"MASTER OF PUPPETS" TURNS 40

Metallica's Thrash Metal masterpiece "Master Of Puppets" was released on March 3, 1986—exactly 40 years ago. The cover of the American band's third studio album features an artwork painted (apparently in three days) with acrylics, airbrush and paintbrush by late American illustrator, Don Brautigam. He was inspired by a concept provided by the band and by a sketch drawn by vocalist/guitarist, James Hetfield.

The original version of this piece featured feminine hands, which were later replaced for the "master hands."

The finished artwork doesn't include the band's marbled logo, which was added later. It was acquired by Metallica's former manager, Jon Zazula and his wife Marsha, who also owned Megaforce, the label that released Metallica's debut album, "Kill 'Em All" (1983). Years later, Christie's Auction House sold it for $35.000.

Don Brautigam's work has also appeared on the covers of Metal albums like Testament's "The Ritual," Metal Church's "The Dark" and Anthrax's "Among The Living," "State Of Euphoria" and "Persistence of Time." See more of his work at