1984 was an interesting year in heavy metal. Stalwarts like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden were still going strong, but newer bands like Metallica and Dio were ready to try to wrestle away their crowns. More extreme bands like Celtic Frost and Mercyful Fate released excellent albums in 1984, as did more commercial MTV friendly bands like Ratt and Twisted Sister. As the series of the best heavy metal albums of all time continues, here are one person's opinions of the top 10 of 1984.
1. Metallica - Ride The Lightning
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Metallica's first album was groundbreaking, and Ride The Lightning, their second release, was another big step forward. Their songwriting improved dramatically, and they also expanded their musical horizons and the result was a much more diverse effort. Some of the classics on this album include "Creeping Death," "Fade To Black" and "For Whom The Bell Tolls."
2. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
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Iron Maiden made my Top 10 list for the fifth consecutive year. Powerslave was a fantastic 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.
3. Dio - The Last In Line
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After the previous year's Holy Diver was my number one album of 1983, The Last In Line also makes a strong showing. "We Rock" and the title track were excellent singles, and the album is a deep one. The last song, "Egypt", is one of the best on the album. Keyboards were a little more prevalent on this one, which gives it a slightly different sound. Vivian Campbell's guitar and Ronnie James Dio's vocals were still in top form.
4. Judas Priest - Defenders Of The Faith
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This is the third and final time in the '80s that Judas Priest made my annual Top 10 list. The most memorable song from Defenders Of The Faith is "Love Bites." "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" also got some radio and video play. It's an album packed with anthems and a power ballad or two. The guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton is always great, but they really shine on this album.
5. Mercyful Fate - Don't Break The Oath
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For the second consecutive year Mercyful Fate makes my Top 10 list. Back in 1984 Don't Break The Oath was about as dark and evil as it got. In the midst of the Reagan Revolution the metal underground was alive and well. King Diamond's vocal prowess is once again the star of the show. From low growls to operatic singing, his voice along with the dark and atmospheric music and blasphemous lyrics made for one evil package.
6. Celtic Frost - Morbid Tales
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The Swiss band Celtic Frost rose from the ashes of Hellhammer. They would go on to influence countless black and death metal bands. Morbid Tales was their full-length debut, a very raw and unpolished slab of blackened thrash metal. Tom G. Warrior's vocals were low pitched growls that fit in perfectly with the band's extreme music.
7. Twisted Sister - Stay Hungry
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For the second time in the '80s Twisted Sister makes an appearance in my Top 10 list. Stay Hungry was the band's critical and commercial apex. Over 20 years later the videos for "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock" are played in heavy rotation on VH-1 Classic. There are also several very dark and heavy songs to balance those more pop-oriented tracks. Dee Snider's over the top looks and antics overshadowed the fact that he is a really good singer.
8. Manowar - Hail To England
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By their third album, Manowar was really honing their power metal sound. Hail To England had some of the band's usual cheesy lyrics and posturing, but the songwriting and musicianship was really good. The album kicks into full gear right from the beginning with the superb "Blood Of My Enemies" and keeps going right through the epic finale "Bridge Of Death." This is a band that put the power in power metal.
9. Ratt - Out Of The Cellar
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Hair bands don't get a lot of respect, but in addition to slick and catchy songs Ratt was a band of very talented musicians. Stephen Pearcy's distinctive raspy vocals made them stand out, and the video for "Round And Round" that starred Milton Berle is one of the most memorable in MTV history. "Wanted Man" and "Lack Of Communication" are two other excellent songs from Out Of The Cellar.
10. Scorpions - Love At First Sting
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The Scorpions are a hugely underrated band, at least in North America, and this album was their biggest moment in the spotlight. "Rock You Like A Hurricane" is a classic song and was a hugely successful single. "Big City Nights" and "Still Loving You" are also great songs. From start to finish Love At First Sting is packed with diverse and memorable tunes.
