Author: ThrashMetalIQ

We love all things thrash metal, death metal and rock!
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Why Trump’s Tariff Policies Will Make Metal Records & CD Unaffordable

Update 9/2/2025: Records, cassttes, and CDs are exepmt from new tariffs.
Read full post here.

Donald Trump was elected primarily on a platform to lower the cost of living, which increased during the Biden years. Instead of doing this, he turned to a bizarre trade war against the entire world. In contrast, some tariffs make sense in sectors where America’s getting the short end of the stick, such as in the auto industry. Blanket tariffs are a criminally stupid level of protectionism.

Not everything needs to be made in the United States, nor should it be. The point of global trade is that some countries do things better/cheaper than others, and in those cases, it makes sense to outsource the manufacturing. There will always be a trade deficit when America is the largest consumer.

How Tariffs Kill Underground Metal

Now, with physical music: Records, cassettes, and CDs. Anyone with even a basic understanding of the music business knows that record sales are no longer what they once were. thanks to streaming platforms like iTunes and Spotify. In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, when albums routinely went platinum, major labels often had regional pressing plants to distribute the records globally. Those days are long gone.

These days, a major label may only press 100,000 copies for even the biggest artist. However, when you delve into underground metal, the runs are much smaller. Many vinyl/CD pressings are initially limited to 1,000-2,500 copies. Some companies, such as Nuclear Blast and Candlelight, have both US pressings and EU pressings because their runs are larger. Every other label, such as Osmose Productions, Listenable Records, and Hammerheart, does not need to manufacture products anywhere except where they are closest.

The End Of The De Minimus Exemption

I buy from both American labels and European labels. For a period, you were able to circumvent the tariffs by ordering goods worth less than $800. Starting August 29th, 2025, the De Minimus exception is going away, and the justifications are ridiculous, see below:

“For decades, bad actors have taken advantage of America’s de minimis process by smuggling in deadly narcotics, harmful products, and other contraband in hidden products,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This loophole led to the death of thousands of Americans, fueled the opioid crisis, and harmed U.S. consumers. This decision to end de minimis will save American lives, increase revenue, and protect the American consumer and entrepreneur.”

The attempt to claim these tariffs will stop the flow of fentanyl is assinine. Fact is, it’s government greed, nothing less, nothing more. When you see right-wingers post about how Trump is sticking it to [insert country] with these tariffs. This is another place where people get it all wrong. Some faceless company does not pay these excessive tariffs in a foreign land. American business owners (who are the importers) pay them. I don’t care at all how much money the government has. They are just going to waste it pointlessly.

The UPS “Customs Brokers” Scam

Now, let’s examine the next piece of the puzzle. The tariffs are advertised as 15%, but as I am about to show you, they are actually much higher. Firstly, the tariffs are stuffed with a myriad of administrative fees that have nothing to do with the actual 15% you pay.

Next, and possibly more insulting, is the profiteering going on by companies like UPS. Here is an example of a tariff paid on a package valued at slightly over $800. The shipping companies have assumed the role of “customs broker” and charge insane arbitrary additional fees, which brings the actual tariff rate above 25%.

UPS CUSTOMS BROKER CHARGE
Screenshot

You see Republicans bragging that the tariffs will not contribute to inflation; this is utter nonsense. It’s the same thing as when liberal states like California raised the minimum wage for fast food employees to $20. It drove the price of fast food in California to skyrocket.

There’s no way I can afford to have 25% added to my wholesale cost and not pass it along to the customer, especially with margins that are already razor-thin. The problem with this is that I cannot increase my price is 25% or people will stop buying physical media altogther

Hopefully, Donald Trump will wake up to the vast financial catastrophe he’s causing and return to free trade. If he does not, the Republicans will, and deserve to lose the midterms.

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I Bought London May’s CD Collection [Drums Samhain] – This Is What’s In It!

LONDON MAY DRUMS

This week, we have a celebrity update of sorts. The metal CD collection featured in this video was purchased from London May, who is the drummer for Samhain. He played on the last three Samhain albums, including the live album, as well as the Danzig demos, and for Tiger Army. In the video below, you can see a walk-through of the Collection, the first time I went through it.

I drove to Silver Lake to pick this up. I paid $2,000 for this collection, which I thought was a little high at the time, but after going through it, there was plenty of good stuff to justify the price tag. London was a super nice guy and we chatted about several topics, including some of the idiosyncrasies of Glenn Danzig. Glenn hates Erie von so much that he would rather lose millions to bootleggers than re-issue the albums he played on, which sounds pretty backward, but it is what it is.

