In the video below is a small portion of over 2500 metal CDs I just bought. Almost all are near-mint, over half are rare Japanese pressings, and many are sealed.
It was my understanding that the father died way too young, at the age of 60. What is remarkable about this collection is it spans the entire length of the genre, from Black Sabbath to bands that came out in the last few years.
Using PayPal and Trust
This transaction was a five-figure deal. Often, I am asked how I feel comfortable buying collections like this sight unseen and how buyers can feel comfortable working with me. I do all of these out-of-state deals through PayPal as goods and services. I pay the seller in full before their mailing. Paying upfront locks me into the agreement and assures the seller I’m a man of my word.
When you use PayPal as “goods and services,” you are allowing PayPal to act as an impartial referee. It creates a type of escrow between you and the seller. If something goes wrong, you can open a dispute inside PayPal, and they will sort it out. I have only had to do this once in hundreds of transactions. It’s good to know that 99% of people are honest.
Using PayPal insures both parties should it get lost in the mail or damaged because of improper packing or postal abuse.
PayPal sometimes holds for a few days before releasing them, but it usually does not. Fees go to the seller at 2.9%, which is quite reasonable.
Great Features In This Collection
All Japanese CDs in this collection are still factory-sealed with the OBI strip, genuinely “near mint.”Many are in SHM-CD format. SHM is a specialized audiophile format for which you need a Japanese SHM CD player, but it will normally play on a standard player.
Most of the non-import versions of the CDs are the deluxe collector versions that frequently include extra tracks, patches, and bonus tracks.
Regardless of value, every CD in this collection is housed in plastic collector sleeves.
That is all for this blog post; I will have to spread this out among a few posts because of the size of this collection.
Do You Have a Record or CD Collection You Want To Sell?
I am always looking to buy collections like this. Contact me at the information below if you have one to sell.
In the video below is a collection I bought from a collector in Arizona through the mail. Most of the records are newer pressings and reissues, but many out-of-print/limited edition gems are in there, and some are already worth decent money.
In the section below, I have included info about some of the standout pieces in this collection.
Beastie Boys – Polly Wog Stew 7″
Beastie Boys – Polly Wog Stew 7″ EP 1982 Rat Cage Records – MOTR 21 VG+/VG+ – This EP was by far the most expensive piece in this collection. When you see copies of this album, they are primarily represses that came out in the early 90s after the Beastie Boys were already famous. This 7″ is the original 1982 pressing and is worth a ton. The condition is excellent and on the high end of VG+.
Value = $395
Cryptic Slaughter – Money Talks LP
Cryptic Slaughter – Money Talks LP 1987 Restless – 72204-1 [Original Sealed!] – The second album from the Califonia thrashers that played so fast they heavily influenced grindcore. This copy is sealed with hype stickers and is in nearly perfect condition. Someone must have liked it because it sold instantly.
Value = $99.95 [Sold]
Polkadot Cadaver – Purgatory Dance Party LP
Polkadot Cadaver – Purgatory Dance Party LP 2021 Razor To Wrist [White & Violet] – Polkadot Cadaver formed from Serj Tankian’s Dog Fashion Disco remains. Everything by this band is sold out and is extremely hard to find. This sealed LP may be the only copy available for sale online.
Value = $149.95
Belphegor – Bondage Goat Zombie LP
Belphegor – Bondage Goat Zombie LP 2008 Nuclear Blast NB 2086-1 [Red] NM/NM *DE – Very rare 1st press on red vinyl, numbered and strictly limited to 1000 copies.
Value = $129.95
Rivers of Nihil – Where Owls Know My Name LP
Rivers of Nihil – Where Owls Know My Name LP 2018 Metal Blade [1st Press Sealed] – All copies of this album sold out in 2018 and have not yet been reissued, making the originals worth a pretty penny.
Value = $99.95
Devo – Freedom Of Choice LP
Devo – Freedom Of Choice LP 1980 Warner Bros – P-10803W [Japan] [Sealed] – Original Japanese copy sealed from 1980. How often are you going to see stuff like this?
Value = $99.95
Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip LP
Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip LP 2015 Music On Vinyl [1st Press Silver] NM/NM – Although this album came out in 1999, it did not appear on vinyl until 2015, making the silver edition the “first press.”
Value = $99.95
Do You Have A Collection Like This You Want To Sell?
I am constantly looking for new metal collections to buy. Hit me up at the information below if you have one to sell.
