After finishing its promotional tour, Metallica began composing new material, and from September, began performing the songs that were to make up ''Ride the Lightning'' at concerts. Because the band had little money, its members often ate one meal a day and stayed at fans' homes while playing at clubs across the United States.{{sfn|Gulla|2009|p=102}} An incident occurred when part of Metallica's gear was stolen in [[Boston]], and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]] lent Metallica some of its equipment to complete the remaining dates. When not gigging, the band stayed in a rented house in [[El Cerrito, California]], called the Metallica Mansion.<ref name="Wiederhorn">{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=32 Years Ago: Metallica Release 'Ride the Lightning'|url=http://loudwire.com/metallica-ride-the-lightning-album-anniversary/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2016|archive-date=July 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731215512/http://loudwire.com/metallica-ride-the-lightning-album-anniversary/|url-status=live}}</ref> Frontman [[James Hetfield]] felt uneasy about performing double duty on vocals and rhythm guitar, so the band offered the job to [[Armored Saint]] singer [[John Bush (musician)|John Bush]], who turned down the offer because Armored Saint was doing well at the time.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Hetfield gradually built confidence as lead vocalist and kept his original role. Metallica started recording on February 20, 1984, at [[Sweet Silence Studios]] in Copenhagen, Denmark. The album was co-produced by [[Flemming Rasmussen]], the founder of Sweet Silence Studios. Drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] chose Rasmussen because he liked his work on [[Rainbow (rock band)|Rainbow]]'s ''[[Difficult to Cure]]'' (1981) and was keen to record in Europe.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 5: Fight Fire with Fire}} Rasmussen, who had not heard of Metallica, agreed to work on the album, even though his studio employees questioned the band's talent. Rasmussen listened to Metallica's tapes before the members arrived and thought the band had great potential.{{sfn|Dome|Wall|2011|loc=Chapter 2: Ride the Lightning}} Metallica rehearsed the album's material at [[Mercyful Fate]]'s practice room in Copenhagen.{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}}

[[File:Roseland-front.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Outdoor picture of a concert venue|Metallica appeared second and played ten songs at the sold-out show at New York City's [[Roseland Ballroom]] on August 3, 1984.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 5: Fight Fire with Fire}}]]
Before entering the studio, Metallica collected ideas on "riff tape" recordings of various jam sessions. Hetfield and Ulrich went through the tapes and selected the strongest riffs to assemble into songs. Together, they record the basic tracks live - only rhythm guitar and drums - with [[Kirk Hammett]] and [[Cliff Burton]] adding their parts later.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brown |first=Jake |url=http://archive.org/details/behindboardsmaki0000brow |title=Behind the boards : the making of rock 'n' roll's greatest records revealed |date=2012 |publisher=Milwaukee, WI : Hal Leonard Books |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-1-4584-1972-9 |pages=120-123}}</ref> Rasmussen, with the support of drum [[roadie]] Flemming Larsen, taught the basics of [[timing (music)|timing]] and beat duration to Ulrich, who had a tendency to increase speed and had little knowledge of rhythm theory.<ref name="Wiederhorn"/> Drums were recorded in an empty warehouse at the back of the studio, which was not soundproof, and caused [[reverberation]].{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}} Although four tracks were already arranged, the band members were not used to creating songs in the studio, as they had not done so for ''Kill 'Em All''.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=41}} "[[For Whom the Bell Tolls (Metallica song)|For Whom the Bell Tolls]]", "Trapped Under Ice", and "Escape" were written mostly in Copenhagen, and the band put finishing touches on "Fight Fire with Fire", "Ride the Lightning", "[[Creeping Death]]", and "The Call of Ktulu", which had already been performed live.<ref name="Wiederhorn"/>

Lead guitarist [[Kirk Hammett]] took the album's name from a passage in [[Stephen King]]'s novel ''[[The Stand]]''.<ref name=RS30>{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Fighting Fire With Fire: Metallica Look Back on 'Ride the Lightning'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/fighting-fire-with-fire-metallica-look-back-on-ride-the-lightning-20140728|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=July 28, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729081954/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/fighting-fire-with-fire-metallica-look-back-on-ride-the-lightning-20140728|url-status=live}}</ref> The cover art, displaying an electric chair in the midst of lightning bolts, was conceived before recording began.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=40}} Metallica initially had difficulty recording because gear was stolen three weeks before the band arrived in Copenhagen.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=42}} The band members slept in the studio by day as they could not afford a hotel and recorded by night, because the studio was booked by other artists during the daytime. Because the group was looking for a major label deal, several [[artists and repertoire|A&R]] representatives from different labels visited the studio. At first, it seemed that Metallica was going to sign with [[Bronze Records]], but the deal was canceled, because Bronze executive [[Gerry Bron]] did not appreciate the work done at Sweet Silence Studios, and wanted the US edition to be remixed by engineer [[Eddie Kramer]], and even considered re-recording the album in another studio. Metallica was put off by Bron's failure to share the band's artistic vision and decided to look for another label for the US release, though Bronze had already advertised Metallica as one of its bands.{{sfn|Dome|Wall|2011|loc=Chapter 2: Ride the Lightning}}

