TOP 10 BEST HEAVY METAL SONGS OF THE 80'S.
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.
10. Morbid Angel - Altars Of Madness (1989)
If this had been written back in 1989 this album probably wouldn't have been number
one for that year. 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.
9. Megadeth - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying (1986)
Megadeth really hit their stride on this, their second album. It's a speed metal classic
with great songs like "Wake Up Dead," "Devil's Island" and "Peace Sells." The band's
songwriting improved quite a bit from their debut album and 20 years later it still holds
up extremely well.
8. AC/DC - Back In Black (1980)
After the huge success of 1979's Highway To Hell, things looked really promising for
AC/DC. Then in February 1980 the band's lead singer Bon Scott died. They
immediately hired Brian Johnson and released this album just a few months later.
From the opening notes of "Hells Bells" through the end of "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise
Pollution," this album is a classic. Every song is memorable, and "You Shook Me All
Night Long" and the title track are among the best metal songs ever.
7. Dio - Holy Diver (1983)
After fronting Rainbow and Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio formed his own group.
He did a great job selecting his bandmates. Vivian Campbell is an outstanding
guitarist and Vinny Appice a rock solid drummer. Their debut is a heavy metal classic.
Dio has one of the best voices in metal, and some put him at the top. All 9 songs on
the album are excellent, including the hits "Rainbow In The Dark" and the title track.
"Stand Up And Shout" is also a very memorable song.
6. Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime (1988)
With their third album Queensryche brought together a great concept and great songs.
Operation Mindcrime tells a story filled with political intrigue and romance. The songs
are complex, yet catchy, and Geoff Tate's vocals never sounded better. Highlights
include "Eyes Of A Stranger" and "I Don't Believe In Love." As a political statement of
what was happening at the end of the Reagan era it is very effective. As a musical
statement it's even more effective.
5. Guns 'N Roses - Appetite For Destruction (1987)
Axl Rose and company exploded upon the scene with a heavy and diverse album. It
had radio friendly ballads like "Sweet Child 'O Mine," hit singles like "Welcome The
Jungle" and "Paradise City" along with harder edged songs like "Night Train." Slash
and Izzy Stradlin's bluesy guitar work was outstanding, and the entire album had an air
of danger and edginess that metal really needed at the time. Guns 'N Roses eventually
imploded, but for a brief time they were at the top of the heap.
4. Metallica - Ride The Lightning (1984)
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."
3. Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast (1982)
After losing their lead singer, 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.
2. Slayer - Reign In Blood (1986)
This is one of the top 3 thrash metal albums and one of the top 10 metal albums ever.
Many publications have named it the best metal album ever. This is speed metal at its
finest, with compact songs jam packed with riffs and head banging intensity. The lyrics
are also filled with dark and disturbing images. Slayer released several fantastic
albums, and this is their masterpiece.
1. Metallica - Master Of Puppets (1986)
Metallica's third album is their best. It doesn't have the radio singles and MTV videos
as some of their later releases, but is a musical tour de force. From the trademark
thrash of "Battery" to the instrumental stylings of "Orion," it's a sound of a band on top
of their game. The songs are diverse and the musicianship is simply incredible.
