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Master of Puppets

Master of Puppets is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on March 3, 1986, through Elektra Records.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Master of Puppets is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on March 3, 1986, through Elektra Records. Recorded in Copenhagen with producer Flemming Rasmussen, it is the band's final album with bassist Cliff Burton. Widely regarded as a landmark thrash metal release, the album was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2016.

Background and recording

The album was recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, with producer Flemming Rasmussen. It followed Metallica’s earlier studio albums and was created during the band’s transition to a major-label release.

Release and commercial performance

Master of Puppets was released on March 3, 1986, by Elektra Records. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and spent 72 weeks on the chart.

Critical reception and legacy

The album received widespread critical acclaim for its musicianship and lyrical themes. It is commonly regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time and as an influential thrash metal record. The album was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2016. The album is part of the global heavy metal canon and remains widely known to Canadian listeners through Metallica’s long touring presence and radio/streaming popularity in Canada.

Personnel

The lineup on the album included James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton, and Lars Ulrich. It was Burton’s final studio album with Metallica before his death later in 1986.

Key facts

  • It is Metallica’s third studio album and first released by a major label.
  • It was the last Metallica album to feature bassist Cliff Burton.
  • The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200.
  • It is widely cited as one of the most influential heavy metal albums and a key thrash metal release.
  • The album was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2016.
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Canadian context

The album is part of the global heavy metal canon and remains widely known to Canadian listeners through Metallica’s long touring presence and radio/streaming popularity in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Master of Puppets?
It is the third studio album by Metallica, released in 1986 and considered a landmark thrash metal record.
When was Master of Puppets released?
It was released on March 3, 1986.
Who produced Master of Puppets?
The album was produced by Flemming Rasmussen and Metallica.
Why is Master of Puppets important?
It is widely regarded as one of the most influential heavy metal albums and helped consolidate the American thrash metal scene.
Was this Cliff Burton’s last Metallica album?
Yes. It was the final Metallica studio album to feature bassist Cliff Burton.
Did Master of Puppets chart?
Yes. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Puppets
    Supports: Release date, album identity, recording location, chart peak, legacy, and Cliff Burton's final album with Metallica.
  2. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/MasterOfPuppets.pdf
    Supports: Album significance and National Recording Registry recognition.
  3. uDiscoverMusic — https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/metallica-master-of-puppets-album/
    Supports: Commercial performance, major-label release, charting, and certification history.
  4. BBC Music — https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/j59x/
    Supports: Critical reception and breakthrough status.