Metallica had to record quickly because of European shows scheduled 29 days after entering the studio. Recording finished on March 14, and Megaforce released the album on July 27.{{sfn|Gulla|2009|p=103}} Although the original album budget was $20,000, the final expense was above {{US$|30000|1983}}.{{sfn|Dome|Wall|2011|loc=Chapter 2: Ride the Lightning}} Metallica's European label [[Music for Nations]] paid the studio costs because Megaforce owner [[Jon Zazula]] could not afford them.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 5: Fight Fire with Fire}} Metallica was unhappy with the lack of promotion by Megaforce, and decided to part ways with Zazula. Major label [[Elektra Records]] A&R executive Michael Alago noticed Metallica at The Stone gig in San Francisco, and invited Elektra's chairman and the head of promotion to see the August show in New York. The performance at [[Roseland Ballroom]], with Anthrax and Metallica opening for [[Raven (British band)|Raven]], pleased the Elektra staff, and the band was offered a contract the following morning.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=52}} On September 12, Metallica signed with Elektra, which re-released the album on November 19. [[Cliff Burnstein]] and [[Peter Mensch]] of [[Q Prime]] were concurrently appointed as the band's new managers.{{sfn|Gulla|2009|p=103}} ''Ride the Lightning'' is the last Metallica album to feature co-writing contributions from former lead guitarist [[Dave Mustaine]], who received credit on the title track and "The Call of Ktulu". The album also represented the first time Hammett was given writing credits.<ref name="booklet"/>

==Music and lyrics==
Music writers opine that ''Ride the Lightning'' exhibits greater musical maturity, with sonically broader songs than ''Kill 'Em All'', which was noted for its one-dimensional sound. This development is partially because of bassist [[Cliff Burton]]'s knowledge of music theory. He showed Hetfield how to augment core notes with complementary counter-melodies and how basic guitar harmony works, which reflected on the song compositions.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=109}} Hetfield developed more socially aware lyrics, as well as ominous and semi-philosophical references.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=117}} Ulrich explained that Metallica opted not to rely strictly on fast tempos as on the previous album, but to explore other musical approaches that sounded powerful and heavy.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=45}} ''Grinder'' magazine's Kevin Fisher summarized the album as "ultimate thrash, destruction and total blur" that reminded him of the speed and power of ''Kill 'Em All''.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=46}} Music journalist [[Martin Popoff]] observed that ''Ride the Lightning'' offered "sophistication and brutality in equal measure" and was seen as something new at the time of its release.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=47}} Discussing the album's lyrical content, philosopher [[William Irwin (philosopher)|William Irwin]] wrote: "After ''Kill 'Em All'', the rebellion and aggression became much more focused as the enemy became more clearly defined. Metallica was deeply concerned about various domains in which the common man was wrongfully yet ingeniously deceived. More precisely, they were highly critical of those in power".{{sfn|Irwin|2009|pp=49, 50}}

{{Listen
|filename=Ride The Lightning.ogg
|title="Ride the Lightning"
|description=The title track's sound has a foreboding mood suiting the morbid lyrics. Hetfield recorded his guitar parts relatively fast and overlaid them with two more takes played live, instead of [[overdubbing]] them.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 5: Fight Fire with Fire}}
|pos=right
|format=[[Ogg]]}}

The major-key acoustic introduction to "Fight Fire with Fire" displays Metallica's evolution towards a more harmonically complex style of songwriting. The fastest Metallica song in terms of picking speed, it is driven by nimbly [[tremolo picking|tremolo-picked]] riffs in the verses and chorus. The extended solo at the end dissolves in a sound effect of a vast nuclear explosion.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=118}} The main riff was taped during the [[Kill 'Em All Tour]] and the acoustic intro was something Burton was playing on acoustic guitar at the time.<ref name="Hammer">{{cite web|last=Everley|first=Dave|title=Metallica: How We Made Ride The Lightning|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-05-19/metallica-how-we-made-ride-the-lightning|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=May 19, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2016|archive-date=August 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815015112/http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-05-19/metallica-how-we-made-ride-the-lightning|url-status=live}}</ref> The lyrical themes focused on nuclear annihilation, and specifically critiques the doctrine of [[Mutual Assured Destruction]].{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=47}}

"Ride the Lightning" is Metallica's first song to have emphasized the misery of the criminal justice system. The lyrics are in the perspective of a death row inmate anticipating execution by the electric chair. The song, one of the two album tracks that credits Mustaine, begins in a mid-tempo which gradually accelerates as the song progresses.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=118}} One of the riffs, originally composed by Mustaine, was simplified. It features an instrumental middle section highlighted by Hammett's soloing.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=47}} According to Hetfield, the song is not a criticism of capital punishment, but a tale of a man sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, as in the opening lyrics: "Guilty as charged/But damn it/It ain't right".{{sfn|Irwin|2009|p=129}}
{{clear}}
{{Listen
|filename=Metallica - Fade to Black (song).ogg
|title="Fade to Black"
|description="Fade to Black" has a similar structure to [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]]'s "[[Free Bird]]". The use of acoustic guitars and clean vocals alienated some of Metallica's fanbase at the time.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 5: Fight Fire with Fire}}
|pos=right
|format=[[Ogg]]}}

