| The Beginning (CD, Compilation, Remastered) | Roadrunner Records | RR 349603 | Europe | 1987 | |
| The Beginning (LP, Compilation) | Banzai Records, Banzai Records | BRC 2001, BRC-2001 | Canada | 1987 | |
| The Beginning (Cassette, Compilation) | Roadracer Records | RRC 49603 | US | 1987 | |
| The Beginning (CD, Compilation, Remastered) | Roadrunner Records | RR 349603 | Europe | 1987 | |
| The Beginning (LP, Compilation, Remastered) | Roadracer Records | RR 9603 | US | 1987 | |
Issued in hardcover gatefold sleeve, with black polycarbonate CD.
Tracks 1 to 4 recorded in Holland in September 1982 at the Stone Sound Studio.
Tracks 5 to 7 produced for Radio 1's the "Friday Rock Show".
Released by courtesy of BBC Enterprises Ltd.
Recorded on March 19th 1983 in only 8 hours.
Track 8 was recorded while Mercyful Fate were in the Easy Sound studio in Copenhagen, work on the Melissa album. The basic tracks were laid on July 19th 1983, lead guitar on the 22nd followed by the vocals on the 23rd. The track was mixed on July 27th and released in December that same year as B-side of the 12" "
Black Funeral".
All songs published by Roadster Music.
This album is the definitive collector's addition to the Mercyful Fate catalogue, featuring the band's official pre-"
Melissa" recordings
The legendary "Rave-On" sessions (fully re-mastered)
The BBC "Friday Rock Show" sessions,
+ the bonus track "Black Masses" from the "
Melissa" sessions, never before released on LP.
[Back cover and disc]
©℗ 1987 & 2020 Metal Blade Records Inc.
Contains CD-Text technology.
Engineer [Engineered By] – - David Dade * (tracks: 5 to 7), - Willem Steentjes (tracks: 1 to 4)Mixed By – - Tony Wilson (tracks: 5 to 7)Producer [Produced By] – - Jac Hustinx * (tracks: 1 to 4), - Tony Wilson (tracks: 5 to 7)
Produced For BBC Radio 1
Phonographic Copyright Metal Blade Records Inc
Copyright Metal Blade Records Inc
Published By Roadster Music
Recorded At Stonesound Studio