The collection was a mix of death metal, a lot of hipster stuff from labels like Hydra Head, punk, some rap, and alternative. There were also some box sets in a bunch of 7” singles.

Top CD Title Rundown

Below are some of the standouts from the collection.

A.C. / Anal Cunt – It Just Gets Worse CD

A.C. / Anal Cunt – It Just Gets Worse CD


A.C. / Anal Cunt – It Just Gets Worse CD 1999 Earache – MOSH 195CD – The album that finally got the band dropped from the incredibly permissive Earache Records. With song titles like “Don’t Blame Me I Voted for Hitler” you can see why.

Value = $80

Leviathan – Verräter CD

Leviathan – Verräter CD

Leviathan – Verräter CD 2002 tUMULt – tm88 [2 Discs] – Repressed in 2006, the 2002 double disc version is quite a score.

Value = $70

Cattle Decapitation – Homovore CD

Cattle Decapitation - Homovore CD

Cattle Decapitation – Homovore CD 2000 Three One G – THREE ONE G #14 [Original] – The original indie Three One G release is pure death metal grindcore that predates the band’s long tenure on Metal’s Blade’s roster.

Value = $70

A.C./Anal Cunt – Defenders of the Hate CD

A.C./Anal Cunt - Defenders of the Hate CD

A.C./Anal Cunt – Defenders of the Hate CD 2007 Menace To Sobriety Records MTS017 – This album picks on the band’s world famous offensive lyrics where “I Just Gets Worse” left off. Check out “Even Though Your Culture Oppresses Women You Still Suck You Towelhead” if you don’t believe me.

Value = $70

Do You Have A Metal Collection Like This To Sell?

Contact me here or at the info below, and let’s make a deal.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!
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Killer Rare Thrash Metal CD/LP Collection I Scored In LA For $600

This month’s update will be short and sweet. In the video below is a walk-through of a collection of rare thrash metal I bought locally in Los Angeles.

It consisted of six LPs and around 230 CDs ranging from the golden age 1980s metal up to more recent third wave thrash bands like Toxic Holocaust. The seller, who is an awesome guy I’d seen at metal shows over the years, brought the crate of CDS by my store in Hollywood. I asked him what he wanted, and he said $600 which I happily paid.

They sat in the receiving area for over a month before I finally went through them. If it had been last month, a rogue employee would have stolen over a quarter of them.

A Breakdown Of This Haul:

Although this collection was far from huge, there were a large number of albums that were worth well over $50.

Nuclear Assault – Handle With Care LP

Nuclear Assault – Handle With Care LP 1989 In-Effect [SEALED] [1ST PRESS ] – The seller told me this LP was a reissue, but it’s first press and in great shape.

Value = $125

Ulysses Siren – Above The Ashes CD

Ulysses Siren – Above The Ashes CD 2003 Relentless Records – RR0003000 – Released in 2003, this CD is a compilation of the band’s ’85 and 87 demos and is rare as hell.

Value = $100

Paradox – Heresy CD

Paradox – Heresy CD 2007 Metal Mind Productions – MASS 1047 [Gold Disc Digipak] – This reissue from the now defunct Metal Mind Records (Poland) is worth even more than a 1st press. Looks for all prices on the Metal Mind catalog to spike in the coming years.

Value = $60

Thanatos – Emerging from the Netherworlds CD

Thanatos – Emerging from the Netherworlds CD 1990 Shark Records – 015 [Germany] – Killer death/trash that showed up on the scene just a hare too late. Great record!

Value = $60

Anvil Bitch – Rise To Offend CD

Anvil Bitch – Rise To Offend CD 2003 New Renaissance – NRCD-126 [NUMBERED] – Though this album came out of vinyl in the 80s it never saw a first press of CD till 2003.

Value = $60

Have A Collection Like This To Sell?

I am always in the market. Hit me up at the contract info below.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!
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40K Collection of Rare Black Death Metal Stolen By An Employee & Returned

The video below features a massive $40,000 collection of rare black, death, and heavy metal CDs, tapes, and albums that were stolen from our store by a 3-year employee and subsequently returned.

While it is beneficial to recover some of the stolen merchandise, I need to determine how to obtain compensation for the additional $30,000 worth of merchandise that he sold on OfferUp and other platforms, which can’t be replaced. Over the past year, he has been taking about 1/3 of my inventory, intentionally targeting the most valuable and collectible items for resale.

