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Best Heavy-Metal Albums of All Times
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Death - Individual Thought Patterns And kicking off the countdown at no. 100 is none other than death metal's appropriately named perfectors, Death! This incarnation features talented second guitarist Andy LaRoque (King Diamond) and bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, ex-Iced Earth, ex-Sadus). Killer Kuts: "Jealousy," "Trapped In A Corner," and "The Philosopher."
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Greator - Pleasure to Kill Coming in at no. 99 is the sophomore effort from Germany's kings of extreme metal, Kreator! Pleasure to Kill is one of the definitive extreme thrash albums, which really says a lot, since not a lot of great extreme thrash comes from Europe! Killer Kuts: "Ripping Corpse," "Pleasure To Kill," and "Riot of Violence."
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W.A.S.P. - The Crimson Idol Coming in at no. 98, it's WASP's classic concept album about a young boy whose quest for fame and fortune teaches him a valuable lesson. But let us not spoil the story for eager metalheads-hear this work of fine art for yourself to the get the full story. Killer Kuts: "The Invisible Boy," "Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue)," and "The Great Misconceptions of Me."
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Black Sabbath - Vol. 4 Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill's first appearance on this list-and it certainly won't be their last! The appropriately titled fourth album from these founding fathers of heavy metal is far from their best, but it still makes an appropriate entry on the list. Killer Kuts: "Supernaut," "Snowblind," and "St. Vitus Dance." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Changes."
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Van Halen - Fair Warning The first appearance by the talented Eddie and co., VH's fourth album is among their best 80's material (along with another album which appears later in this list.) Killer Kuts: "Mean Street," "Unchained," and "So This Is Love?"
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Scorpions - Love at First Sting At no. 95, Klaus, Rudolf, Michael and co. make their first entry onto the countdown. The German metal scene's originators have themselves an undeniable classic with this classic album. But it's not their best...the best is yet to come! Killer Kuts: "Rock You Like A Hurricane," "I'm Leaving You," and "Big City Nights." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Still Loving You."
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Twisted Sister - You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll Making their first entry into the countdown, the masters of hair/glam metal have arrived! Once more, this album is far from their best...and their best is even further from here than the Scorpion's best! Killer Kuts: "Kids Are Back," "Like A Knife In The Back," and "You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll."
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Manowar - Kings of Metal Are they THE kings of metal? Probably not. But they certainly are one of them, and this is their crowning achievement. Manowar's first (and unfortunately only) appearance in the countdown. Killer Kuts: "Wheels of Fire," "Kings of Metal," and "Blood of the Kings."
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Saxon - Wheels of Steel The first and last appearance on the countdown by the originators of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. I personally agree with many people; Saxon truly are among the world's most underrated heavy metal bands, if not THE most underrated. Killer Kuts: "Motorcycle Man," "Wheels of Steel," and "Freeway Mad."
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Hammerfall - Legacy of Kings Hammerfall's first appearance on the countdown-and it's not their last! It's hard to believe that such a young band could make more than one appearance on a list of the 100 greatest metal albums ever, but when they have talent and musicianship like this, it's no overwhelming surprise. With this, Hammerfall are saying that they are here to stay, but they're saying it through their music. Killer Kuts: "Heeding The Call," "Let The Hammer Fall," and "At The End of the Rainbow." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "The Fallen One."
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AC/DC - Let There Be Rock The first appearance (out of four) from the Aussie metal originators. Though their style got a bit redundant over the years, this is still in their early years, so you know it's going to be good. Their second US release is far from their best, but it is still a classic in all due respects. Killer Kuts: "Let There Be Rock," "Bad Boy Boogie," and "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be."
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Accept - Restless & Wild 'Restless and Wild' indeed! This classic album from another early German metal band is their first of two appearances. It is quite a leap ahead of some of their earlier material. Some say that material before this (minus 1981's 'Breaker') was absolutely mortifying, in that they started as more of a glam metal band. But starting with 'Breaker' and continuing on here, they have become one of the heaviest bands ever. ACCEPT METAL OR DIE! Killer Kuts: "Fast As A Shark," "Restless and Wild," and "Neon Nights."
