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.

1

Black Sabbath

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

2

Kill 'Em All

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

3

Left Hand Path

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

4

Scream Bloody Gore

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

5

Iron Maiden

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

6

Seven Churches

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

7

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus

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

8

Leviathan

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

9

Bonded by Blood

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

10

Altars of Madness

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

11

Orchid

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

12

When Dream and Day Unite

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

13

Ember to Inferno

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