AC/DC’s comeback after Bon Scott’s untimely death can be seen here with this classic track that helped launch Zakk Wylde as Ozzy Osbourne was replaced in 1986.
Metal has long been political; from Black Sabbath’s fiery anti-war lyrics on War Pigs to Napalm Death’s punk rage – but in recent times it has taken on an increasingly personal tone.
The Birth of Modern Metal
Metal music experienced an explosive global boom during the 80s. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Accept were at the forefront of its spread – evolving their sounds while exploring humanity’s darker corners with lyrics such as those found on Black Sabbath’s Black Sabbath: Sick Days Are Over; heavier music became faster and more aggressive while Megadeth Metallica Slayer and other bands like these pushed its limits further still.
Slayer of Los Angeles brought thrash metal into mainstream consciousness with their groundbreaking Reign in Blood album released in 1986, which marked metal’s acceptance as an authentic musical style with dedicated fans and subgenres such as Twisted Sister of New York, Californian rockers Def Leppard and London hellcats Girlschool all dominating with their unique brand of glam metal music.
Hair metal also saw its debut, with Motley Crue and Ratt becoming pioneers of this genre with their drug-fuelled soap operas and money-grabbing reunions, while London bands Dangerous Attraction and Lion released albums full of riff-heavy mayhem.
Heavy metal musicians and fans came under scrutiny during the 1980s, with some accusing them of leading to everything from violent crime and drug use, suicide attempts, mental health problems and more. Yet many defenders noted how metal had always explored madness and horror through music; it provided an effective escape from reality when faced with difficulties of life.
The Birth of MTV
Metal music emerged on the scene like never before during the 1980s thanks to MTV. The new station beamed music directly into living rooms and gave rise to many iconic metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Guns N’ Roses who became superstars thanks to MTV. But their bold videos also caused widespread outrage from activists and parents, fearing violent behavior such as devil worship inspired by this music; even as time progressed however prejudices and censorship still surfaced against many bands throughout this decade despite their success on MTV!
At a time when Satanism was associated with murder and drug use, Black Sabbath found themselves under scrutiny due to their occult lyrics and cult-like following. When the Columbine massacre happened, Marilyn Manson became particularly controversial for being seen as worshipping Satan; his membership in Church of Satan and soap opera persona didn’t help matters either.
While Def Leppard responded to punk with clean glam music, their North Eastern rivals Venom embraced it by creating hellbound occult music which resulted in their distinctive lo-fi “black metal” that still inspires bands today.
Megadeth pioneered thrash metal with their fast drumming and growling guitar riffs, earning them one of the genre’s highest praise and status as an influential guitarist in Dave Mustaine – widely considered one of its pioneers – but its lineup has changed over time; founding member Dave Mustaine remains considered an influential guitarist within it all. If that wasn’t evidence enough for you, listen to this track – it captures every element of metal life perfectly, from opening riff to Rob Halford’s screaming vocal scream; all within this one song lies the sheer euphoria of being in a band or being an enthusiast fan alike; with Internet bridges between subcultures, young bands can benefit from decades of trailblazers such as these who helped blazed trails long ago!
The Birth of Kill ‘Em All
As any metalhead will attest, Kill ‘Em All is one of the greatest debut albums ever created and an indispensable piece in thrash metal’s evolution. Metallica were determined to record their debut LP but first had to face up to numerous hurdles and battle to have it made happen. Megaforce Records was not pleased with the original name and cover they created for Metal Up Your Ass, depicting a hand holding a machete emerging through a toilet bowl – so they decided to change both aspects. At this juncture, they decided to alter the title of their album to Kill ‘Em All as a nod to Cliff Burton’s comment when he left (it was actually meant as a joke about his dismissal and response when asked why the title of their album had been changed).
Ride the Lightning was their next effort and would become more progressive, yet their first album took New Wave of British Heavy Metal influences, dropped tuning, and created songs about war and violence at an astonishingly fast rate – creating a record that is often held up alongside classic releases by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
Metal rocked its way from sweaty bars and basement record collections in the 1970s, to basketball arenas and your sister’s Walkman in the 1980s thanks to bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica and others as well as MTV giving them a platform. Unfortunately, however, this decade was also marked by tragedy with Joe Elliot (Def Leppard) and Dimebag Darrell (Pantera) passing away too soon.
The Birth of Dio
Decade in which metal emerged as an outsider culture with its own aesthetic, clubs, and language. Also the decade when Ronnie James Dio emerged as a true heavy metal superstar.
Dio’s tales of dungeons and dragons may have inspired Spinal Tap, while his timeless songs such as “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark” made him one of metal’s most acclaimed vocalists. When other bands experimented with grunge, alternative, groove, nu-metal and nu-metal sounds, Dio kept making epic metal filled with vivid imagery and dramatic metaphors.
After joining Black Sabbath after their underwhelming 1980 release Angry Machines, Dio quickly helped bring about their recovery by earning platinum sales with Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules albums. He and guitarist Toni Iommi quickly clicked, co-writing “Children of the Sea” together on their first day jamming sessions.
Dio’s ambition for power is boundless and he will use any means necessary to attain it – even if this means destroying his own reputation in order to do it. Dio enjoys positions of authority and is outraged whenever anyone challenges it.
Dio’s early work, such as Holy Diver and Last in Line, remains an important milestone in heavy metal history. Although later albums such as Strange Highways and Angry Machines may not hold up as well to scrutiny by fans, his earlier efforts remain key milestones of genre evolution. Furthermore, Dio remained popular as an arena performer and released multiple solo albums during his lifetime.
The Birth of Quiet Riot
The 1980s marked a shift for metal from sweaty bars and basement record collections into basketball arenas and your sister’s Walkman, thanks to iconic bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest and Motley Crue. However, hard rock subgenres like hair metal and glam metal emerged with flashy stage personae and provocative lyrics that expanded its scope even further.
Kiss, pioneers of glam metal, epitomized the genre’s reckless spirit with this defiant call-to-arms from their debut album. This monumental hit became their only No. 1 single on Billboard charts and still stands as one of the most influential heavy metal songs ever.
Iron Maiden were often misunderstood as punks with long hair – much to singer Paul Di’Anno’s displeasure – yet this menacing track from their classic debut album proved otherwise.
Quiet Riot quickly rebounded after losing Rudy Sarzo to Ozzy Osbourne by recruiting guitarist Frankie Banali and drummer Carlos Cavazo under producer Mike Proffer for their 1983 self-titled debut. This album contains some raucous metal classics such as “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” and a wild remake of Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize.”
Quiet Riot proved in the ’80s metal bands could flourish beyond club scenes with their hard rock style with some soul. Featuring their original line-up from their first album, this live recording captures them at their peak of power while demonstrating their impressive vocal harmonies, powerful drumming, and monstrous riffage; making this an essential item for any serious metal fan!