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Twisted Sister - Under the Blade Finally, a band returns! The hermaphrodites of hair metal return to the countdown with their classic debut. Another one of the crown jewels of the hair metal movement. Killer Kuts: "Bad Boys (of Rock 'N' Roll)," "Under The Blade," and "I'll Never Grow Up Now!"
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Venom - Welcome to Hell Venom have been responsible for four firsts in the metal world. Three of them are on this record: the birth of thrash, the birth of extreme metal, and the birth of metal that ACTUALLY worships the devil (e.g. Black Sabbath and AC/DC were often accused of being satanic, but they really weren't.) The first (and not the last) appearance on the countdown by this British metal force. Killer Kuts: "Welcome To Hell," "Schizoid," and "In League With Satan."
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Pantera - Cowboys from Hell The Texas-tough quartet's sole appearance on the list is certainly one of the HEAVIEST albums on the countdown. Too bad it seems they never will reunite now...and I think you know why, unless you've been living under a rock until now. Killer Kuts: "Cowboys From Hell," "Primal Concrete Sledge," and "Art of Shredding." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Cemetary Gates."
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Testament - The Legacy The debut from the highly underrated bay area extreme thrash pioneers is the first of two appearances by them on the countdown. So many old thrash bands that were awesome in the 1980's have either split up or plainly bite now. However, Testament still persevereand don't stray too far from their roots (which are found on this and all their other records.) Killer Kuts: "Over The Wall," "Haunted," and "Alone In The Dark."
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Megadeth - Killing Is My Business ... And Business Is Good! The first appearance by what was originally intended to be a Metallica junior after Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica. Ultimately, this debut suffered from so-so sound quality, but the songwriting ability was giving Metallica some pretty heavy competition (along with Anthrax and Slayer, the other half of the big 4 of 80's thrash.) Killer Kuts: "Killing is my Business," "Skull Beneath The Skin," and "Mechanix."
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Skid Row - Self Titled Skid Row's first of two appearances on the countdown is also one of the last albums of the hair metal era. The debut is often considered their only album that could possibly be classified as "hair metal." However, they were different frm other hair bands in that they weren't covered with thick makeup and hair spray and had a bit more of a serious image (as opposed to the more wild image and onstage persona displayed by bands such as Ratt, Warrant, and Bon Jovi). Killer Kuts: "Piece of Me," "18 and Life," and "Youth Gone Wild." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "I Remember You."
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Black Sabbath - Mob Rules The first and last of the good albums metal's founding fathers would release in the 1980's. This would also be the last with Ronnie James Dio on vocals for more than a decade. The second appearance by Sabbatg, with 5 more still to come. Killer Kuts: "Sign of the Southern Cross," "Mob Rules," and "Falling Off the Edge of the World."
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Exodus - Bonded by Blood The best album from another highly underrated thrash outfit that emerged in the 80's. This was the only studio album they recorded with their late original vocalist Pavel Nicholas "Paul" Baloff (they also recorded their 1997 live reunion album 'Another Lesson in Violence' with him). Killer Kuts: "...And Then There Were None," "Pirahna," and "Deliver Us to Evil."
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In Flames - The Jester Race The sophomore effort from the Gothenburg kings is sadly their only appearance on this countdown. In spite of that fact, I will have to say that it is a well-deserved spot. This may very well be the greatest melodic death release of all time (and that's saying a lot-there are a lot of teriffic melodic death releases). It's got great production, awesome musicianship, and perfect vocals. Killer Kuts: "Moonshield," "Dead Eternity," and "Dead God In Me."
