General Information Artist: AC/DC Title: Back in Black Label: Atlantic Catalog number: SD 16018 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album Year: 1980 Country: US Edition: First US Pressing (Masterdisk RL / Allied Pressing) Genre: Hard Rock Description Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released on July 25, 1980. It marks a historic turning point for the band, being their first album recorded with vocalist Brian Johnson following the tragic passing of their former lead singer, Bon Scott. Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, the album became an absolute masterpiece of hard rock. It delivers timeless anthems such as "Hells Bells," "Shoot to Thrill," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the legendary title track. Back in Black has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, securing its place as one of the best-selling albums in music history and a foundational pillar of rock music. Condition Vinyl: Near Mint (NM) Cover: Excellent (EX) — original jacket preserved inside its original shrink wrap Notes for collectors This specific copy is a highly collectible, early US pressing from 1980. It features the definitive "RL" (Robert Ludwig) mastering signature etched into the runout matrix on both sides alongside the stamped MASTERDISK logo. The Robert Ludwig mastering cut of Back in Black is universally praised by audiophiles and collectors as the best-sounding version ever produced, legendary for its punchy low-end, incredible dynamic range, and massive sonic power. The center labels carry the "-AR" suffix, indicating that this copy was pressed at the Allied Record Company. Matrix/Labels Labels: Red, white, and black Atlantic labels featuring the SD 16018 catalog number, Leidseplein Presse B.V. attribution, and the "-AR" pressing plant suffix. Side One Matrix (Runout): ST-A-804517-A MASTERDISK RL A 4 B-15195-2 Side Two Matrix (Runout): ST-A-804518-A MASTERDISK RL B-15196-1 Pressing Plant Markings: "-AR" label code an Allied Record Company pressing. Mastering Stamp/Signature: "MASTERDISK" stamped and "RL" etched on both sides.