It has been a while since I have done one of these posts; this is a countdown, ascending, of the most expensive Punk metal and rock albums I now have from lowest to highest. I did not differentiate between genres, size of the records (12″ Vs. 7″), and length (LP, EP, single).
Nifelheim – Devil’s Force LP 1998 Necropolis Records – NR022 VG+/VG+ w/ Inner is the second album from Swedish black metal vets Nifelheim. Discogs has a median value of $167. However, no copies are available at the time of publishing for less than $333. I have my copy valued slightly lower.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $249.95
19. Queens Of The Stone Age LP [2010 Reissue]
Queens Of The Stone Age – Queens Of The Stone Age LP 2010 Rekords Rekords - The 2010 reissue of Queens of The Stoneage’s debut album already goes for a pretty penny. Early pressing of the album can fetch 1000s. If past performance is an indicator, I would grab a first pressing of whatever Queens does next. It should be more valuable than Bitcoin. Discog has a $167 media value, which is more or less correct. This copy is slightly more expensive because it’s in perfect condition.
Condition NM/NM Value $269.95
18. Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers – 400 Fascists
Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers – 400 Fascists 7″ EP 1981 Cessofonya IRS 56 Italy – This rare 7″ by obscure Italian hardcore band named after but not containing Dead Boy’s guitarist Cheetah Chrome was a discogs has $222 – 250. One could be excused for thinking this was a side project of Cheetah Chrome himself. I guess punk rockers don’t believe in lawyers.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $279.95
17. Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick LP
Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick LP 1991 White Label Test Pressing VG+/EX UK – This classic sophomore Morbid Angel album production test press has a median value of $190, but none are available and haven’t been for some time, making this copy more expensive.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $289.95
16. Dissection – Somberlain LP
Dissection – Somberlain LP 1996 Nuclear Blast NFR 006 EX [PICTURE DISC GERMANY] – This is the second album from Dissection. Discogs has a median price of $169, but none are available for less than $300. The standard non-picture disc pressing was not released until 2006 on The End Records. This was the last studio album the band would release until 2006, after Jon Nödtveidt was released from prison.
Condition VG+ Value $299.95
15. Krisiun / Violent Hate – Curse Of The Evil One LP
Krisiun / Violent Hate – Curse Of The Evil One LP 1993 Dynamo Brazilie – DYN005 – This split was Brazil’s Krisiun’s first appearance on vinyl. It featured the original lightning-fast guitar shredder Porto Alegre who died in a motorcycle accident in 2002.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $299.95
14. Watain – The Essence Of Black Purity 7″ Single
Watain – The Essence Of Black Purity 7″ Single 1999 Grim Rune VG+ Sweden LTD 300 – This single is a limited run of only 300 numbered copies by one of the biggest black metal bands on the scene right now. Condition VG+/VG+ Value $299.95
13. Rudimentary Peni – Death Church LP
Rudimentary Peni – Death Church LP 1983 Corpus Christi – CHRIST IT’S 6 EX/EX UK – This original classic by British anarcho-punk / deathrock/art punk band has been reissued many times, but originals like this fetch a pretty penny.
Condition EX/EX Value $329.95
12. Amorphis – The Karelian Isthmus LP
Amorphis – The Karelian Isthmus LP 1993 Nuclear Blast – NB 072 [Green] VG+/VG+ – While discogs has a $222 median value for this, none are available for less than $444 at the time of publishing. This blue vinyl first-pressing is limited to 3500 copies,
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $349.95
11. Poison Idea – Pick Your King EP
Poison Idea – Pick Your King EP 1985 Fatal Erection Records – NO. 1 Blue VG+ – This 7″ EP has 14 songs on it and is one of the greatest hardcore punk albums ever recorded. It has a discogs median value of $200, but none have been available for less than $400 for many years. This transparent blue vinyl is the second pressing and was limited to 1000 copies housed in a hand-printed paper sleeve.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $389.95
10. Sarcófago – I.N.R.I. LP
Sarcófago – I.N.R.I. LP 1987 Cogumelo Produções – COG007 VG/VG+ [Brazil] – One of the most influential metal bands ever, Brazil’s Sarcofago was a bridge between death metal and black metal and heavily influenced the grindcore movement. This copy has a bit of tape on the jacket, but the vinyl is in solid VG+ condition.
