Unleash the metal mayhem with our definitive list of 1984’s greatest albums, marking 40 years of headbanging excellence.
1984 marked a significant milestone in heavy metal history, with iconic bands and groundbreaking debut albums. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, it’s time to pay tribute to the albums that paved the way for future headbangers. This definitive list of the year’s greatest heavy metal albums, each a testament to the genre’s enduring power and legacy, is now available for listening.
Powerslave – Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album, Powerslave, was released in 1984. The World Slavery Tour, the band’s longest and most demanding tour to date, continued the Ancient Egypt concept from the record. The band’s last album to include an instrumental track, Powerslave is the first to include the same lineup as their previous studio album. “2 Minutes to Midnight” and “Aces High” are available as singles from the album as well.
Metallica – Ride the Lightning
Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released in 1984. With bassist Cliff Burton adding music theory and increased compositional influence, the record demonstrated the band’s progression as a musical unit and lyrical sophistication. Along with longer instrumentals and more intricate harmonies, the record also included acoustic guitars. On the genre, the record had a long-lasting effect.
Dio – The Last in Line
The Last In Line is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Dio, released in 1984. It features former Rough Cutt keyboardist Claude Schnell and became the band’s highest-charting album in the UK and the U.S. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1984 and platinum in 1987. In the UK, it achieved Silver certification by the British Phonographic Industry in January 1986, alongside Holy Diver. These are the only two Dio albums to be certified at least platinum.
Judas Priest – Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith is Judas Priest’s ninth studio album, released in 1984. A remastered CD was released in May 2001. The record came out after the band’s spring and summer European tour, which included most of the North American dates. A few tunes on the album had progressive elements back, but the most of the songs were quick, fast-paced metal anthems with stadium-filling choruses.
Mercyful Fate – Don’t Break the Oath
Don’t Break the Oath was a blend of heavy metal and progressive elements, focusing on Satan and the occult. Though the sound was more akin to classic heavy metal, the album’s lyrical matter had an impact on later black metal bands. Remastered and reissued in 1997, the album included the lead-off tune “A Dangerous Meeting” as well as the bonus track “Death Kiss (Demo)”. It received critical acclaim and named the greatest extreme metal album of all time.
Twisted Sister – Stay Hungry
Stay Hungry is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Twisted Sister, released in 1984. It features two signature songs, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” which remain staples in ’80s glam metal and rock. A number of musicians, including Dimmu Borgir, Bif Naked, and Morgana Lefay, covered the record. In 2004, the band re-recorded all nine songs and performed Stay Hungry in its entirety in 2009.
Ratt – Out of the Cellar
Out of the Cellar is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Ratt. With the album’s enormous popularity, Ratt rose to prominence in the Los Angeles glam metal scene. Produced by Beau Hill, the album features Ratt’s best-known hit, “Round and Round”, as well as other popular songs like “Wanted Man”, “Lack of Communication”, and a re-recorded version of “Back for More”. The CD also includes songs written with pre-Ratt bandmates Mac Meda and Juan Croucier.
Yngwie Malmsteen – Rising Force
Rising Force is Yngwie Malmsteen’s first studio album, released in 1984. Originally planned as an instrumental side-project for Alcatrazz, it was released as a solo album due to Soto’s appearance. Malmsteen’s most popular songs, “Black Star” and “Far Beyond the Sun,” remain staples in his live setlist.
Armored Saint – March of the Saint
March of the Saint is Armored Saint’s debut studio album, released in 1984 by Chrysalis Records. Recorded with Michael James Jackson, the album was a disappointing experience, with Jackson’s commercial approach being more than the heavy metal sound the band wanted. There were issues with the album’s mix, production, and Jackson’s collaboration.
W.A.S.P. – W.A.S.P.
The American heavy metal band W.A.S.P. released their debut studio album, W.A.S.P., on August 17, 1984. There have been three possible titles for the album, with “I Wanna Be Somebody” the opening track, appearing in big letters on the cover. The song “Tormentor” also featured in the films The Dungeonmaster (1984) and TerrorVision (1986).
Saxon – Crusader
Crusader is the sixth studio album by English heavy metal band Saxon, released on 30 January 1984. The title and track were inspired by the Daily Express logo in England and a Cortina Crusader car made by Ford. Bassist Steve Dawson explained that the name “Crusader” was chosen for its resemblance to the car. Critics criticized Crusader as a commercial maneuver and a failure.