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Kiss - Destroyer Surprisingly, the madmen of metal, KISS, make their only appearance on the countdown here. However, I personally feel that this is indeed their best album. It was among the earliest to feature Paul Stanley's vocal talent, and even Peter Criss contributes vocals to a song. Killer Kuts: "Detroit Rock City," "God of Thunder," and "Shout It Out Loud." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Beth."
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Overkill - The Years of Decay Another highly underrated thrash outfit, Overkill's first and only appearance is here. The album is brutally heavy, the production is teriffic for the time, and yet they still get far too little credit and deserve much more. Killer Kuts: "Time To Kill," "Elimination," and "E.vil N.ever D.ies."
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Van Halen - Van Halen II Eddie and co. have returned! On their sophomore effort, Van Halen are saying "Sayonara 70's!" with a bang, but naturally, their doing it through their music, Eddie's licks are simply sweet as usual. Killer Kuts: "You're No Good," "Somebody Get Me A Doctor," and "Bottoms Up!"
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Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave Hammerfall is the youngest band here to make more than one appearance on this countdown, and here's their second appearance. They gave the Swedish power metal scene (which, still today, is rather lightly populated) a big wakeup call with their debut record. Simply put, it's one of the best new classics on the countdown. Killer Kuts: "Hammerfall," "Stone Cold," and "Steel Meets Steel." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Glory To The Brave."
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Blind Guardian - Imaginations From the Other Side One of the masters of Germany's power metal scene (which, unlike the Swedish one, is quite heavily populated). This album is good, but it is not their best, and the production isn't too hot. Still, it is long and epic, as every Blind Guardian album is and should be. Killer Kuts: "A Past And Future Secret," "Mordred's Song," and "Another Holy War."
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Metallica - ...And Justice for All Finally, the moment many have been waiting for...Metallica crack the countdown for the first time. And guess what? IT ISN'T THEIR LAST! Metallica's fourth album (and first with bassist Jason Newsted) suffers from pretty sorry production (e.g. the bass is almost non-existent!) but it's not only heavy as hell, it shows great musicianship. Killer Kuts: "...And Justice For All," "One," and "The Shortest Straw."
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AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap Actually, this album didn't come out in the US until 5 years after it's Australian release, so thus it's sort of a gift for the fans who didn't get to hear Bon Scott. Sounds like most of their repertoire, but it's still an undeniable classic. Killer Kuts: "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "Big Balls," and "Problem Child."
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Blind Guardian - Nightfall in Middle-Earth And Blind Guardian have returned for one last appearance on the countdown! Based on the classic J.R.R. Tolkien novel 'The Silmarillion,' this is an album that brings out the nerdy side of us all, but it's still one of the most well-designed concept albums. About half the tunes are not exactly filler, but just progress the album's story along. The other half is the songs. Still, this is the best album from one of Germany's finest. Killer Kuts: "Into The Storm," "Nightfall," and "Mirror, Mirror." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "The Eldar."
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Iced Earth - Something Wicked This Way Comes America's power metal tyrants make their first appearance on the countdown at no. 69...but sadly, this is their last. Oh well, this is their only album that I feel truly deserves it. It may very well be the greatest American power metal album EVER! The production is a little off at times, but for the most part, it's a very solid listen. Killer Kuts: "Disciples of the Lie," "Prophecy," and "Coming Curse." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Melancholy (Holy Martyr)."
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Mercyful - Don't Break the Oath The other King Diamond outfit finally cracks the top 100! Though this album is not their best, I certainly like the cover art a lot, and the vocals and production are much better than the other album that made this list. Killer Kuts: "A Dangerous Meeting," "Nightmare," and "Come To The Sabbath."
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Ratt - Out of the Cellar Always leave room for the comic relief! Ratt's 1984 debut is their sole appearance on this countdown. As one of the originators of the hair metal scene (and one of it's crowned kings), this is an undeniable classic as glam metal goes. Killer Kuts: "Wanted Man," "Round and Round," and "Back For More."
