Master of Puppets

Metallica’s Master of Puppets was released on March 3, 1986, through Elektra Records. Produced by Flemming Rasmussen, the album refined the band’s thrash-metal sound with complex compositions, powerful lyrics, and dynamic arrangements. Featuring tracks like "Battery," "Master of Puppets," "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)," and "Disposable Heroes," it became one of the most influential metal albums of all time. The cover art, created by Metallica and Peter Mensch with artwork by Metallica collaborator Metal Jeff, depicts a cemetery of white crosses, each attached to puppet strings, symbolizing control, manipulation, and loss of freedom.