Condition VG/VG+ Value $389.95
9. Vader – The Ultimate Incantation LP
Vader – The Ultimate Incantation LP 1992 Earache – MOSH 59 VG+/VG+ [1ST PRESS] – Vader started as a thrash metal band in the mid-eighties and has blossomed into one the most successful death metal bands in the game that is still active today. Discogs has a $153 median value, but none are available for less than $464, except for the one pictured here.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $399.95
8. Beherit – The Oath Of Black Blood LP
Beherit – The Oath Of Black Blood LP 1991 Turbo Music – 354.00.11.1-28 VG+ *DE – This was Beherit’s fastest/heaviest album before they adopted a more atmospheric black metal sound. This LP has a $164 median value, but are is available for less than $666. My copy is actually much less.
Condition VG/VG+ Value $399.95
7. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II LP
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II LP 1982 Mobile Fidelity Sound – MFSL 1-065 VG+/EX – This LP has a Discogs Median of $300, which is more or less right. I’m not sure I need to hear any song on Led Zeppelin II again, but seeing as the vinyl is pressed from the original master tapes, it won’t sound better anywhere.
Condition VG+/EX Value $399.95
6. Dødheimsgard – Monumental Possession LP
Dødheimsgard – Monumental Possession LP 1996 Malicious Records MR010 *DE VG+ *DE – This was the only pure black metal album from Dødheimsgard, who eventually moved on to a more industrial/ progressive sound. It has a media value of $177, but none are available for less than $564 at the time of publishing.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $499.95
5. Dissection – Storm Of The Light’s Bane LP
Dissection – Storm Of The Light’s Bane LP 1998 Nuclear Blast VG+/EX Blue Vinyl – While this LP is an early reissue and not a first pressing, this 1998 press from Nuclear Blast mailorder was limited to 500 copies and is very rare! Discogs has a $410 median value, but you can’t get one for less than $560
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $639.95
4. Beherit – Drawing Down The Moon LP
Beherit – Drawing Down The Moon LP 1993 Spinefarm Records – SPI 14 VG+ [Finland] – This second release from Beherit is a cult-classic black metal masterpiece and has a $425 Discogs Median value, but you can’t find one online for less than $570.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $649.95
3. Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 White Label Test Press VG+ UK – While Discogs will tell you this test pressing “only” has a median value of $127, you can’t find one besides the one pictured here for $2000. Very few of these still exist, nevermind will be found for sale.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $699.95
2. Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 Peaceville – VILE 28 UK VG+/VG+ – This album was the second release from Darkthrone and their first after abandoning their early death metal style. This LP has a discogs median value of $388, but you can not find one for less than $833 at the time of publishing.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $699.95
1. Necrophagia – Season Of The Dead LP
Necrophagia – Season Of The Dead LP Test Pressing 1987 [Killjoy’s Personal Copy] – This was Killjoy’s personal copy from the band Necrophagia (who died in 2018). Discogs has a median value of $77; however, because of who this belonged to and their importance in the music industry, I have placed the value of the copy to be much higher.
Below are some highlights from an incredible collection of metal, hard rock, hardcore punk, and classic rock vinyl I just bought from a collector in Los Angeles.
Unlike many collections I have been buying recently from collectors living out of state or even out of the country, I picked this one up locally from a lawyer moving out of town. He found my ad on the Internet and contacted me. I drove down to Orange County from Los Angeles and quickly appraised the collection; we agreed on a price, I sent him a Paypal, and I left with the collection that night.
In addition to the vinyl in the video, his collection included:
Here are some of the highlights and rare albums it included:
Motörhead – Another Perfect Day LP 1983 Bronze 811 365-1 M-1 [FULLY SIGNED] VG+ – The album is a gold-stamped promo and very rare autographed copy – signed by all three musicians that played on it (Lemmy, Phil, and Bryan). Autographed at the Canyon Club outside of Los Angeles around 1984 by this lineup that was only together for one album, two members are sadly no longer with us.
VG+/VG+ Value: 300$
Metallica – Master Of Puppets LP 1986 Elektra 9 60439-1 VG+/EX [RARE WL PROMO] – Very rare white-label promo with a hilarious hype sticker that reads, “THE ONLY TRACK YOU PROBABLY WON’T PLAY IS “DAMAGE, INC.” DUE TO MULTIPLE USES OF THE INFAMOUS “F” WORD. OTHERWISE, THERE AREN’T ANY “SHITS”, “FUCKS”, “PISSES”, “CUNTS”, “MUTHERFUCKERS” OR “COCKSUCKERS” ANYWHERE ON THE RECORD.” This sticker is more evidence of how much times have changed since 1986.