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Venom - Black Metal How appropriate! The first ever black metal album which is by the band that also invented extreme metal, thrash and metal that ACTUALLY worshipped the devil comes in at no. 66 on our countdown! This is the last appearance Venom will make, but it's quite appropriate. Killer Kuts: "Black Metal," "Buried Alive," and "Teacher's Pet."
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Slayer - Hell Awaits Now, 3 of the big 4 of 80's thrash have cracked the countdown (only Anthrax remain, and they will appear later). Slayer's sophomore effort suffers from so-so sound quality, but the other mixing is good (e.g. the bass isn't drowned out, and the drums aren't too loud.) Killer Kuts: "Hell Awaits," "At Dawn They Sleep," and "Praise of Death."
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Van Halen - 1984 Appropriately titled fifth album from Eddie and co. The band's third appearance-and it's still not their last (only one more, but it's far up ahead)! Here is the first time where Van Halen decided to get creative with synthesizers. Overall, this was their last truly stellar album. Without David Lee Roth, they just weren't ever the same again. Killer Kuts: "Jump," "Panama," and "Hot For Teacher."
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Deep Purple - Machine Head Germany's metal originators hit the countdown one last time with their eighth album. Don't get this confused for that wretched (hed) p.e. record from 2003, this is true metal with amazing twin harmonies and guitars heavy as iron. Killer Kuts: "Blackout," "Can't Live Without You," and "No One Like You."
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Bruce Dickinson - Accident of Birth Iron Maiden have yet to appear on the countdown, but for now, here's something to tide you over: a solo effort from their best known frontman, the mighty Bruce Dickinson. It has all the Iron Maiden trademarks: it's havy as hell, there's a twin guitar overdrive, and guess who plays lead? ADRIAN SMITH! Killer Kuts: "Starchildren," "Accident of Birth," and "Omega."
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Sepultura - Beneath the Remains If you looked at my list of 'the best and worst metal of the new millenium (so far),' you'll notice that Sepultura appeared twice (in the worst of 2001 and 2003). However, this is what Sepultura should have stuck to. With vocalist Massimiliano Antonio "Max" Cavalera on board, Sepultura were gods of the thrash/death metal movement of the mid-late 1980's and the early-mid 1990's. It comes as no surprise when you know that they are one of the Brazilian metal originators. This is one of their last albums as an extreme death metal act, and their first on what would be their home for years to come: Roadrunner Records. Killer Kuts: "Beneath The Remains," "Inner Self," and "Slaves of Pain."
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Mercyful Fate - Melissa Mercyful Fate hits the countdown one last time! Their debut is their best album, although the production needed work (luckily it WAS remastered). In spite of that, this was the first album to bring black metal to where it's main home is now: Scandinavia. Though Mercyful Fate are Swedish (minus vocalist King Diamond, who is Danish), they still are one of black metal's finest. This also was a landmark in that it was the first album to be released by Roadrunner Records. Killer Kuts: "Evil," "Curse of the Pharaohs," and "Satan's Fall."
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Death - Symbolic So much death metal in America sucks these days. Bands come from out of nowhere with the inability to play well. If they want to know how to do American death metal the right way, they need to listen to this! Death's second appearance on the countdown may be their last, but it is also well-deserved. Their music is simply brilliant, and no death metal band (at least from America) has been able to best or beat the musicianship displayed on this record. Killer Kuts: "Symbolic," "Sacred Serenity," and "Crystal Mountain."
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Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin [IV] Okay, I admit that Led Zeppelin isn't exactly the first band that comes to mind when someone brings up heavy metal, but this is still a classic. Led Zeppelin are not a band many knows as the metal originators (many say it's Black Sabbath), but once Sabbath came onto the scene, they started to head in more of a metal direction. Killer Kuts: "Black Dog," "Rock and Roll," and "Battle Of Evermore." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Stairway To Heaven."