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" begins with a bell tolling, followed by a marching riff and high-register bass melody. The chromatic introduction, which Burton wrote before he joined Metallica, is often mistaken for an electric guitar but is actually Burton's bass guitar augmented with [[distortion (music)|distortion]] and a [[wah-wah pedal]]. The lyrics were inspired by [[Ernest Hemingway]]'s 1940 [[For Whom the Bell Tolls|novel of the same name]], which explores the horror and dishonor of modern warfare.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=119}} "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was released as a promotional single in two versions, an edit on side A and the album version on side B.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

"[[Fade to Black (Metallica song)|Fade to Black]]" is a [[power ballad]] with lyrics about suicide. Hetfield wrote the words because he felt powerless after the band's equipment was stolen before the January 1984 show in Boston.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 5: Fight Fire with Fire}} Musically, the song begins with an acoustic guitar introduction overlaid with electric soloing. The song becomes progressively heavier and faster, ending with multi-layered guitar solos.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=120}} The ballad's [[arpeggio|arpeggiated chords]] and reserved singing was incongruous for thrash metal bands at the time and disappointed some of Metallica's fans. The song's structure foreshadows later Metallica ballads, "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", "[[One (Metallica song)|One]]", and "[[The Day That Never Comes]]".{{sfn|Pillsbury|2013|p=34}} "Fade to Black" was released as a promotional single in 1984, in [[phosphorescence|phosphorescent]] green.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=184}}

"Trapped Under Ice" is about a person who wakes from a cryonic state. Realizing there is nowhere to go, and no-one will come to the rescue, the person helplessly awaits impending doom. The song is built on a fast-picked galloping riff, reminiscent of the album's opener.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=120}} It was inspired by a track Hammett's former band [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] had demoed called "Impaler", which was later released on that band's 2004 album ''[[Tempo of the Damned]]''.<ref name="Guitar World">{{cite journal|first=Brad|last=Angle|title=High Voltage|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/metallicas-kirk-hammett-talks-ride-lightning-cliff-burton-and-benefits-taking-guitar-lessons-joe-satriani|journal=[[Guitar World]]|page=54|date=August 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=April 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411111246/http://www.guitarworld.com/metallicas-kirk-hammett-talks-ride-lightning-cliff-burton-and-benefits-taking-guitar-lessons-joe-satriani|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{anchor|escape|Escape}}"Escape" was originally titled "The Hammer" and was intended to be released as a single due to its lighter riffs and conventional song structure. The intro features a counterpoint bass melody and a chugging guitar riff that resolves into a standard [[Downpicking|down-picked]] riff.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=121}} "Escape" is Hetfield's most disliked Metallica song, due to it being the result of the record company forcing Metallica to write something more radio friendly. Book authors [[Mick Wall]] and [[Malcolm Dome]] said the song was influenced by the [[album-oriented rock]] of 1970s bands such as [[Journey (band)|Journey]] and [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]], but fans perceived it as an attempt for airplay on rock radio.{{sfn|Dome|Wall|2011|loc=Chapter 2: Ride the Lightning}} Metallica has so far performed "Escape" live only once, at the 2012 [[Orion Music&nbsp;+ More]] festival, while performing ''Ride the Lightning'' in its entirety.<ref>{{cite news|title=Metallica Performs 'Escape' Live For First Time Ever; Pro-Shot Footage Available|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-performs-escape-live-for-first-time-ever-pro-shot-footage-available/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 24, 2012|access-date=September 11, 2015|archive-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914232656/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-performs-escape-live-for-first-time-ever-pro-shot-footage-available|url-status=live}}</ref>

"Creeping Death" describes the [[Plagues of Egypt#10. Death of firstborn (מַכַּת בְּכוֹרוֹת): Ex. 11:1–12:36|Plague of the Death of the Firstborn]] ([[Book of Exodus|Exodus]] 12:29). The lyrics deal with the ten plagues visited on [[Ancient Egypt]]; four of them are mentioned throughout the song, as well as the [[Passover]].{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=121}} The title was inspired by a scene from ''[[The Ten Commandments (1956 film)|The Ten Commandments]]'' while the band was watching the movie at Burton's house.<ref name="Hammer"/> The bridge, with its chant "Die, by my hand!", was originally written by Hammett for the song "Die by His Hand" while he was playing in Exodus, who recorded it as a demo but did not feature it on an album. Journalist [[Joel McIver]] called the song a "[[moshpit]] anthem" due to its epic lyrical themes and dramatic atmosphere.{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}} "Creeping Death" was released as a single with a B-side titled ''Garage Days Revisited'' made up of covers of [[Diamond Head (English band)|Diamond Head]]'s "[[Am I Evil?]]" and [[Blitzkrieg (metal band)|Blitzkrieg]]'s "Blitzkrieg".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/releases/creeping-death.asp|title=Creeping Death|publisher=Metallica.com|access-date=June 28, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623023149/http://www.metallica.com/releases/creeping-death.asp|archive-date=June 23, 2012}}</ref>