This is the total amount we’ve added back to inventory so far. The value does not include over 120 items that have already been sold.

He did this by one of two methods: Either stealing the items as soon as they arrived before they were added to inventory, or he would delete the listings from my eBay store and then take them. He did this a little at a time, except for one occasion when I was out of town. I paid him to come over and feed my cats. It was during that time that he removed significant quantities of the albums.

When I asked him where all the other money went, noting that he had sold at least 600 albums worth roughly $50 each since December, he told me that he didn’t have any money left. I also asked if he could replace them with items from his own collection. All of a sudden, he didn’t own any albums except for the ones stolen from me.

How I Discovered The Theft

The theft occurred gradually over the last year and a half. I discovered this while editing this video. 

Usually, when I film videos for my YouTube channel, I do them in a single take. Most of the time, I don’t even review the footage. While filming this video, an issue arose with my camera, forcing me to complete the YouTube update in two sections and then edit them together. While I was looking for the edit point, I noticed that many of the most valuable CDs in the video weren’t in my eBay store inventory. 

I checked to ensure none of these items were on the shelves. Then, I began reviewing other videos, noticing the same pattern: featured items in videos that never made it to inventory.

When my employee arrived for work the next day, I confronted him with a list of the missing items and asked where they might be. He immediately became fidgety and nervous and began to look on the shelves, quickly leaving the store.

The next day, I called him, and he admitted that he had been stealing from me for a long time and that he would “make it right. The next day, at noon, boxes started to arrive outside my door, and he would text me to let me know that he had left items for me. The deliveries went on for over three weeks, and during that time, he returned almost 300 albums and 500 CDs, many very rare and valuable.”

Stolen Item Highlights 

Well, he did return a great deal of inventory, but I am still missing:

  • Over 600 of the most valuable albums from this collection I bought in Vegas. Several of the missing items were box sets worth over $200. When I purchased this collection, I hand-counted the records with the original owner, and the total number of items came to 1,985. By the time my employee finished with his theft, only 1,200 items made it to inventory. The discrepancy was so apparent that I called the original seller and asked if I had left some of the items in Vegas. I even suspected that he might have been the one who altered the deal.
  • I am also missing over 500 CDs from this collection, and I had noted in the original blog post that the amounts didn’t match up, although I didn’t know my employee was stealing at the time.
  • So many CDs were missing from the collection I bought locally that I lost money on the deal.
  • Over 100 CDs and LPs were missing from the collection I purchased in Greece.
  • Over 100 albums were stolen from this collection I purchased in Syracuse.
  • Countless cassettes were stolen from various collections over the years.
  • In many cases, the employees stole multiple copies of valuable items. Meaning he wasn’t keeping them for his collection. He was targeting them for resale, which he sold on OfferUp and to Amoeba Records.

If anyone has information or wants to help, please get in touch with me at 310-666-6996 or email jqmediala@gmail.com

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How I Scored a Vintage Metal CD Collection for $500

The video below shows a walk-through of a collection I bought locally from this old couple for $500.

There isn’t a huge backstory. I was at my store sometime last week when I got a call from an older woman who lived in the San Fernando Valley. She said she had some metal CDs to sell, precisely the kind of stuff I was looking for.

They told me they had found me on YouTube from one of the many videos I posted showing off collections I acquired.

They said they would come down the next day and show me what they had. What they had was pretty impressive. It contained many 90s first pressings of bands, such as Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Death, Benediction, Acid Bath, and more.

They were charming people. They didn’t think CDs were worth anything anymore and would’ve gladly taken $100. I paid them $500 cash, and they were on their way back to the valley in 20 minutes, pleased as a peach. They even left me a good review on Google.

The video embedded above went up on YouTube and has caused quite a bit of controversy. Many people in the comments think I was taking advantage of the elderly. Sure, it was a great deal for me, but I paid them five times what they sought.

Obviously, the CDs’ resale value is upwards of $6,000 or $7,000, so this was a great payday. However, deals like this don’t come around often, so enjoy them while you can.

Collection Highlights

Here are some of the germs from the epic collection.

Carnage – Dark Recollections CD

Carnage—Dark Recollections CD 1992 Relativity—88561-1105-2

Carnage—Dark Recollections CD 1992 Relativity—88561-1105-2 — The original band from Swedish guitarist Michael Amott (Carcass, Candlemass, Arch Enemy) is the one to have and was included in this collection. The original US pressing is the one to have and was included in this collection. Prices currently range from $144 to $200 on Discogs.