VG+/EX Value: 200$
Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction LP 1987 Geffen – GHS 24148 VG+/VG+ – The original uncensored Robert Williams cover of “Appetite For Destruction” later changed to the more known version of the artwork.
VG+/VG+ Value: 200$
Cro-Mags – The Age Of Quarrel LP 1986 Profile Records – PRO-1218 VG+/VG+ – A hardcore classic, the original release on Profile Records is unusual, considering Profile Records is mainly known for hip-hop.
VG+/VG+ Value: 200$
Megadeth – Killing Is My Business & Business Is Good! LP 1985 Combat MX 8015 VG+ – The album is the first pressing with the dark green label. For all albums on Combat Records, the first press is the dark green labels, and the second is the camouflage label, although both were often released in the same year.
VG+/VG+ Value: 179$
Slayer – Show No Mercy LP 1984 Metal Blade – MBR 1013 VG+/VG+ w/ Insert – The record is the second pressing of “Show No Mercy” with the silver label and was issued the same year as the first. The first pressing has the tan labels and is worth almost twice what this copy is worth, even though they both came out in 1984.
VG+/VG+ Value: 179$
There were also many outstanding classic rock records in this collection from bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Roling Stones that I did not include in the video because this is a heavy metal-themed blog.
Do You Have A Collection Like This You Would Like To Sell?
The video above is a walk-thru of some rare golden-age of death metalLPs, EPs, and singles I picked up in a by-mail transactionfrom a collector in Texas. This purchase is a small collection of 18 records in total. However, some of these are rare and expensive. I will highlight the top gems below.
Impaled Nazarene – Ugra – Karma 1993 Osmose Productions – OPLP 018 – This copy is the rare first cover artwork lifted from Madame Koslovsky’s “Mother Durga riding on her tiger carrier offers prayers to Lord Vishnu”. The artist sued Impaled Nazareneand Osmose Productions for using this art without permission and had to settle out of court, making these first pressings extremely rare and expensive.
Demigod / Necropsy – Unholy Domain / Necropsy 1992 Seraphic Decay Records – SCAM 028 – This split LP is a compilation of exclusive tracks from Necropsy and a previously unreleased demo from Demigod. It is rarer than a coherent thought from Joe Biden.
Value: 200-400$ average
Master’s Hammer – Klavierstück 7″ EP 1991 Poserslaughter – PSR 004 [Green] *DE – Master’s Hammer is a weird band with a sound that is not easy to define. Unfortunately, limited pressings of this colored vinyl are not cheap either.
Value: 100$ average
Immortal Fate – Faceless Burial 7″ EP 1992 Drowned Productions DS-002 VG+ Spain – This rare gem from the short-lived Immoral Fate is quite sought after by collectors and henceforth not cheap.
Value: 100$ average
Vomitory – Moribund 7″ Single 1993 Witchhunt Records – 9309 VG+/VG+ [Sweden] – This 7″ was the first music the world would hear from the still-active Vomitory and is not cheap.
Value: 80$ average
Wombbath – Several Shapes 7″ EP 1992 Infest Records – THIN 001 [France] VG+/VG+ – This EP is only one of three of Wombbath’s 90s recordings before taking over 20 years off and returning to active status in 2015.
Value: 80$ average
Monstrosity – Burden Of Evil 7″ Single 1991 Relapse Records – RR-011 VG+/VG+ – Not the most expensive compared to other early Monstrosity vinyl, but featured because you can see George Corpsegrinder’s neck was already like a treetrunk even at the tender age of 19!
Value: 80$ average
Sinister – Putrefying Remains 7″ EP 1990 Witchhunt Records WIHU 9103 VG+/VG+ *SW – I included this EP because I was surprised at how not expensive it is. Released in 1990, even before the infamous Cross The Styx album, I’m shocked it’s not worth more.
Value: 50$ average
Do You Have A Collection Like This To Sell?
I am always on the hunt for new heavy metal collections to buy and pay top dollar! Use the info below tpo get in touch with me!
I recently purchased Killjoy’s personal vinyl and CD collection. Before I delve into how I acquired this collection and what’s inside, let’s first take a moment to consider the man himself. “Killjoy Desade” was born Frank Pucci in 1966 and was best known as the lead vocalist for the death metal band Necrophagia. Killjoy was a legendary figure in the underground music scene. He stepped away from music for several years in the early 90s, only to return with a vengeance in 1997.