"The Call of Ktulu", tentatively titled "When Hell Freezes Over", was inspired by [[H.&nbsp;P. Lovecraft]]'s book ''[[The Shadow over Innsmouth]]'', which was introduced to the rest of the band by Burton.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=122}} The title was taken from one of Lovecraft's key stories featuring Cthulhu, ''[[The Call of Cthulhu]]'', although the original name was modified to "Ktulu" for easier pronunciation. The track begins with a D minor chord progression in the intro, written by Mustaine (Mustaine later re-used the chord structure on Megadeth's track "[[Hangar 18 (song)|Hangar 18]]") followed by a two-minute bass solo over a rhythmic riff pattern.{{sfn|McIver|2009|p=122}} Conductor [[Michael Kamen]] rearranged the piece for Metallica's 1999 ''[[S&M (Metallica album)|S&M]]'' project and won a [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|title=Past Winners Search – Metallica|url=https://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=metallica&title=&year=All&genre=All|publisher=[[National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences]]|access-date=August 12, 2012|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719073104/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=metallica&title=&year=All&genre=All|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
{{Music ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="AM">{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/ride-the-lightning-mw0000190995|title=Ride the Lightning – Metallica|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507114147/https://www.allmusic.com/album/ride-the-lightning-mw0000190995|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''
|rev2Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="Kot">{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|author-link=Greg Kot|date=December 1, 1991|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/12/01/a-guide-to-metallicas-recordings/|title=A Guide to Metallica's Recordings|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927224542/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-01/entertainment/9104180330_1_star-cliff-burton-classic-status|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev3 =''[[Martin Popoff|Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal]]''
|rev3Score = 10/10{{sfn|Popoff|2005|pp=222–223}}
|rev4 = ''[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]''
|rev4Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{sfn|Larkin|2006|p=725}}
|rev5 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
|rev5Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Mongredien|first=Phil|title=Metallica: Kill 'Em All; Ride the Lightning review – metal giants' early years revisited|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/17/metallica-kill-em-all-ride-the-lightning-review-metal-giants-early-years-revisited|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 17, 2016|access-date=April 17, 2016|archive-date=April 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417162326/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/17/metallica-kill-em-all-ride-the-lightning-review-metal-giants-early-years-revisited|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
|rev6Score = 10/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Reyes-Kulkarni|first=Saby|title=Metallica – Ride the Lightning|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21755-kill-em-allride-the-lightning/|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=April 13, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415121851/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21755-kill-em-allride-the-lightning/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev7 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
|rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="CD Universe">{{cite web|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8982163&style=music&fulldesc=T|title=Metallica – Ride the Lightning CD Album Japan|publisher=[[CD Universe]]. [[Muze]]|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701034555/http://www.cduniverse.com/favicon.ico|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev8 = ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]''
|rev8score = 10/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Kühnemund|first=Götz|title=Metallica – Ride the Lightning|url=http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=5730|work=[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]|language=de|access-date=August 11, 2016|archive-date=November 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130063707/http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=5730|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev9 = ''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]''
|rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{sfn|Kemp|2004|p=538}}
|rev10 = ''Sputnikmusic''
|rev10score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="sputnik">{{cite web|first=Channing|last=Freeman|url=http://sputnikmusic.com/review/45717/Metallica-Ride-the-Lightning/|title=Ride The Lightning – Metallica|website=Sputnikmusic|date=September 23, 2011|access-date=February 28, 2012}}</ref>
}}

''Ride the Lightning'' received widespread acclaim from music critics. According to [[Q (magazine)|''Q'']] magazine, the album confirmed Metallica's status as the leading heavy metal band of the modern era. The magazine credited the group for redefining the norms of thrash metal with "Fade to Black", the genre's first power ballad.<ref name="CD Universe"/> British rock magazine ''[[Kerrang!]]'' stated that the album's maturity and musical intelligence helped Metallica expand heavy metal's boundaries.<ref name="CD Universe"/> [[Greg Kot]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' described ''Ride the Lightning'' as a more refined extension of the group's debut.<ref name="Kot"/> In a retrospective review, Sputnikmusic's Channing Freeman named it as one of the few albums that can be charming and powerful at the same time. He praised Hetfield's vocal performance and concluded that Metallica was "firing on all cylinders".<ref name="sputnik"/> [[AllMusic]]'s Steve Huey saw the album as a more ambitious and remarkable effort than ''Kill 'Em All''. He called ''Ride the Lightning'' an "all-time metal classic" because of the band's rich musical imagination and lyrics that avoided heavy metal cliches.<ref name="AM"/>