Value = $200

Massacre – From Beyond CD

Massacre – From Beyond CD, 1991, Relativity – 88561-2038-2

Massacre – From Beyond CD 1991 Relativity – 88561-2038-2 [Original] – Consisting of the late 80s Death “Leprosy” lineup minus Chuck Schuldiner, Massacre delivered one classic record, and this is it.

Value = $70

A.C./Anal Cunt – Everyone Should Be Killed CD

A.C./Anal Cunt - "Everyone Should Be Killed" CD (

A.C./Anal Cunt – Everyone Should Be Killed CD 1994 Earache – MOSH101CD – Song title on the album aren’t nearly as exteme as some that would later come out on albums like “It Just Get Worse”, but this album still couldn’t come out today.

Value = $70

Cancer – To The Gory End CD

Cancer - To The Gory End CD 1992 Restless Records – 7 72597-2

Cancer – To The Gory End CD 1992 Restless Records – 7 72597-2 – While this is technically the second pressing of this CD (the first was on Silent Screaming Records), this 1992 pressing was the first wider release and is worth a pretty penny.

Value = $70

Gorefest – False CD

Gorefest – False CD, 1992, Nuclear Blast America – NBA RED 6056-2

Gorefest—False CD 1992 Nuclear Blast America—NBA RED 6056-2 – I have never understood the obsession with Gorefest (aka Snorefst), but as you can see from the prices on these originals, some people like it.

Value = $60

Suffocation – Human Waste CD

Gorefest – False CD, 1992, Nuclear Blast America – NBA RED 6056-2

Suffocation—Human Waste CD 1991 Relapse Records—RR 6015-2—Suffocation’s debut 1991 is technically a reissue of their 1990 demo cassette of the same name, but hey, who’s counting?

Value = $60

Do You Have A CD Collection Like This To Sell?

If you do, I will pay more than $500 for it. I pay more than anyone in the business for collections like this.

Check out the info below.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!
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Massive 30K Heavy Metal Vinyl Collection I Bought In Vegas

The video below is a quick tour of a 30K heavy metal collection I bought in Vegas. It was so my vinyl that the details couldn’t fit in one video, so look for updates in the future on my YouTube channel. People often ask me if I will travel to buy a record collection. For collections north of 10K, I am willing to travel and have many times in the past.

This one was a no-brainer, considering that Vegas is only four hours from Los Angeles. I first visited the seller in early November and quickly looked at what he had for a few hours. The seller told me he would sell the entire collection at $15 a unit, the same price for every record and box set. Of course, many records were not worth $15, but there were many more where this would be an excellent deal. Not to mention that the $15 applied to box sets, some of which, like the Metallica Master of Puppets box set, go for up to $1000.

After crunching the numbers, I agreed to the deal, returned in a rented van, and picked them up in late November. I wrote him a check for 30K and returned to LA with this collection ready for sale just in time for Christmas. 

This was a big buy for me. It was my second largest. My biggest purchase was 63K.

Here are some of the standouts from that collection.

Rob Zombie – Limited Edition Vinyl Box LP

Rob Zombie—Limited Edition Vinyl Box LP Box Set 2018 Geffen B0027088-01 — This is a very cool and collectible Box Set with original art, as only Rob Zombie knows how to do it.

Value = $1000

Metallica – Master of Puppets LP/CD/DVD Box Set

Metallica – Master of Puppets LP/CD/DVD Box Set 2017 Blackened – If you want every outtake, alternate mix, and demo associated with this Metallica classic, this is the box set for you! Much of the material seems superfluous, but Metallica nerds will buy anything. They did it at such a level that this box is only available on the aftermarket and costs a lot!

Value = $1000

Moonsorrow – Heritage: 1995-2008 – The Collected Works LP Box Set

Moonsorrow – Heritage: 1995-2008 – The Collected Works LP Box Set 2014 200G EX – While the folk metal outfit Moonsorrow may not be a household name like Metallica, the limited number of the pressings makes this a pricey find.

Value = $600

Pantera – Metal Magic LP

Pantera – Metal Magic LP 1983 Metal Magic Records – MMR 1283 – The LPs from the band’s early hair metal days “will never get reissued,” making these originals worth an arm and a leg. Also, it is perhaps the greatest album artwork in history [insert sarcasm].

Value = $400

Samhain – Initium LP

Samhain – Initium LP 1989 Plan 9 – PL9-04 [1ST PRESS] – Because Glenn Danzig seems allergic to reissuing these proto-punk classics — bootlegs are everywhere, and originals will cost you a vital organ.

