Which band's debut album was titled 'Kill 'Em All'?

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Metallica’s debut album was titled Kill ’Em All.

Released on July 25, 1983, the album introduced Metallica’s fast, aggressive sound to a much wider audience and became a foundational release in thrash metal. It was recorded in May 1983 at Music America Studios in Rochester, New York, with producer Paul Curcio.

The lineup featured James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton and Kirk Hammett. Hammett had replaced Dave Mustaine shortly before recording began, while Burton had earlier replaced Ron McGovney on bass. Several songs, including “The Four Horsemen,” retained songwriting contributions from Mustaine’s time in the band.

The album was originally intended to be called Metal Up Your Ass, but the title was changed after distributors objected to its commercial prospects. Kill ’Em All produced influential tracks such as “Whiplash,” “Seek & Destroy” and “The Four Horsemen.”

Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth are also major thrash-metal bands, which makes them tempting alternatives, but none released this album. Metallica’s next studio album was Ride the Lightning in 1984.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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