''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]'' viewed the album as a great step forward for the band and as an album that established the concept for Metallica's following two records.{{sfn|Kemp|2004|p=538}} [[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]], writing in the ''[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]'', singled out "For Whom the Bell Tolls" as an example of Metallica's growing music potential.{{sfn|Larkin|2006|p=725}} Popoff regards ''Ride the Lightning'' as an album where "[[extreme metal]] became art".{{sfn|Popoff|2004|p=12}} "This literally was the first album since ([[Judas Priest]]'s 1976) ''[[Sad Wings of Destiny]]'' where the rulebook has changed. This was a new kind of heaviness; the soft, billowy but explosive production was amazing, the speed was superhuman", stated Popoff.{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}} Reviewing the 2016 reissue, Jason Anderson of ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]'' considers ''Ride the Lightning'' the second best Metallica album which set the pace for metal in the years to come.<ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jason|title=Metallica – Kill Em All/Ride The Lightning|url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/album/metallica-kill-em-allride-lightning|work=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2016|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822032941/http://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/album/metallica-kill-em-allride-lightning|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Megaforce initially pressed 75,000 copies of the album for the US market, while Music for Nations serviced the European market.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=50}} By late 1984, 85,000 copies of ''Ride the Lightning'' had been sold in Europe, resulting in Metallica's first cover story for ''Kerrang!'' in its December issue.{{sfn|Winwood|Brannigan|2013|loc=Chapter 6: Creeping Death}} After signing Metallica, Elektra released the single "Creeping Death" in a sleeve depicting a bridge and a skull painted grey and green. The album peaked at number 100 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with no radio exposure.{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}} ''Ride the Lightning'' went gold by November 1987 and in 2012 was certified [[RIAA certification|6× platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for six million copies shipped in the US.{{sfn|Popoff|2013|p=55}}

The album, along with ''Kill 'Em All'', was reissued in 2016 as a boxed set including demos and live recordings.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Metallica Detail Deluxe 'Kill 'Em All,' 'Ride the Lightning' Reissues|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-detail-deluxe-kill-em-all-ride-the-lightning-reissues-20160217|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=February 17, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817023836/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-detail-deluxe-kill-em-all-ride-the-lightning-reissues-20160217|url-status=live}}</ref> Many rock publications have ranked ''Ride the Lightning'' on their best album lists. The album placed fifth on [[IGN Music]]'s "Top 25 Metal Albums" list.<ref>{{cite web|author=Spence D. and Ed T.|title=IGN: Music – Top 25 Metal Albums|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/20/top-25-metal-albums?page=6|website=[[IGN]]|date=July 7, 2010|access-date=November 13, 2010|archive-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111154300/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/20/top-25-metal-albums?page=6|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' listed it as a thrash metal essential, declaring it "the thrashiest thrash ever".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Gross|first=Joe|title=Thrash Metal Essentials|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gSPOtHSH08C&q=ride+the+lightning+spin+metallica&pg=PA104|journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=July 2007|page=104|access-date=January 17, 2016}}</ref> According to ''[[Guitar World]]'', ''Ride the Lightning'' "didn't just change the band's trajectory—it reset the course of metal itself".<ref name="Guitar World"/> Corey Deiterman of the ''[[Houston Press]]'' considers ''Ride the Lightning'' the most influential Metallica album, saying it had a lasting impact on genres such as [[crossover thrash]] and [[hardcore punk]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Deiterman|first=Corey|title=Why Ride The Lightning Is Metallica's Most Influential Album|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/why-ride-the-lightning-is-metallicas-most-influential-album-6778097|work=[[Houston Press]]|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=January 18, 2016|archive-date=February 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202143027/http://www.houstonpress.com/music/why-ride-the-lightning-is-metallicas-most-influential-album-6778097|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, it was ranked 11th on ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'s}} list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Beaujour|first1=Tom|title=100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/anthrax-among-the-living-1987-w486946|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|access-date=June 22, 2017|date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624025337/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/anthrax-among-the-living-1987-w486946|url-status=dead}}</ref> In a 1991 interview, [[Jason Newsted]] stated that ''Ride the Lightning'' was next to ''[[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]'', "the best album ever".<ref>{{cite news|last=Featherstone|first=Falth|title=Metallica|url=https://archive.org/details/thecharleton21carl/page/408/mode/2up|work=[[The Charlatan (student newspaper)|The Charlatan]]|date=November 14, 1991|access-date=September 4, 2021}}</ref>

==Touring==
[[File:James Hetfield Madrid 2009.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Two guitarists dressed in black and a drummer performing on stage|Metallica (pictured in 2009) began using [[Ennio Morricone]]'s "[[The Ecstasy of Gold]]" as its concert introduction music in 1984.{{sfn|Dome|Wall|2011|loc=Chapter 2: Ride the Lightning}}]]