Value = $300

Pearl Jam – Ten LP

Pearl Jam – Ten LP 1994 Epic Associated – Z 47857 [1st Press US]  – If you are like me and grew up in the 90s, you probably never want to hear these songs again. It doesn’t change the fact that this was a massive debut album that plays like a greatest hits. It has been repressed many times, but the original is worth A LOT. It’s worth noting that this release didn’t appear on vinyl till almost two years after its 1992 release. That’s how prevalent CDs were at this time.

Rush – Counterparts LP

Rush – Counterparts LP 1993 Atlantic – 7567-82528-1 – When you think of “great Rush albums,” nobody thinks “Counterparts.” Due to record company hijinks, the first run is limited and has not been reissued.

Jerry Cantrell – Boggy Depot LP

Jerry Cantrell—Boggy Depot LP 2020 Columbia [Forest Green + Black]— While this is only a four-year-old reissue, it already sells for two of two bills on the aftermarket. You should see the prices on the first pressings—yikes!

Have A Collection Like This To Sell?

I’m in the market and pay top dollar. Contact me at the information below.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!
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Over 2000 Rare Death / Black Metal CDs I Bought For $4600 Part 2

This is the second video that I did not publish for a few weeks after the last post because of the YouTube algorithm. There was supposed to be a third video, but it got corrupted on my phone.

Read the main post here for all of the gory details on the collection above.

Have A Collection Like This To Sell?

I’m always buying.

Use the information below.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!

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Top Selling Heavy Metal /Punk CDs & LPs of 2024 According To Thrash Metal IQ

We are late in publishing this list as we did our top-selling albums from last year. Based on the posts you see on this blog, you might think we only buy used heavy metal LP and CD collections. That is far from the truth. We buy brand-new CDs, LPs, and cassettes from a growing network of labels and distributors. We buy so much; brand-new music accounts for over 50% of our sales. These are our top-selling albums from 2024.