From 1997 to his death from unknown causes in 2018, Killjoy would be one of the most prolific figures in the underground metal scene, not only rebooting Necrophagia with Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo, but he would form several other bands that included members of Autopsy, Sigh, SOD, and many others. In addition, he was a very active businessman and played critical roles in two underground labels (Housecore and Baphomet Records).
Killjoy was an avid horror fan, and his music spanned multiple extreme metal genres, including death metal, black metal, punk, and even experimental ambient sounds, as heard in projects like Enoch. Although I did not know him personally, he seemed like a very humble/chill guy in his interviews, and his passing at the age of 53 was a massive blow to the metal community.
Album Unboxing Video
How I Found This Collection
In late 2022, I was contacted by someone in Ohio who had purchased Killjoy’s music collection, intending to sell it, but realized it would be too much work and wanted to unload it all at once. He found me through this website and some YouTube videos. I buy collections professionally from all over the world, so he approached me to see if I had an interest, which, of course, I did.
I am based in Los Angeles and have just returned from a run to Ohio. I wanted to avoid another cross-country trip, so he sent me videos of him flipping through the records, photos of the CDs, counts of each, and a basic idea of the condition (more on that later).
After a few phone conversations and some haggling over the price, we reached a deal. I sent him the money, and four days later, the collection showed up at my door in fourteen separate boxes.
Upon inspection of the records, it was pretty clear that they had been picked over; for example, there were no first pressings of Necrophagia’s “Season Of The Dead”, which would be something you would definitely expect to see. Sadly, the records had been poorly stored; many were warped and smelled of mildew. The same went for the CDs, as many were scratched and water-damaged. However, these issues did not make this a terrible deal. It took some time to go through and extract the gems from the discarded material. Nevertheless, the haul had enough heavy metal gold to recoup my investment. I’ve included many of the gems in the pictures at the end of this post.
Controversy
After I published the video of this collection’s unboxing on YouTube, I received messages from Killjoy’s family indicating that the collection had been stolen. Not wanting to have unknowingly purchased stolen merchandise, I gave them the contact information for the person who sold it to me. I never heard anything after giving them this, so they were not likely stolen; just someone must have been unhappy with the chain of custody. Regardless, if they sat in a damp basement for any longer, the entire lot would be worthless in a very short time.
Now, let’s do a rundown of some of the better pieces in there…
Record Highlights
Necrophagia – Season Of The Dead LP Test Pressing 1987 [Killjoy’s Personal Copy] – This is my favorite piece in this collection. “Seasons Of The Dead” was a pivotal album; some metal fans argue that it was the first proper death metal album. It was released just weeks after “Scream Bloody Gore,” and first pressings sell for a premium. The copy pictured was Killjoy’s personal test pressing; as you can imagine, it is quite valuable.
Fabio Frizzi – L’Aldilà Colonna Sonora Originale Del Film LP Beat [Signed] *IT – Extremely rare and expensive 80s movie soundtrack. This copy was signed, but I couldn’t determine by whom, even after conducting extensive research. It must have been someone good because this sold within hours.
Speed Metal Hell – Volume Three LP Test Pressing 1987 New Renaissance NRR29 VG+ – The first compilation Necrophagia appeared on. This one is particularly noteworthy, featuring some excellent handwritten 80s marketing notes.
Plasmatics – Meet The Plasmatics LP 1979 Vice Squad VS-106ESP [ORIGINAL SEALED] – Very rare debut from Wendy O. Williams and The Plasmatics; regular copies are quite valuable, but this is a sealed original in pretty nice shape.
Misfits – Famous Monsters LP Picture Disc 1999 Roadrunner – RR 8658-1 [Sealed] – The sole Misfits album without Danzig, featuring singer Michael Graves, this copy is a sealed picture disc. In my opinion, this album is pretty good!
Nasty Savage – Nasty Savage LP 1985 Metal Blade – MX8028 [Autographed] VG+/VG+ – Very cool piece autographed to Killjoy by Nasty Ronnie and members of Nasty Savage.
Mercyful Fate – Black Funeral 12″ 1983 Music For Nations - 12 KUT 106 VG+/VG – Very rare early Mercyful Fate single – the cover looks great, but the vinyl was a little beat up.
