Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by Americanheavy metal bandMetallica. It was produced byFlemming Rasmussen inCopenhagen, Denmark, and released on July 27, 1984, by the independent record labelMegaforce Records. Rooted in thethrash metal genre, the album showcased bassistCliff Burton's songwriting and the band's musical growth and lyrical sophistication, with acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and complex harmonies. Music critics considered the album a more ambitious effort than its predecessor. In 1985 the band performed at major music festivals such asMonsters of Rock andDay on the Green. Two months after the album's release,Elektra Records reissued it and signed Metallica to a multi-year deal. It peaked at number 100 on theBillboard 200 with no radio exposure. It was certified6× platinum in 2012 for shipping six million copies in the United States. Many rock publications have rankedRide the Lightning on their best album lists. (Full article...)