After recording was completed, Music for Nations founder Martin Hooker wanted to arrange a triple-bill UK tour in March / April 1984 with [[Exciter (band)|Exciter]], Metallica, and [[the Rods]]. The Hell on Earth Tour never materialized because of poor ticket sales.{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}} To promote ''Ride the Lightning'', Metallica commenced the Bang That Head That Doesn't Bang European tour on November 16, in [[Rouen]], France, with English [[new wave of British heavy metal|new wave]] band [[Tank (band)|Tank]] as support. The tour continued with dates in Belgium, Italy, Germany, and the Nordic countries to an average crowd of 1,300. After a Christmas break, the group embarked on a 50-date North American tour, first as a co-headlining act with [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] and then as headliners with Armored Saint supporting.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Brannigan|first=Paul|title=Metallica: Garage Daze|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-02-04/metallica-garage-daze|journal=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=February 4, 2015|issue=267|pages=40–41|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222171515/http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-02-04/metallica-garage-daze|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The American leg ended in March 1985, and the band spent the following months working on the next album, ''[[Master of Puppets]]'', whose recording sessions were scheduled to begin in September. Metallica performed at the [[Monsters of Rock]] festival held at [[Castle Donington]] in England on August 17 in front of 70,000 fans. The band was placed between [[Ratt (band)|Ratt]] and [[Bon Jovi]], two [[glam metal]] groups whose sound and appearance were much unlike Metallica's. At the start of the set, Hetfield pronounced to the audience: "If you came here to see spandex, eye make-up, and the words 'oh baby' in every fuckin' song, this ain't the fuckin' band!" Two weeks later, Metallica appeared on the [[Day on the Green]] festival in [[Oakland, California]], before 90,000 people. The last show Metallica played before recording began was the [[Loreley]] Metal Hammer Festival in Germany, headlined by [[Venom (band)|Venom]].{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 11: 1984–1985}} "Disposable Heroes" from the upcoming album was performed live for the first time at this festival. Metallica finished 1985 with a show at the [[Sacramento Memorial Auditorium]] on December 29 opening for [[Y&T]], and a New Year's Eve concert at the [[Bill Graham Civic Auditorium|Civic Auditorium]] in San Francisco on a bill with [[Metal Church]], [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], and [[Megadeth]], the first time Metallica and Megadeth shared a stage. At this gig, Metallica premiered "[[Master of Puppets (song)|Master of Puppets]]" from the then-upcoming third album.{{sfn|McIver|2014|loc=Chapter 13: 1986}}

==Track listing==
===Original release===
The bonus tracks on the digital re-release were recorded live at the [[Seattle Coliseum]], [[Seattle]], Washington, on August 29 and 30, 1989, and later appeared on the live album ''[[Live Shit: Binge & Purge]]'' (1993).

{{Track listing
| headline = Side one
| title1 = Fight Fire with Fire
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[James Hetfield]]|[[Lars Ulrich]]|[[Cliff Burton]]}}
| length1 = 4:44
| title2 = Ride the Lightning
| writer2 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton|[[Dave Mustaine]]}}
| length2 = 6:37
| title3 = [[For Whom the Bell Tolls (Metallica song)|For Whom the Bell Tolls]]
| writer3 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton}}
| length3 = 5:11
| title4 = [[Fade to Black (Metallica song)|Fade to Black]]
| writer4 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton|[[Kirk Hammett]]}}
| length4 = 6:55
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Side two
| title5 = Trapped Under Ice
| writer5 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length5 = 4:04
| title6 = Escape
| writer6 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Hammett}}
| length6 = 4:24
| title7 = [[Creeping Death]]
| writer7 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton|Hammett}}
| length7 = 6:36
| title8 = The Call of Ktulu
| note8 = instrumental
| writer8 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton|Mustaine}}
| length8 = 8:55
| total_length = 47:26
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Bonus tracks (digital reissue)<ref>{{cite web|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|title=Metallica Put Catalog On iTunes — Quietly|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1537125/metallica-put-catalog-on-itunes-quietly/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819104008/http://www.mtv.com/news/1537125/metallica-put-catalog-on-itunes-quietly/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 19, 2014|publisher=[[MTV]]|date=July 26, 2006|access-date=April 11, 2012}}</ref>
| title9 = For Whom the Bell Tolls
| note9 = live
| writer9 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton}}
| length9 = 5:35
| title10 = Creeping Death
| note10 = live
| writer10 = {{hlist|Hetfield|Ulrich|Burton|Hammett}}
| length10 = 8:12
| total_length = 61:15
}}

===2016 deluxe box set===
In 2016, the album was remastered and reissued in a limited-edition deluxe box set with an expanded track listing and bonus content. The deluxe edition set includes the original album on vinyl and CD, with an additional vinyl record containing a live show recorded in Los Angeles, a [[picture disc]] containing the "[[Creeping Death]]" single tracklist, six CDs of live recordings, interviews, rough mixes, and demos recorded from 1984 to 1985, and one DVD of live shows and interviews with the band.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ride the Lightning – Remastered Deluxe Box Set |url=https://www.metallica.com/ride-the-lightning/ride-the-lightning---remastered-deluxe-box-set/THRJWE39.html |website=Metallica.com |publisher=Metallica, Blackened Recordings |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206155713/https://www.metallica.com/ride-the-lightning/ride-the-lightning---remastered-deluxe-box-set/THRJWE39.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Personnel==
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes,<ref name="booklet">{{cite AV media notes|title=Ride the Lightning|type=CD liner notes|others=[[Metallica]]|year=1984|publisher=[[Megaforce Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Ride the Lightning|type=LP liner notes|others=[[Metallica]]|year=1984|publisher=[[Music for Nations]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metallica.com/releases/albums/4210/ride-the-lightning|title=Ride The Lightning|publisher=Metallica.com|access-date=June 28, 2012|archive-date=October 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031142607/http://metallica.com/releases/albums/4210/ride-the-lightning|url-status=live}}</ref> except where noted.