  • Mercyful Fate – Don’t Break The Oath CD 2020 Metal Blade – [Gatefold Digipak] 
  • NOFX – The Decline LP 1999 Fat Wreck Chords – FAT605-1 
  • Lifelover – Pulver LP 2023 Osmose Productions – OPLP213 [Red Marble] [New] *FR
  • Cannibal Corpse – Eaten Back To Life CD 2017 Metal Blade 3984-14425-2  
  • Mercyful Fate – Melissa CD 2020 Metal Blade – 3984-15681-2 [Gatefold Digipak] 
  • Blasphemy – Fallen Angel Of Doom CD 2015 Nuclear War Now ANTI-GOTH 069 [Sealed] 
  • NOFX – The War On Errorism LP 2003 Fat Wreck Chords FAT657-1 [SEALED] 
  • Lifelover – Pulver CD 2021 Osmose Productions – OPCD213 [France] 
  • Nokturnal Mortum – The Voice Of Steel CD 2019 Osmose Productions – OPCD380 *FR 
  • Arghoslent – Incorrigible Bigotry CD 2022 Drakkar Productions – DKC230 [Digipak] 
  • Grand Belials Key – Kosherat CD 2023 Drakkar Productions – DKCD247 [Sealed] 
  • Goatmoon – Finnish Steel Storm CD 2018 Werewolf Records – EVIL009 [SEALED] *FN 
  • King Diamond – “Them” CD 2020 Metal Blade – 3984-15677-2 [Gatefold Digipak] 
  • NOFX – Wolves In Wolves’ Clothing LP 2006 Fat Wreck Chords – FAT711-1 1st Press
  • Imprecation – Theurgia Goetia Summa CD 2023 Nuclear War Now ANTI-GOTH 663 
  • Iced Earth – The Dark Saga LP 2022 Floga Records – FL301 [New] [Greece] 
  • Cannibal Corpse – Butchered at Birth CD 2024 Metal Blade – 3984-14072-2 [Sealed] 
  • The Songs Of Tony Sly: A Tribute LP 2013 Fat Wreck – FAT915-1 [Clear Vinyl] 
  • Blood Incantation – Interdimensional Extinction EP 2015 Dark Descent DDR133 
  • Marduk – Panzer Division Marduk LP 2020 Osmose – OPLP080 [New] [France] 
  • Slayer – Show No Mercy CD 2021 Metal Blade – 3984-15790-2 [Sealed] 
  • Mgla – Exercise In Futility CD 2018 Northern Heritage NH-089 [Sealed] [Finland] 
  • Destruction – Eternal Devastation CD 2018 High Roller HRR 547 CD [Slipcase] *DE 
  • Sacrifice – Torment In Fire CD 2022 Shadow Kingdom – SKR190CD [Sealed] 
  • Immortal – At The Heart Of Winter LP 2017 Osmose Productions OPLP079 [180G] *FR 
  • Gorguts – Considered Dead CD 2016 Listenable Records – POSH335 [Digipak] 
  • Opprobrium – Beyond The Unknown CD 2020 High Roller – HRR 732 *DE [SEALED] 
  • S.A. Slayer – Go For The Throat / Prepare To Die CD 2023b High Roller [Slipcase] 
  • Lifelover – Pulver LP 2023 Osmose Productions – OPLP213 [Black] [New] *FR
  • Blood Incantation – Starspawn LP 2016 Dark Descent – DDR157LP [Brand New]
  • King Diamond – Fatal Portrait CD 2020 Metal Blade 3984-156752 [Gatefold Digipak] 
  • King Diamond – Abigail CD 2020 Metal Blade – 3984-15676-2 [Gatefold Digisleeve] 
  • Destruction – Infernal Overkill CD 2018 High Roller – HHR 546 [Slipcase Germany] 
  • NOFX – The Decline Live At Red Rocks LP 2020 Fat Wreck Chords – Fat135-1 
  • Sacrifice – Forward To Termination CD 2022 Shadow Kingdom – SKR191CD [Sealed] 
  • Goatmoon – Death Before Dishonour CD 2017 Werewolf Records – EVIL-001 [SEALED] 
  • Blasphemy – Fallen Angel Of Doom LP 2023 Nuclear War Now! – ANTI-GOTH 069 [New] 
  • Dystopia – The Aftermath CD 2020 Tankcrimes – TC116 [Sealed] 
  • Dystopia – Dystopia CD 2023 Tankcrimes – TC 117 [Sealed] 
  • Suffocation – Breeding The Spawn CD 2021 Listenable – POSH563 [Digipak] 
  • Descendents – Cool To Be You CD 2004 Fat Wreck Chords – FAT672-2 [Sealed] 
  • Days N’ Daze – Show Me The Blueprints LP 2020 Fat Wreck Chords – FAT129-1 SEALED 
  • Face To Face – Face To Face LP 2016 Fat Wreck Chords – FAT 970-1 [SEALED] 
  • Behemoth – The Satanist LP 2021 Metal Blade 3984-15213-1 [LTD 2x Clear Vinyl] 
  • Minor Threat – Minor Threat LP 2022 Dischord – DISCHORD No. 12 [Silver Vinyl] 
  • Sinister – Cross The Styx CD 2020 Cosmic Key Creations – COS011 [Netherlands] 
  • Sacrifice – Soldiers Of Misfortune CD 2022 Shadow Kingdom – SKR192CD [Sealed] 
  • Mütiilation – Vampires Of Black Imperial Blood CD 2005 Osmose – OPCD372 NEW *FR 
  • Infernal Majesty – None Shall Defy LP 2022 High Roller– HRR 521 [Sealed] 
  • Morbid Saint – Spectrum Of Death CD 2019 High Roller – HRR 705 CD *DE [SLIPCASE] 

Are You A Label or Distributor?

Please contact us if you are interested in making this list next year.

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Collection of Over 2000 Rare Death / Black Metal CDs I Bought For $4600

The video below shows an example of an atypical deal I made with a guy to buy an awesome black and death metal CD collection. 

A seller in New York hit me up years ago, wanting to sell these CDs. Honestly, I didn’t do a great job on the offer. I offered him $4600 for this collection of what was supposed to be 2000 CDs. I should have bid higher.

We went back and forth over the price; he correctly thought it was low. After some negotiation, he told me he wanted me to go to Western Union or wire him the money. When I do business with someone, I always like to use PayPal so we can enable buyer-seller protection. It acts as an escrow between the buyer and the seller, keeping me locked into the deal while keeping the seller honest. If something goes wrong, PayPal is there to cover it. I have tried other methods to facilitate a deal like this and never have found better. Just sending someone thousands of dollars and hoping they send you what they promise is the oldest scam on the Internet. 

Deal In Limbo

In limbo is where the deal sat for almost 2 years; the guy finally hit me up a few months ago and said he still wanted to sell the CDs and was willing to accept my offer. He then said he had the same issues with PayPal and could not get his account going again. I told him that if he were willing to send me the CDs, I would pay him for them if they were what he said they were. I pointed out that I have a well-respected career as someone who buys heavy metal albums and CD collections. 