Celtic Frost – To Mega Therion LP 1985 1985 Noise – N 0031 VG+/VG+ w/ Poster – The second album from Celtic Frost and an essential metal album. This copy survived in the basement much better than many of the albums pictured here. It included the poster and was also in excellent shape.
From Dusk Till Dawn LP 2016 Brookvale Records – BRK-267 [CLEAR] NM/NM – This copy survived its time in the basement remarkably well and remained close to near mint.
CD Highlights
Danzig – Danzig 5 Blackacidevil CD Evilive [Limited Edition Sealed] – Very rare and out of print Glenn Danzig. This copy is factory sealed.
Arckanum – Fran Marder CD 1995 Necropolis Records – NR008 [Original] – Very sought-after and rare black metal CD. The back tray card had minor water damage, but it sold in minutes.
The Spooky Kids – Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows CD 2004 Empire – 545 450 609-2 – Very rare Marylin Manson group.
Coil – …And the Ambulance Died in His Arms CD 2005 Threshold House – Very rare original pressing.
Cronos – Hell to the Unknown: Anthology CD 2006 Castle Music CMQDD1398 – Two-disc UK compilation of Venom frontman’s solo material, very rare.
Jay Chattaway – Maniac Soundtrack CD 1997 SouthEast – SER 289 B05S *NL – I don’t know much about Jay, but his shaped CD is very cool and collectible.
Iron Maiden – Live at Donington CD 2002 Sanctuary [Limited Digipak] [Sealed] – A limited edition vinyl replica; collectors highly seek after these CDs – sealed copy.
Do You Have A Collection Like This You Want To Sell?
Do you own or have you inherited a collection like this and want help from a professional heavy metal record and CD buyer? Contact me on the page below.
I just bought a crazy black metal collection from France with numerous “Holy Grail” records that collectors dream about owning and some of the most expensive pieces I’ve ever acquired. Starting in late 2022, I’d been talking to a French black metal musician (who shall remain unnamed) about acquiring his black metal records and CDs. It took a few months to work out the deal. Next, I appraised and made an offer on the collection based on a series of photos sent to me over WhatsApp. Finally, we agreed to a fair price and made shipping plans after I issued him the money through PayPal.
As always, I agreed to pick up the shipping charges. We chose DHL France as the shipping service. Unfortunately, post-pandemic shipping prices have increased dramatically, almost double what they were previously, and some new security restrictions made this transaction section a bit more complicated. Once shipping issues were sorted out, the records arrived quickly (in less than five days).
I had some concerns about the condition of some of the vinyl, but once I started sorting through the collection, my fears were assuaged. While the stuff in it was far from “near mint” it was average VG+; there were numerous scarce titles I have never had before and may never have again.
Video Of The Insane Collection
Breakdown Of The Gems
Here is a breakdown of some select gems, and there are many insane ones, starting with…
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 White Label Test Press – Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 White Label Test Press – Original copies of “A Blaze In The Northern Sky” are rare enough, but how about this test pressing? At this point, very few of these still exist, nevermind are for sale. This piece is a true rarity.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $1000 USD
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 Peaceville – VILE 28 UK – While this record has been repressed and reissued hundreds of times, the initial run by Peaceville Records was relatively small, making the first pressing of the album quite pricey.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $800 USD
Beherit – Drawing Down The Moon LP 1993 Spinefarm Records – SPI 14 – The original run of this cult-classic black/death metal masterpiece was also relatively small, making it quite pricey.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $700 USD
Hypocrisy – Osculum Obscenum LP 1993 Nuclear Blast NB 080-1 – Hypocrisy – Osculum Obscenum LP 1993 Nuclear Blast NB 080-1 – Extremely rare transparent yellow first pressing of this album was strictly limited to 1000 copies and very rare.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $700 USD
Dissection – Storm Of The Light’s Bane LP 1998 Nuclear Blast [Blue Vinyl] – A true Holy Grail if there ever was one. While an early reissue and not a first pressing of this black metal classic, this 1998 press from Nuclear Blast mailorder was limited to 500 copies and is mega-rare! Even more recent reissues of “Storm of the Lights” bane can fetch $200-$300 a week after they sell out. The first pressings now will run you about $1000.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $700 USD
Nifelheim – Nifelheim LP 1996 Necropolis Records – NR 007 – This was by far the best album from this band. Original CDs can average around $60; as you can see, the vinyl isn’t cheap either.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $600 USD