'''Metallica'''
* [[James Hetfield]] – vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar on "Fight Fire with Fire" and "Fade to Black"
* [[Lars Ulrich]] – drums, backing vocals on "Ride the Lightning" and "Creeping Death",<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-only-metallica-song-to-feature-lars-ulrich-on-vocals/ |title= The only Metallica song to feature Lars Ulrich on vocals |website= Far Out Magazine |date=25 August 2023}}</ref><ref name=RS30/> anvil on "For Whom the Bell Tolls"<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/metallicas-ride-lightning-8-things-you-didnt-know-track-track | title=Metallica's 'Ride the Lightning': 8 Things You Didn't Know, Track by Track | date=July 27, 2018 }}</ref>
* [[Cliff Burton]] – bass, backing vocals on "Creeping Death"{{efn|name=fn1|Producer [[Flemming Rasmussen]] posits that either [[Cliff Burton]] or [[Kirk Hammett]] was mouthing the "Die" chants and not actually singing.<ref name=RS30 />}}
* [[Kirk Hammett]] – lead guitar, backing vocals on "Creeping Death"{{efn|name=fn1}}

'''Production'''
* Metallica – production
* [[Flemming Rasmussen]] – production assistant, engineering
* [[Mark Whitaker (record producer)|Mark Whitaker]] – production assistant, concert sound engineer, live production manager
* [[Tom Coyne (music engineer)|Tom Coyne]] – mastering on Megaforce release
* Tim Young – mastering on Music for Nations release
* [[Bob Ludwig]] – mastering on Elektra release
* [[George Marino]] – 1995 remastering
* [[Howie Weinberg]] – 2016 remastering

'''Packaging'''
* Metallica – cover concept
* AD Artists – cover design
* Fin Costello, Anthony D. Somella, Robert Hoetink – inner sleeve photos
* Pete Cronin, Rick Brackett, Harold Oimen – back cover photos

'''Digital re-release bonus tracks'''
* [[Jason Newsted]] – bass, backing vocals
* Mike Gillies – mixing

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1984–2023)
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
|-
!scope="row"|Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name="Hung Medien">{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Metallica&titel=Ride+The+Lightning&cat=a|title=Metallica – Ride the Lightning|publisher=Hung Medien|language=de|access-date=May 30, 2015|archive-date=August 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818025633/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Metallica&titel=Ride+The+Lightning&cat=a|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|38
|-
{{album chart|Austria|49|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=December 13, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|116|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=November 22, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|145|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=November 22, 2021}}
|-
!scope="row"|Canadian Metal Albums ([[Nielsen Soundscan]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jamshowbiz.com:80/JamMusicCharts/METAL.html|title=METAL : Top 50 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801115029/http://jamshowbiz.com:80/JamMusicCharts/METAL.html | archive-date=2003-08-01 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|align="center"|33
|-
!scope="row"|[[Album Top 100|Dutch Albums]] ([[Dutch Charts|Album Top 100]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|20
|-
!scope="row"|Finnish Albums ([[The Official Finnish Charts|Suomen virallinen lista]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|9
|-
!scope="row"|French Albums ([[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|SNEP]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|126
|-
{{album chart|Germany|21|id=5985|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=December 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|39|year=2010|week=19|rowheader=true|access-date=November 24, 2021}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Irish Albums Chart|Irish Albums]] ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Metallica|title=Discography Metallica|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005184905/http://www.irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Metallica|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|55
|-
!scope="row"|Italian Albums ([[Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana|FIMI]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|66
|-
!scope="row"|[[Oricon Albums Chart|Japanese Albums]] ([[Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/168605/products/880889/1/|title=ライド・ザ・ライトニング {{!}} メタリカ|trans-title=Ride The Lightning {{!}} Metallica|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123032326/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/168605/products/880889/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|99
|-
!scope="row"|New Zealand Albums ([[Official New Zealand Music Chart|RMNZ]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|32
|-
!scope="row"|Norwegian Albums ([[VG-lista]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|40
|-
{{album chart|Poland|4|id=1328|rowheader=true|access-date=November 12, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|35|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=November 22, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|Spain|36|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=November 22, 2021}}
|-
!scope="row"|Swedish Albums ([[Sverigetopplistan]])<ref name="Hung Medien"/>
|align="center"|31
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|35|artist=Metallica|album=Ride The Lightning|rowheader=true|access-date=December 10, 2023}}
|-
! scope="row" |[[UK Albums Chart|UK Albums]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>{{cite web|title=Metallica UK Chart History|date=August 22, 1987|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/24423/metallica/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=May 30, 2015|archive-date=July 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723042551/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/24423/metallica/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|87
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=metallica|chart=Billboard 200}} |title=Metallica&nbsp;– Chart history |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6GWtUSMdI?url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310639/Metallica/chart?f%3D305%26sort%3Dtimeon |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|align="center"|48
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRock|10|artist=Metallica|rowheader=true|access-date=February 9, 2021}}
|}

