What was Metallica's first studio album, released in 1983?

Kill 'Em All was Metallica's first studio album, released in 1983.

The album came out on July 25, 1983, through Megaforce Records in the United States and Music for Nations in Europe. It introduced Metallica's fast, aggressive take on heavy metal and helped establish the thrash-metal style alongside releases by Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

The lineup featured James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Cliff Burton. Hammett had replaced Dave Mustaine before recording, while Mustaine later founded Megadeth. The album includes “The Four Horsemen,” “Whiplash,” and “Seek & Destroy.”

The title was changed from the originally proposed “Metal Up Your Ass” after label concerns. A common error is calling Ride the Lightning Metallica's debut; it was the band's second studio album, released in 1984.