Dødheimsgard – Monumental Possession LP 1996 Malicious Records MR010 – While I am not totally familiar with this band, it doesn’t stop their records from costing an arm and a leg.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $600 USD
Beherit – The Oath Of Black Blood LP 1991 Turbo Music – Beherit’s debut album was a very limited run and is almost impossible to come by.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Deicide – Legion LP 1992 R/C Records – RC 9192-1 – The fact that this album is fully autographed by the lineup that played on it certainly adds to the value of this one. Considering the animosity between Glen Benton and the Hoffman brothers, you will never get the four of them in a room to sign another copy like this.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Vader – The Ultimate Incantation LP 1992 Earache – MOSH 59 – A great album by a great band; even recent represses of this get expensive.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Sarcófago – I.N.R.I. LP 1987 Cogumelo Produções – COG007 – In my opinion, one of the most influential metal bands ever. Brazil’s Sarcofago has been credited by many as the inventor of grindcore and the bridge between death metal and black metal — another “Holy Grail” for sure.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Dismember – Like An Ever Flowing Stream LP 1991 Nuclear Blast – NB 047 – This album is an essential from the Golden Age Of Death Metal (1990-1995), and the first pressing is hard to score.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Amorphis – The Karelian Isthmus LP 1993 Nuclear Blast – NB 072 – Another offering from the Golden Age of Death Metal – this limited run of 1000 colored vinyl is highly sought after by collectors.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $370 USD
Sodom – Tapping the Vein LP 1992 Steamhammer – SPV 008 – You can argue that this is far from the best album by Sodom, but like many albums from the 1990s, the limited runs make it quite rare and high-dollar.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
Krisiun / Viollent Hate – Curse Of The Evil One LP 1993 Dynamo Brazilie – DYN005 – This Brazilian split LP would be the first time the world would hear the brutal black/death metal attack of Krisiun and make it another “Holy Grail” album.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
Dissection – Somberlain LP 1996 Nuclear Blast NFR 006 – Picture disc version of Dissection’s second album and a huge deal.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick LP 1991 White Label Test Pressing –
Last but not least, a test pressing of what some people consider Morbid Angel’s finest work, “Blessed Are The Sick”. You will be hard-pressed to find this one anywhere.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
There are many other considerable gems in this collection, but these are the 20-or-so standouts; check out my video at the top of the page for a video tour.
Do Your Have A Collection Like This Your Would Like To Sell?
Use the information below to get in touch with me, I am always on the lookout for killer heavy metal collections of all sizes.
Sadly, I have been getting many collections I have been buying lately because the original owners have passed away. I picked up this killer old-school thrash, death, and black metal from the original owner’s family through the mail from North Carolina after they had cleaned out his storage area.
In it were a ton of great out-of-print rarities, and I have outlined some of the gems below.
Gems From This Collection
Sodom – Agent Orange LP 1989 R/C Records – RC 9480 – Excellent original copy of Sodom’s 1987 thrash metal classic “Agent Orange” still in its original shrink wrap.
Death Angel – The Ultra-Violence LP 1987 Enigma – ST-73253 – Another great thrash metal record from 1987 and the best by Death Angel, still in its original shrink wrap with hype stickers.
Exhorder – Slaughter in the Vatican CD 1991 Roadrunner – RO 93632 – Kill first pressing of Exhorer’s debut album and a pricey and rare CD.
Slayer – Hell Awaits CD 1986 Combat – 88561-8020-2 – An actual real first pressing of Slayer’s “Hell Awaits”with the orange back panel. I have never even seen one of these before. Very rare.
Sepultura – Morbid Visions CD 1990 New Renaissance Records – NRCD43 – This a an OG on New Renaissance Records, as you can tell by the insanely simple rear-panel layout.
Have A Collection Like This To Sell?
I am always buying metal collections like you see in the post. Use this contact into to get ahold of me.
This month’s update took me on an adventure to Chillicothe, Ohio, where I picked up a massive collection of 2500 extreme metal LPs, 5500 CDs, and around 2000 cassettes, all in mint condition.
Here is a video of the haul once I loaded itinto my place.
Sadly, this collection did not become available under the best of circumstances. The original owner of this insane collection, Scott Baxter, of the Philadelphia-based metal/hardcore band, Dare To Defy, tragically succumbed to cancer at age 55.
Here is a link to some of Dare To Defy’s music, active from the late 80s to the late 90s.
