Vinyl records are mostly considered rare when copies are released as limited editions, are out of print, or are maintained and pressed in small quantities.
Examples of rare/sought after metal vinyl
Albums released by the band “Gammacide” are very rare and thus very sought after records. This heavy trash band has produced a very powerful and strong album. Their debut album released in 1989 called “Victims of Science” was a good example of classic thrash metal. It includes the songs “Endangered Species”, “Fossilized”, “Shock Treatment” and other classic songs composed by the band. Gammacide has not achieved the popularity it deserved, but they have released albums that moved many heavy metal fans’ souls.
Iron Maiden band is one of the most influential heavy metal groups in the 80’s. “Run to the Hills” album was released in 1982 which includes the single “Total Eclipse”. This is considered one of the best songs recorded by the band. The album was released 30 years ago and stocks are limited. The record is no longer manufactured and it is an out of print item. However, some companies stocked several out of print formats in limited edition. Rare international releases, such as the New Zealand pressing on the EMI label, can go for around $400-$600.
The band “August Redmoon”, renamed to “Eden”, who captured the heart of heavy metal fans, partly owing to Michael Henry;s great vocals, albums are pretty sought after. Their album “Fools are never alone” is now being sold at around $50 to $75 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=august+redmoon). Vinyl records signed by the band can be sold at a price range of $100 or more. August Redmoon’s album is quite expensive because it is a “hard to find record” in the market.
Another hard to find heavy metal vinyl record is “The Oath of Black Blood” by the Beherit. The band was formed in 1989 in Finland and released one full length album in 1993 called “Drawing Down the Moon”. The album is now considered rare because the label company has shut down quickly and has produced limited recordings.
Mercyful Fate has influenced bands that played black metal, trash and power metal music. Formed in Copenhagen Denmark in 1981, the band recorded their first vinyl record entitled “The Mercyful Fate EP” under a Dutch label called Rave On. They recorded their first album entitled “Melissa” in 1983 and followed it up with “Don’t Break the Oath” in 1984. Unfortunately, Mercyful Fate split up in 1985. Their song “Nuns Have No Fun” is the most sought after heavy metal record to this date. However, its initial pressing is sold out and the contents are repackaged.
Rare heavy metal records are usually acquired through bids or stock reservations. The internet has also given record hunters access to international marketplaces, such as gemm.com and musicstack.com. If you are looking for a hard to find heavy metal record, or the best price on vinyl, then try out www.vinylstall.com, a free online record price search tool.