He then sent me the CDs through media mail. They were packed OK, but were a bit dusty. The playing surfaces were all pristine; many cracked cases needed replacement. The actual count of the CDs was only 1400, not the 2000 that he thought it was. Overestimating the collection size is a common issue when buying collections; people often think they have more than they actually do. 

Even with the numbers not being precisely right, this is still a great deal. $4600 was a fair price. The cost per unit totaled $3.28, which is still great. I would’ve paid even more for them now, as there were many rare and out-of-print CDs from the 1990s to the 2000s, many of which were worth up to $50, a few even more than that. I compiled a list of the best and brightest below.

Highlights From This Collection

Dawn – Nær Solen Gar Niþer For Evogher CD

Dawn – Nær Solen Gar Niþer For Evogher CD 1994 Necropolis – NR 006 -

Dawn – Nær Solen Gar Niþer For Evogher CD 1994 Necropolis – NR 006 – For such a short (but great album), this melodic death metal CD fetches a high price.

Value = $120

Gutted – Gutted CD

Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2

Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2 – Limited run / self-released death metal gem. Only 1500 exist.

Value = $100

Cannibal Corpse – Tomb of the Mutilated CD

Cannibal Corpse - Tomb of the Mutilated CD 1992 Metal Blade - 3984-14003-2

Cannibal Corpse – Tomb of the Mutilated CD 1992 Metal Blade – 3984-14003-2 – First pressings of this early Cannibal Corpse CD (as with many from this band) are worth a pretty penny.

Value = $80

Monstrosity – Millennium CD

Monstrosity - Millennium CD 1996 Conquest Music – CM 9301 [Original Press]

Monstrosity – Millennium CD 1996 Conquest Music – CM 9301 [Original Press] – The biggest death metal band to ever populate the line-ups of bigger death metal bands.

Value = $80

Aeon – Dark Order CD

Aeon – Dark Order CD 2001 Deathvomit Records – DVR009CD [ORIGINAL PRESS RARE]

Aeon – Dark Order CD 2001 Deathvomit Records – DVR009CD [ORIGINAL PRESS RARE] – The last CD before Aeon signed to Metal Blade Record is very hard to find.

Value = $70

Urfaust – Verräterischer, Nichtswürdiger Geist CD

Urfaust – Verräterischer, Nichtswürdiger Geist CD 2002 GoatowaRex S.D.L.011 *AU

Urfaust – Verräterischer, Nichtswürdiger Geist CD 2002 GoatowaRex S.D.L.011 *AU – Very rare early release from GoatowaRex before the label relocated to China.

Value = $70

Splattered Cadaver – Merciless Butchery CD

Splattered Cadaver – Merciless Butchery CD 2001 United Guttural Records – UG 014

Splattered Cadaver – Merciless Butchery CD 2001 United Guttural Records – UG 014

Value = $70

The Chasm – Deathcult For Eternity: The Triumph CD

The Chasm – Deathcult For Eternity: The Triumph CD 1998 Oz Productions CD006

The Chasm – Deathcult For Eternity: The Triumph CD 1998 Oz Productions CD006 – Classic Mexican death metal.

Value = $60

Scattered Remnants ‎– Indulgence In Masochism CD

Scattered Remnants ‎– Indulgence In Masochism CD 2002 Deepsend Records ‎– DSR003

Scattered Remnants ‎– Indulgence In Masochism CD 2002 Deepsend Records ‎– DSR003

Value = $60

Nagelfar – Virus West CD

Nagelfar - Virus West CD 2001 Ars Metalli – ARSCD023 [Germany]

Nagelfar – Virus West CD 2001 Ars Metalli – ARSCD023 [Germany]

Value = $60

Infernal Dominion – Salvation Through Infinite Suffering CD

Infernal Dominion - Salvation Through Infinite Suffering CD 2000 Corpse Gristle

Infernal Dominion – Salvation Through Infinite Suffering CD 2000 Corpse Gristle

Value = $60

Do You Have A Heavy Collection Like This To Sell?

eI am always on the hunt to aquire new black, heavy metal, punk rock and death metal collections of any size. None is too expesive.

Contact me at the info below.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!

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Looking To Sell Your Metal Records from Europe? Here Is An Example Deal from Greece

Looking To Sell Your Metal Records from Europe

I rarely buy collections locally. I usually buy from different cities in the US and even Europe. Here is an example of a deal I made with a guy in Greece to acquire his heavy metal vinyl collection. You can see a tour of it in the video below.