I left Los Angeles on the redeye and hoped to catch some sleep on the first leg of the flight from LAX to Atlanta. But unfortunately, I was unable to fall asleep on the plane. So I arrived in Columbus and decided to power through. I picked up a U-Haul truck from a town near the airport and went to view the collection — it was exactly as she had described to me. After a bit of negotiation, I wrote the owner a check, loaded the truck, and was on my way back by 3 PM that afternoon.
The Long Journey Home
At this point, on no sleep, I began the most white-knuckle leg of the trip: The 2000-mile-plus trek back to Los Angeles.
I only drove a few hours on the first day before stopping in Indiana. Then, after 16 hours of driving the next day, I stopped for the night in Missouri. Again, after a similar length of driving, I stopped in Denver.
Most miraculously, there were no serious snafus the entire trip – no running of gas, speeding tickets, or brushes with death.
Highlights From This Collection
I have yet to make it through every album in this monolithic assemblage, but I pulled out a few to feature in this first blog post and will follow up with some more in future posts.
Mortician – Hacked Up For Barbecue LP 2016 Hells Headbangers NM/NM BLUE RED – Great 90s death metal by a two-man band from Yonkers, NY, that recorded with a drum machine and never toured because they were on probation. Hacked Up For Barbecue is both brutal and highly collectible.
Mortician – Re-Animated Dead Flesh LP 2016 Hells Headbangers NM GLOW IN THE DARK – Though this album is technically a reissue, the early Mortician albums never appeared on vinyl. This limited glow-in-the-dark vinyl is quite rare, collectible, and pricey.
Death Angel – The Ultra-Violence LP WHITE 2016 Metal Blade – 3984-15377-1 NM/NM – This white vinyl limited run of 100 from the OG Death Angel thrash classic is very sought after because of its low print run.
Mercyful Fate – Melissa LP 1983 Megaforce Records – MRI-369 EX/NM – The debut album from Mercyful Fate, “Melissa,” is widely regarded as one of the most influential extreme metal albums of all time. To find an original copy in near-mint condition is a rare treat.
Satan – Court In The Act LP 1984 LP Metal Blade – MBR 1016 EX/EX – Though technically a reissue, this first US pressing of “Court In The Act” by the British heavy metal band Satan is very sought after.
Cryptic Slaughter – Money Talks LP 2014 Relapse – RR6547 NM [GREEN LIMITED 300] – These limited color reissues from the godfathers of grindcore not only look cool, but they are also almost worth as much as original copies of this LP.
Deicide – Deicide LP 2014 Metal Blade Records – 3984-15311-1 NM/NM [RED VINYL] – These limited red reissues of the debut album from Deicide sold out so fast they are now scarce and never sell for less than a hundred bucks!
Have A Collection Like This You Want To Sell?
I constantly look for metal and punk CDs, cassettes, and record collections. I am happy to come to you, given the right situation, or we can conduct these types of deals via email without meeting. No amount of records is too big or too small. More info here:
Here is a fantastic first press metal collection a guy brought in two weeks ago.
And here is a great punk rock vinyl collection I picked up this weekend.
Featured Punk / Metal Vinyl
Here are some of the gold nuggets from the videos above.
Black Flag – Nervous Breakdown EP 1980 SST SST 001 – This is the third pressing of “Nervous Breakdown” by Black Flag. There have been over 20 years of pressings of this EP. The actual first pressing is one of the most expensive punk rock albums out there that can go for over $1000 easily.
Ramones – Ramones LP 1976 Sire – SASD-7520 – First pressings of this debut Ramones LP average between $143 – $432, according to Discogs, and keep going up.
Possessed – Seven Churches LP 1985 Combat – MX 8024 – One of the most influential extreme metal albums of all time, and some argue the first death metal album, early pressings of ” Seven Churches ” by Possessed are a holy grail of vinyl collectors. The camouflage label is technically a second press, even though it came out the same year. Unlike many vintage metal albums, the first-press CD is worth more than the album and is among the most expensive metal CDs.
Slayer – Show No Mercy LP 1983 Metal Blade Records – MBR 1013 – Slayer’s debut album is now the most expensive and hard to find in their catalog. This copy is technically a repress, but it still sells for north of 300 dollars.
Have Albums Like This You Want To Sell?
If you have a collection like this you are looking to sell, I am always buying. Use the info below to get hold of me.
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