What is the best debut metal album ever released?

Some of the most explosive and genre-defining albums in metal history were debut records — bands arriving fully formed with a statement that would change everything. Vote for the greatest debut metal album of all time.

Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath's 1970 self-titled debut that single-handedly invented heavy metal in one thunderous opening riff.

1/13

Kill 'Em All

Metallica's 1983 debut that unleashed thrash metal on the world with raw power and unprecedented speed.

2/13

Left Hand Path

Entombed's 1990 debut that defined Swedish death metal with the iconic 'buzzsaw' HM-2 guitar tone.

3/13

Scream Bloody Gore

Death's 1987 debut considered the first true death metal album, setting the brutal template for the entire genre.

4/13

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden's 1980 self-titled debut that fired the opening shot of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

5/13

Seven Churches

Possessed's 1985 debut widely considered the very first death metal album, predating the genre's name.

6/13

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus

Candlemass' 1986 debut that codified epic doom metal and remains the genre's most influential starting point.

7/13

Leviathan

Mastodon's 2004 debut concept album based on Moby Dick that announced them as the future of progressive metal.

8/13

Bonded by Blood

Exodus' 1985 debut that established Gary Holt's thrash guitar style and the Bay Area sound in one ferocious statement.

9/13

Altars of Madness

Morbid Angel's 1989 debut that defined Florida death metal's technical and occult foundation.

10/13

Orchid

Opeth's 1995 debut that already showcased their unique blend of death metal aggression and acoustic beauty.

11/13

When Dream and Day Unite

Dream Theater's 1989 debut showing the technical foundation that would make them progressive metal legends.

12/13

Ember to Inferno

Trivium's 2003 debut that showed a precocious mastery of melodic metalcore and classic heavy metal elements.

13/13