Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1982

After losing their lead singer, Iron Maiden found Bruce Dickinson and rebounded with their best album and one that is a true heavy metal classic. "Run To The Hills" and the title track are among the best singles you'll ever hear, and there is not a bit of filler on this album. It features spectacular and diverse songwriting, great vocals from Dickinson and is one of the best metal albums ever.

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.

The previous year, Venom's debut album was a groundbreaking one for extreme metal. Their second album named a subgenre, which should tell you how influential it was. It saw an improvement in Venom's musical ability and songwriting technique. It was still raw and imperfect, but that's what extreme music is all about.

The Scorpions have released some great albums over the years, but I think this one was their best. It didn't have the monster hit single like "Rock You Like A Hurricane," but in terms of Klaus Meine's vocals and the number of superb songs, this was their strongest complete album. Highlights include "No One Like You" and the title track.

Motorhead had a great run in the late '70s and early '80s with a ton of quality albums. That run would continue for a few more years, but this was the last album with guitarist Fast Eddie Clark, who would leave to form Fastway. The songs are a little slower tempo than some of their previous albums, but the intensity and trademark Motorhead sound are still there.

Anvil were a Canadian band that mixed speed metal and power metal. It was a great mix of speed and technical wizardry. They were huge in their native country, but never gained a lot of popularity elsewhere. The title track of this album is a great metal anthem and probably their best known song. They are another band that is still around today, touring and making music.

Before the over the top antics of "We're Not Gonna Take It" a few years later, Twisted Sister was a band that clawed their way out of the New York club scene with great musical chops. By the time their debut album was released the band had been together for a decade, and this album is packed with great songs. The title track is still a staple, but a lot of the other songs have been forgotten in the light of their more commercial tracks, and this album top to bottom is their best.

This was the second of three outstanding albums released in three years between 1981 and 1983. This album is the sound of a band in their prime. The songs combine NWOBHM with thrash/speed metal, which was a genre that would really take off the next few years. It's a powerful album and one that stands up well to the test of time.

Manowar never got a whole lot of love from the critics, and their "Death To False Metal" credo and over the top image made it difficult for some to take them seriously. Their debut album included narration by noted actor Orson Welles along with some really good songs. Eric Adams is an excellent vocalist, and the band's musicianship is underrated. The fact that they have an extremely loyal fan base and are still around 25 plus years after they started means they must be doing something right.

Tank is a UK band, and this was their debut album. It was produced by Eddie Clarke from Motorhead, and there are definite similarities in sound. The band's sound is raw with a lot of punk influences. Vocalist/bassist Algy Ward was a former member of The Damned, so that influence makes sense. Tank is still an active band, and last released an album a few years back.