Venom – At War with Satan
At War with Satan is Venom’s third album, released in 1984. It tells the story of a war between Heaven and Hell, with the latter side winning. When the record attempted to break into the mainstream music scene, its anti-Christian overtones kept it from being a success. The CD was packaged like a book cover, and Armageddon, a hundred-page book, was scheduled to be released with it. The Satan cover that I eventually chose for Celtic Frost’s To Mega Therion, their second album.
Manowar – Hail to England
Hail to England is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Manowar, released in 1984. Recorded in six days, it peaked at No. 83 on the UK album charts. In 2019, a remixed and remastered ‘Imperial Edition’ released, adding depth, power, and clarity to the original mix.
Queensr每che – The Warning
The Warning is the first studio album by American heavy metal band Queensr每che, released in 1984. And the album showcases Queensr每che’s early development, playing straight heavy metal songs. Despite moderate commercial success in the US, “Take Hold of the Flame” an international hit. Queensr每che supported the album with a worldwide tour, opening for Kiss, Iron Maiden, Dio, and Accept.
Mot枚rhead – No Remorse
No Remorse is a compilation album by English rock band Mot枚rhead, released in 1984. It offers an overview of their time with Bronze Records and features four new tracks. Is the final release on Bronze Records, featuring the band’s new line-up of Lemmy, Phil Campbell, W眉rzel, and Pete Gill. After touring for Another Perfect Day in 1983, guitarist Brian “Robbo” Robertson and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor left Mot枚rhead to form Operator, with Robertson replacing Eddie Clarke.
Pantera – Projects in the Jungle
July 27, 1984 saw the release of Projects in the Jungle, Pantera’s second studio album. While there are some similarities between this album and Def Leppard’s style prior to Hysteria, there are also elements of Judas Priest and Van Halen-inspired guitar solos. The record showcases guitar solos influenced by Van Halen and speed metal-oriented riffs.
Scorpions – Love at First Sting
Love at First Sting is the ninth studio album by German rock band Scorpions, released in 1984. Features the band’s most famous songs, “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Still Loving You”, and “Big City Nights”. Love at First Sting is one of the first digitally recorded heavy metal records. The original cover art created by Kochlowski and featured a photo by Helmut Newton.
Anthrax – Fistful of Metal
Fistful of Metal is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Anthrax, released in 1984. Album features a cover of Alice Cooper’s “I’m Eighteen” and is the band’s only album featuring original frontman Neil Turbin and bassist Dan Lilker, who were replaced by Matt Fallon and Frank Bello. Repackaged as a compilation of Fistful of Metal and the 1985 extended play Armed and Dangerous, the album first appeared in 2005.
Exciter – Violence & Force
Violence & Force is the second studio album by Canadian speed metal band Exciter, released in 1984 through Megaforce Records. Produced by Carl Canedy, the album reissued in 1999 and 2004 by Megaforce, with the same track listing and without the song “Evil Sinner”.
Warlock – Burning the Witches
Burning the Witches is the debut studio album by German heavy metal band Warlock, released in 1984 through Mausoleum Records and later re-released by Vertigo Records, which would later release all future Warlock albums.
Metal Church – Metal Church
Metal Church, an American heavy metal band, released their debut album in 1984. The band signed to Elektra Records in 1985 and reissued in 1985. Album features a cover art of a cruciform Gibson Explorer hidden in shadows and smoke. Lyrics are written by Kurdt Vanderhoof, while music is composed by Vanderhoof, Wayne, and Wells.
Celtic Frost – Morbid Tales
Morbid Tales is the debut album by Swiss extreme metal band Celtic Frost, released in 1984. It was initially released as a mini-LP in Europe and later as a regular studio LP in the US. The thrash metal ferocity of the record influenced the death metal and black metal genres, as did the dreary and solemn fashion style.
Kiss – Animalize
Animalize is Kiss’s twelfth studio album, released in 1984. It features lead guitarist Mark St. John and is described as their most aggressive album. Critics criticized the band’s glam metal image and Gene Simmons’ relationship with the band, citing his lack of commitment and focus on other projects.
Quiet Riot – Condition Critical
Condition Critical is Quiet Riot’s fourth studio album, released in 1984. The second track on the album is a Slade cover song, and there are music videos for “Party All Night” and “Mama Weer All Crazee Now”. Band’s mascot, a metal mask-clad character, is featured on the album covers and has cameos in the videos.
