The eighties were a fantastic decade for heavy metal. Some of the best metal albums ever were released in that decade. The 1980s saw the explosion of metal into the mainstream, with tons of bands getting radio and MTV airplay. It also saw the birth and rise of more extreme genres of metal. Throughout the past several months I published lists of the best metal albums of each year of the 1980s. This collection of the best albums of the decade is taken from those lists.
11. Morbid Angel - 'Altars Of Madness' (1989)
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If this had been written back in 1989 this album probably wouldn't have been number one. But with the passing of time it became obvious just how important Morbid Angel and this release were. It was a brutal slab of death metal with ferocious vocals from David Vincent. Trey Azagthoth and Richard Brunelle's riffs and solos are just sick, and Pete Sandoval is one of the best drummers in metal. Altars Of Madness is a groundbreaking album that all death metal fans should own.
12. Metallica - Kill 'Em All' (1983)
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Metallica didn't invent thrash, but they certainly brought it to the masses, and this album is the one that started it all. Their debut album was groundbreaking, packed with raw power and blazing fast riffs that they would polish and perfect over the years. Dave Mustaine co-wrote several songs on this album, although he was no longer a member of the band by this time. Highlights include "Whiplash," "No Remorse" and "Seek and Destroy."
13. Metallica - 'And Justice For All' (1988)
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Metallica's fourth studio album is the one that launched them into the mainstream. The video for the song "One" received extensive airplay on MTV. One of my all time favorite Metallica songs, "Blackened," is also on this album. And Justice For All was one of their most musically complex album, utilizing unusual time signatures, orchestration and epic compositions.
14. Exodus - 'Bonded By Blood' (1985)
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Exodus' debut album was their commercial and critical pinnacle. Even though they've had a long and successful career, they never matched the success of thrash counterparts like Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. This album, though, is spectacular. It's a thrash classic with music played at breakneck speed with a barrage of killer riffs and solos. And even though it's a whirlwind of intensity, the songs are still very catchy and memorable.
15. Ozzy Osbourne - 'Blizzard Of Ozz' (1980)
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After leaving Black Sabbath to embark on a solo career, Ozzy Osbourne hooked up with guitarist Randy Rhoads, and the result was a fantastic album. It was more technical and modern than Sabbath, thanks to Rhoads and his guitar virtuosity. There are some great songs on this album, including "Crazy Train" and the controversial "Suicide Solution."
16. Judas Priest - 'Screaming For Vengeance' (1982)
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After having my number 2 album of 1980, Judas Priest claims the same spot for 1982. The best known song from this album is "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," but there are several other great songs including the title track, "Electric Eye" and "Bloodstone." Halford sounds great as usual, and this is their second best album of the 1980s.
17. Slayer - 'Hell Awaits' (1985)
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Their masterpiece would come one year later, but this is also a fantastic album. It was their second full-length, and showed an exponential growth in their songwriting ability. The songs on this album are complex, the guitar work is flawless, and Dave Lombardo's drumming is simply insane. In 1985 this was as extreme as it got, both musically and lyrically.
18. Iron Maiden - 'Powerslave' (1984)
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Powerslave was a great album that was the complete package. It had the catchy radio and MTV friendly singles like "Aces High" and "2 Minutes To Midnight," but also had an instrumental and long, complex songs. "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" clocked in at an astonishing 13 minutes long. Great songwriting and musicianship make this album one of their best.
19. Anthrax - 'Among The Living' (1987)
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Anthrax is a group I've come to appreciate more and more as the years go by, and Among The Living was their best album. The songs had a message and were catchy yet still very intense and aggressive. "Caught In A Mosh" is the highlight of this album, along with other great songs such as "Indians," "I Am The Law" and the title track. Anthrax have always been a band with a sense of humor that is also willing to address serious subjects, which is a great combination.
20. Annihilator - 'Alice In Hell' (1989)
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The Canadian thrash band Annihilator blasted upon the scene with a monstrous debut album. Jeff Waters and company tore through the album with raw power and energy along with excellent technical skill. Waters and Anthony Greenham really shined with their outstanding guitar work. Randy Rampage's raw and emotional vocals were a good fit as well. Annihilator has had dozens of lineup changes over the years, and their debut remains one of their best efforts.