General Information Artist: Def Leppard Album: Hysteria Label: Mercury / PolyGram Records / Bludgeon Riffola Ltd. Catalog Number: 830 675-1 (Spine: 830 675-1 Q-1) Format: Vinyl, LP, Album Country: USA Released: 1987 Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Metal Description "Hysteria" is the fourth studio album by English rock band Def Leppard, released on August 3, 1987. It is the band's best-selling album to date, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and spawning seven hit singles. Produced by the legendary Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the album is a masterpiece of production, blending hard rock energy with pop sensibilities. This record marked a historic comeback for the band following drummer Rick Allen's car accident, featuring his innovative custom electronic drum kit. The tracks included are timeless anthems such as "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Animal," "Love Bites," and the title track "Hysteria." Condition Cover: Excellent (EX). The cover is still in its original factory shrink wrap, which has preserved the colors and surface perfectly. There is minor shelf wear and slight bumping visible at the exposed corners where the shrink has pulled back or torn slightly, but overall it remains in beautiful shape. Shrink Wrap: Original shrink includes the iconic yellow hype sticker ("12 Songs 62 Minutes / Includes The Hits..."). Vinyl: Presumed MINT (unplayed) Notes for collectors First US Pressing: This is the original 1987 US edition, identifiable by the "830 675-1 Q-1" catalog number on the spine and the specific layout of the Mercury/PolyGram logos. Sonic Excellence: Original 1987 pressings were mastered using the Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) process at Masterdisk, providing a superior high-end clarity that many later reissues struggle to replicate. Hype Sticker: Finding an original copy with the yellow hype sticker still attached to the shrink wrap is a significant plus for collectors, as it verifies the early production run. Historical Significance: "Hysteria" was the most expensive rock album ever produced at the time of its release, and its success defined the sound of late 80s rock. Matrix/Labels Labels: Standard black Mercury labels with red/white text and the logo at the top. Barcode: 0 422-830675-1 6 Matrix / Runout (Side 1): 830 675-1-AS- (followed by plant-specific etchings like MASTERDISK DMM) Matrix / Runout (Side 2): 830 675-1-BS- (followed by plant-specific etchings)