Pantera - Far Beyond Driven - Encapsulated copy (see description) - Vinyl record - 1st Pressing - 1994

1. General information

Artist: Pantera
Album: Far Beyond Driven
Format: Vinyl, 2-LP Set, Album, Limited Edition, Graded & Encapsulated (Open/Unsealed)
Label: EastWest Records
Catalog Number: 7567-92374-1
Year: 1994 (Original Release)
Country: Europe (EU) / Pressed in Germany
Genre: Groove Metal, Thrash Metal

2. Description

This is an original 1994 European vinyl pressing of Pantera's chart-topping masterpiece, "Far Beyond Driven".
The item has been professionally authenticated, graded, and encapsulated by VMG (Vintage Media Grading). Unlike sealed copies, this unit is an "Open / Archival" specimen ("Vinyl in Sleeve"), meaning the records have been inspected to verify their specific matrix details and condition.
A key feature of this release is the original controversial artwork (depicting a drill bit penetrating an anus), which was banned in many regions and replaced with a skull logo for the CD release. The cover bears a "Limited Edition" hype sticker that proudly advertises the "Exclusive Artwork" and notes that the album was "Direct-Metal-Mastered to Cause Maximum Damage".


3. Condition

Overall Grade: 9.0 (Near Mint / NM). This is a high-grade copy for an open vintage record.
Sub-Grades:
Vinyl: 9.5 (Mint). The records themselves are in virtually perfect condition.
Label: 9.5.
Cover: 8.0. The jacket shows minor wear consistent with its age.
Spine: 7.5.
Encapsulation: The record is preserved in a hard archival plastic slab by VMG.

4. Notes for collectors

Banned Cover Art: This vinyl edition is highly sought after because it retains the band's original artistic vision for the cover, which was deemed too graphic for major retailers like Walmart and Target, leading to the alternate blue skull cover becoming the standard image for the album.
Audiophile Mastering: The hype sticker and VMG label confirm this is a DMM (Direct Metal Mastering) pressing. DMM is a technique used to improve high-frequency reproduction and reduce background noise, fitting for the album's aggressive sound.
Pressing Info: The matrix data on the back of the slab ("WMME Alsdorf") identifies this as a pressing manufactured in Germany by Warner Music Manufacturing Europe, which served the entire European market.

5. Matrix/labels

Slab Label (Front): 1994 EastWest Records 7567-92374-1 - EU - Stereo, Gatefold Sleeve, "Direct-Metal-Mastered" Hype Sticker - Grade 9.0.
Hype Sticker: "LIMITED EDITION DOUBLE-VINYL ALBUM with EXCLUSIVE ARTWORK & GATEFOLD SLEEVE - DIRECT-METAL-MASTERED TO CAUSE MAXIMUM DAMAGE - 7567-92374-1".
Back Slab Matrix Data: Side A: WMME Alsdorf 756 792374-1-A Hü 45U/MIN 4.
Barcode: 0 7567-92374-1 5.