The seller, who lived in Greece, found me through my sales page on this site. He then sent me a spreadsheet and a few photos of the albums, which you can see below. His spreadsheet gave me enough to work with to make him an offer.

I offered him $4000 plus shipping, which he agreed to. We haggled some about the payment method, he wanted me to send a wire, which would have been very foolish. To avoid scammers, I pay for everything upfront via PayPal using buyer/seller protection, making 99% of these deals go smoothly. The seller protection acts as an escrow for two people who want to do business that will never meet. Seller protection locks me into the deal and keeps the other party honest by using PayPal as an unbiased referee.

Fun With Internation Shipping

Normally, when shipping internationally, your best bets are either FedEx or DHL. DHL is a bit more expensive, but is slightly more reliable. FedEx does the job nearly as well, but for a bit less. Both services are available in most countries. For some reason, the seller had trouble finding a decent price, and normally, I would negotiate by calling local agents. This was difficult, considering the language barrier. The seller found air cargo through Delta, and the price was decent, so we gave it a shot. 

Everything arrived fairly quickly and packed very well. Even though the shipping through Delta was a bit cheaper, the fees, taxes, and tariffs piled on made it not worth it. To add insult to injury, a rude agent at Customs and Border Enforcement forced me to go through a customs broker to clear the shipment. Fortunately, I was able to locate one who did a great job. If you ever need a customs broker in Los Angeles, I highly recommend Omega CHB.

Tour Of The Records

Finally, we get to the fun part: The records themselves. All of the vinyl was correctly graded with no major issues. Most records were hard rock, heavy metal, and thrash from the ‘80s through the ‘90s, with many Greek pressings. The cool thing about Greek pressings is that they are not cheap, unlike many European presses. The construction is very high-quality, and the cardboard isn’t flimsy. The pressing of the vinyl itself is pretty impressive and is as good as anything in the United States. There was also a bit of newer and more modern stuff in there.

Below are some of the highlights.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Endangered Species LP

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Endangered Species LP 1994 Capricorn 477808 1 [Europe]

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Endangered Species LP 1994 Capricorn 477808 1 [Europe] – I’m shock this is worth so much, but it sold in hours.

Value = $300

Megadeth – Rust In Peace LP

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Endangered Species LP 1994 Capricorn 477808 1 [Europe]

Megadeth—Rust In Peace LP 1990 Capitol Records—C1-91935—This is by far the most valuable Megadeth album, and its value just keeps increasing.

Value = $300

Nirvana – Nevermind LP

Nirvana - Nevermind LP 1991 Geffen – GEF 24 425 [1st Press Germany] 

Nirvana—Nevermind LP 1991 Geffen—GEF 24 425 [1st Press Germany]—The American version is worth twice this much, but it’s still not too shoddy.

Value = $250

Motörhead – We Are Motörhead LP

Motörhead - We Are Motörhead LP 2000 Steamhammer - SPV 078-21821 [Germany]

Motörhead – We Are Motörhead LP 2000 Steamhammer – SPV 078-21821 [Germany] – Wow!

Value = $200

Sodom – Agent Orange LP

Sodom - Agent Orange LP 1989 Steamhammer – SPV 08-7596 [Germany] [Gatefold]

Sodom – Agent Orange LP 1989 Steamhammer – SPV 08-7596 [Germany] [Gatefold] 

Value = $170

Vice Human – Metal Attack LP

Vice Human - Metal Attack LP 1985 Famous Music – FM 14505 [Greece]

Vice Human – Metal Attack LP 1985 Famous Music – FM 14505 [Greece] – Obscure Greek heavy metal!

Value = $150

Metallica – Ride The Lightning LP

Metallica - Ride The Lightning LP 1984 Music For Nations MFN 27 [UK] 

Metallica – Ride The Lightning LP 1984 Music For Nations MFN 27 [UK] -1st press Europe

Value = $150

Satyricon – The Age Of Nero LP

Satyricon - The Age Of Nero LP 2008 Roadrunner Records – RRCAR 7893-1 

Satyricon – The Age Of Nero LP 2008 Roadrunner Records – RRCAR 7893-1 

Value = $150

Have A Collection Like This To Sell?

I am constantly on the hunt to buy new heavy metal CD/LP collections, big and small.  Contact me at the information below if you have one to sell.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDs? I Pay More Than Anyone!