{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! Chart (2020)
! Position
|-
! scope="row"| Polish Albums (ZPAV)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/aktualnosci.php?idaktualnosci=1912|title=Najpopularniejsze single radiowe i najlepiej sprzedające się płyty 2020 roku|publisher=[[Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry]]|language=pl|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131165041/http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/aktualnosci.php?idaktualnosci=1912|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 53
|-
! Chart (2021)
! Position
|-
! scope="row"| Polish Albums (ZPAV)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/aktualnosci.php?idaktualnosci=2008|title=sanah podbija sprzedaż fizyczną w Polsce|publisher=[[Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry]]|language=pl|access-date=February 1, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201145112/http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/aktualnosci.php?idaktualnosci=2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 59
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1984|certyear=2024|access-date=8 March 2024|refname="ARIA"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|title=Ride the Lightning|artist=Metallica|award=Platinum|certyear=1994|relyear=1984|access-date=August 17, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=album|title=Ride the Lightning|artist=Metallica|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2017|relyear=1984|access-date=September 27, 2017}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Metallica|title=Ride the Lightning|relyear=1984|certyear=2019|type=album|award=Platinum|access-date=May 25, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Metallica|title=Ride the Lightning|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=1984|certyear=2021|access-date=April 6, 2021|id=8283|note=sales since 2009}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Metallica|title=Ride the Lightning|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=1984|certyear=2021|access-date=July 29, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|title=Ride the Lightning|artist=Metallica|award=Platinum|certyear=2023|relyear=1984|access-date=December 15, 2023|id=5525-2158-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Ride the Lightning|artist=Metallica|type=album|award=Platinum|number=7|certyear=2025|relyear=1984|access-date=March 28, 2014|salesamount=7,000,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Simon|date=March 9, 2023|title=Here are the astonishing US sales stats for every Metallica album|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-album-sales-us|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311130902/https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-album-sales-us |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |access-date=March 12, 2023|website=[[Metal Hammer]]}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true | streaming=true}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Dome|Wall|2011}}|author1-last=Dome|author1-first=Malcolm|author1-link=Malcolm Dome|author2-last=Wall|author2-first=Mick|author2-link=Mick Wall|year=2013|title=Metallica: The Music and the Mayhem|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|isbn=978-0-85712-721-1}}
* {{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Gulla|2009}}|last=Gulla|first=Bob|author-link=Bob Gulla|year=2013|title=Guitar Gods: The 25 Players who Made Rock History|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|isbn=978-0-313-35806-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Irwin|first=William|author-link=William Irwin (philosopher)|year=2009|title=Metallica and Philosophy: A Crash Course in Brain Surgery|publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]]|isbn=978-1-4051-6348-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Kemp|first=Rob|chapter=Metallica|editor1-last=Brackett|editor1-first=Nathan|editor2-last=Hoard|editor2-first=Christian David|year=2004|title=[[The New Rolling Stone Album Guide]]|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|isbn=0-7432-0169-8}}
* {{cite book|editor1-last=Larkin|editor1-first=Colin|editor1-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|year=2006|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|isbn=0-19-531373-9|edition=4th|volume=5}}
* {{cite book|last=McIver|first=Joel|author-link=Joel McIver|year=2009|title=To Live Is To Die: The Life and Death of Metallica's Cliff Burton|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|isbn=978-1-906002-24-4}}
* {{cite book|last=McIver|first=Joel|year=2014|title=Justice For All&nbsp;— The Truth About Metallica|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|isbn=978-1-78323-123-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Pillsbury|first=Glenn|year=2013|title=Damage Incorporated: Metallica and the Production of Musical Identity|publisher=[[Routledge]]|isbn=978-0-415-97374-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Popoff|first=Martin|author-link=Martin Popoff|year=2004|title=The Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums of All Time|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-55022-600-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Popoff|first=Martin|title=The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal: The Eighties|publisher=[[Collector's Guide Publishing]]|year=2005|volume=2|isbn=978-1-894959-31-5}}
* {{cite book|last=Popoff|first=Martin|year=2013|title=Metallica: The Complete Illustrated History|publisher=[[Voyageur Press]]|isbn=978-0-7603-4482-8}}
* {{cite book|author1-last=Prown|author1-first=Pete|author1-link=Pete Prown|author2-last=Newquist|author2-first=Harvey P.|year=1997|title=Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|isbn=0-7935-4042-9}}
* {{cite book|author1-last=Winwood|author1-first=Ian|author2-last=Brannigan|author2-first=Paul|year=2013|title=Birth School Metallica Death|volume=1|publisher=[[Faber & Faber]]|isbn=978-0-571-29416-9}}
{{refend}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==External links==
* {{Discogs master|type=album|6440|name=Ride the Lightning}}

{{Metallica}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ride The Lightning}}
[[Category:Metallica albums]]
[[Category:Megaforce Records albums]]
[[Category:1984 albums]]
[[Category:Elektra Records albums]]
[[Category:Vertigo Records albums]]
[[Category:Cthulhu Mythos music]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Flemming Rasmussen]]