After the precedent was set forheavy metal in the 1970s,the 1980s elevated the genre to the next level as some legendary bands released 10/10 no-skip albums. While the decade was known formusicians such as Michael Jacksonand Whitney Houston, there were also plenty of rockers producing the heaviest sounds in many different ways. A slew of subgenres was created, proving that metal wasn’t one-dimensional.
Instead, the rise of glam metal, thrash metal, and other subgenres showed that there was still much to explore when it came to this type of music. Of course,some established bands helped lead the way, but there were plenty of up-and-coming acts that demonstrated their capabilities. They not only made a name for themselves by creating signature tunes but also by becoming influential and inspiring artists of all kinds.
10Megadeth
Album: Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? (1986)
After a less-than-stellar exit from Metallica,Dave Mustaine was determined to prove he could be the leader of his own band. Megadeth got off to a tremendous start with their debut album, but the question remained about whether they could follow it up. They did so in a big way when they releasedPeace Sells… but Who’s Buying?in 1986.
The original record was only eight tracks long, which helped add to its allure. It provided just over 36 minutes of pure heavy metal. From the first song, “Wake Up Dead,” to the last, “My Last Words,“it showcased the band’s technical abilities and helped establish them among the top thrash metal acts.Additionally, its platinum certification has further solidified its legacy.
9Mercyful Fate
Album: Don’t Break The Oath (1984)
Throughout his career,Danish vocalist King Diamond has become a legend of the metal genre. Although he has fronted many bands, his two most well-known are the one that takes his own name and Mercyful Fate. The latter produced their first album in 1983, quickly following up with their sophomore record in 1984.
Common traits of the black metal genre include distorted guitars, shrieking vocals, and fast tempos.
Don’t Break the Oathbecame known for the band blending both heavy metal and progressive elements. King Diamond’s voice, revered for its falsetto, shines through, delivering a memorable performance. Due to its sound and lyrical content, this record would have a significant influence on early black metal.
8Black Sabbath
Album: Heaven And Hell (1980)
In their early beginnings, Black Sabbath were known for being one of the pioneers of heavy metal. Their early career spoke for itself, but they encountered an expected change when they decided to part ways with vocalistOzzy Osbourne, who went on to have a solo career. With no signs of slowing down,the band recruited Ronnie James Dio as their singer and were ready to unveil their next chapter.
Dio’s first album with them was released in 1980. Although his voice differed from Osbourne’s, it was easy to tell that they were more in sync than ever. With its high production value, it showcased an evolution from their ’70s sound into what 1980s metal could deliver. Their time with Dio didn’t last very long, but what they accomplished together will never be forgotten.
7Slayer
Album: South Of Heaven (1988)
Coming into their fourth studio album,Slayer had a lot of expectations to meet after their meteoric rise to the top throughout the ’80s.Additionally, the record they had released prior contained their signature song, “Raining Blood.” Therefore, there could be no settling for anything less than their best. With Rick Rubin still as their producer, the band got to work and releasedSouth of Heavenin 1988.
In an effort to make this album feel distinct from what they had previously done, the band worked tirelessly on perfecting their tempo. Some music pundits were taken aback by the change, but the record produced multiple hits. Over the years,its influence has extended beyond music into professional wrestling, where former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest has named his finishing move after it.
6KISS
Album: Creatures Of The Night (1982)
While KISS has been known for conquering many genres in their career, including hard rock and disco,the band was determined to make their heaviest album yet in the 1980s. This record was titledCreatures of the Night,and it arrived in 1982. The idea was to bring them back to popularity and help them dominate the decade the way they had the one prior.
As expected from their vision, some of the band’s toughest songs came from this album, including “I Love It Loud” and “War Machine.” Beyond just the music, this was a special release for the band, asit was dedicated to the memory of one of their early supporters, Neil Bogart, who was the founder of Casablanca Records. This was the label that KISS called home for many years.
5Iron Maiden
Album: The Number Of The Beast (1982)
Going into their third studio album, Iron Maiden underwent changes as they replaced their original lead singer, Paul Di’Anno, with Bruce Dickinson. There was no decline in the band’s sound; in fact,many felt they were better than ever.The Number of the Beastfeatured numerous classic songs and was a definitive statement from the band.
Commercially, it was a success, as it reached 33 on theBillboard200, which was higher than their previous record. This iconic album was praised for its strong songwriting and for launching their new era with a great start. Although it doesn’t always work out,this is a prime example of when a replacement singer achieves even more success than the original.
4Motörhead
Album: Ace Of Spades (1980)
After making a strong impression with their first four records in the late ’70s, Motörhead had something special in store with their fifth album. The title track fromAce of Spadeswould ultimately become a signature song for the band. Beyond the praise for this tune,all the others were enjoyed for their raw sound and aggressive energy as well.
Over the years, the appreciation for this album has grown. It has been ranked byRolling Stonemagazineas one of the 500 greatest of all time. Additionally, there have been a few anniversary releases, along with a documentary made about it. Now,this album is recognized for how truly influential it was, and it serves as a defining piece of the band’s legacy.
3Judas Priest
Album: British Steel (1980)
After debuting with a focus on blues rock, Judas Priest spent their next few records perfecting their heavy metal sound. Their sixth studio album, released in 1980,was the culmination of everything they were working towards.British Steelmaintained a powerful sound, but the straightforward concept allowed for easy retention.
After drawing inspiration from AC/DC on how songs could be crafted,this record featured some of their signature tunes. These included “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.” Although it didn’t place on many charts, it did rank in the Top 40 on theBillboard200. As admiration for it grew, so did the sales, eventually leading to its platinum status.
2Mötley Crüe
Album: Dr. Feelgood (1989)
After dominating the 1980s as one of the premier glam metal bands, Mötley Crüe had one more project to release before the decade ended.Dr. Feelgoodcame from the genuine place of each member looking to live a better life. Instead of putting their energy elsewhere,they focused it all on the record, and it paid off, becoming number one on theBillboard200.
Everything Mötley Crüe believed this album could be came to fruition, as both critics and fans praised it as their best work. The sales support this assertion, as it is now 6x platinum,making it their best-selling record of all time. Although things for them changed after that, with lead singerVince Neil leaving for a brief period, it was a perfect way to close the ’80s.
1Metallica
Album: …And Justice For All (1988)
Beforeselling out stadiumsmultiple nights in a row, a foundation had to be built. Metallica had one of the greatest rises to success in the 1980s. They claimed the spot of beingone of the leading forces in thrash metal and music in general. Their most commercially successful album of the decade was 1988’s…And Justice for All.
The album’s sixth place ranking on theBillboard200was the highest they had experienced at that point. Over time, this record, which has become known for its strong lyrical themes, has grown to be 8x platinum. After this release, the only question was how much bigger they could get. The answer was much bigger, as their most successful album would come out just a few years later.
