What is the best metal album of the 1980s?

The 1980s were a golden age for heavy metal — a decade that gave us the NWOBHM, the Big Four of thrash, glam metal, and countless iconic riffs. Which metal album from the 1980s is the greatest ever made?

1

Master of Puppets

Metallica's 1986 thrash metal opus, widely considered the greatest metal album of the decade and possibly ever.

2

The Number of the Beast

Iron Maiden's 1982 definitive heavy metal statement featuring Bruce Dickinson's debut and a string of iconic tracks.

3

Reign in Blood

Slayer's 1986 29-minute sonic assault that redefined brutality in metal and remains peerless in its concentrated aggression.

4

Ride the Lightning

Metallica's 1984 album showcasing their dramatic growth from raw thrash into progressive, emotional songwriting.

5

Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?

Megadeth's 1986 politically charged thrash classic featuring one of the most iconic bass lines in heavy metal history.

6

British Steel

Judas Priest's 1980 landmark album that distilled heavy metal to its most accessible and anthemic essence.

7

Powerslave

Iron Maiden's 1984 creative peak featuring the monumental 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and Egyptian-themed artwork.

8

Holy Diver

Dio's 1983 solo debut with Ronnie James Dio delivering perhaps the finest vocal performance in the genre's history.

9

Blizzard of Ozz

Ozzy Osbourne's 1980 comeback album showcasing the late guitar genius Randy Rhoads in his most iconic performances.

10

...And Justice for All

Metallica's 1988 ambitious progressive thrash opus and the last album before their massive commercial reinvention.

11

Among the Living

Anthrax's 1987 thrash peak featuring culturally astute lyrics and Chuck D appearances that bridged metal and hip-hop.

12

Balls to the Wall

Accept's 1983 German heavy metal classic, featuring Udo Dirkschneider's raw vocals over powerful mid-tempo riffs.

13

Paranoid

Black Sabbath's 1970 album that cast a long shadow over the entire decade and established heavy metal's core sound.

14

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Helloween's 1987 album that launched power metal and remains a timeless example of fast, melodic, joyful metal.

15

Pleasure to Kill

Kreator's 1986 German thrash landmark, one of the most relentlessly aggressive albums of the decade.