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Testament - Practice What You Preach The bay area thrashers are back for one last time on the countdown with their third album, which is by all means their best in terms of musicianship and songwriting ability. A few albums of theirs eclipse it in heaviness, but who cares? Killer Kuts: "Practice What You Preach," "Time Is Coming," and "Nightmare (Coming Back To You)." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "The Ballad."
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Black Sabbath - Master of Reality The third album from Black Sabbath is not their best (as if you didn't know), but the band still has plenty of appearances yet to come (four to be exact). This is one of their heaviest, and it is certainly a keeper. Killer Kuts: "Sweet Leaf," "Children of the Grave," and "Lord of This World." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Solitude."
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Halford - Resurrection The only album from this decade to make the countdown (it's that good!) The title of this record is so appropriate, for just as it looked like Halford's career was going down the tubes (after the awful alt-rock project Two), he made one of the ultimate comebacks in heavy metal history. Killer Kuts: "Resurrection," "Made In Hell," and "Cyberworld."
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Dismember - Massive Killing Capacity Who knew that Sweden's ever growing death metal movement would get a definitive band/album? Dismember's first and last appearance on this countdown is the last death metal record to appear on here. It is also one of the best. It's so heavy it almost hurts. Killer Kuts: "I Saw Them Die," "Crime Divine," and "To The Bone."
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King Diamond - Abigail The last countdown appearance by either of the two King Diamond outfits is the best by any of them. It was the first with his best guitar player, Andy LaRocque. Killer Kuts: "A Mansion In Darkness," "The Family Ghost," and "Black Horsemen."
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Slayer - Show No Mercy Slayer hits the countdown for a second time. Their debut also suffered from so-so sound quality, but this is perhaps it took a week to record and only cost a small amount (perhaps $400 or less). Even so, the album is brutally heavy (as any Slayer album should be), and it kicks ass. Killer Kuts: "Die by the Sword," "Black Magic," and "Tormentor."
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Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King Savatage's first and only appearance in the countdown. This is another one of the most underrated bands that can be found here. They're heavy as iron, have an overwhelming amount of talent, and yet they receive very little credit for their efforts. It's too bad that their original lead guitar player, Criss Oliva (brother of vocalist John Oliva) is dead, he was absolutely amazing! Killer Kuts: "24 Hours Ago," "Beyond The Doors of the Dark," and "Hall of the Mountain King."
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Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction It's been a while since we've seen them, but Megadeth are back on the countdown! The countdown is now halfway complete with Megadeth smack dab in the middle. This has awesome production and it shows a more mature side of Megadeth. Some songs only have moderately high tempos, and they even incorporate acoustic guitars into their music. Killer Kuts: "Skin O' My Teeth," "Symphony of Destruction," and "Sweating Bullets."
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Megadeth - So Far, So Good ... So What! Continuing right on with the countdown, Megadeth are back for the second time in a row, and the third time on the countdown. This album suffers from so-so production like the debut, but in spite of that, it's heavy as hell, and it's one of their last truly in your face records. Killer Kuts: "Anarchy In The UK (Sex Pistols cover)," "In My Darkest Hour," and "Hook In Mouth."
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Skid Row - Slave to the Grind Skid Row's second appearance on the countdown is very different from their first. Rather than the hair metal sound (which was dying at the time of this album's release,) they decided to go for more of a raw metal sound. And guess what? It WORKED! In fact, this was among the first heavy metal albums to DEBUT at number 1 on the Billboard hot 100 album chart. Killer Kuts: "Monkey Business," "Slave To The Grind," and "Quicksand Jesus."
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Def Leppard - Pyromania Def Leppard make their first and only appearance on the countdown here, and it is no overwhelming surprise. It actually has another record in sales: throughout most of it's year of release, it sold 100,000 copies a week. It therefore sold at least 4 million copies in 1983, which is quite good for a metal album at that time. This was their first album that switched them from one of the seminal members of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement to a more pop-influenced metal sound. It would also be the last on which their drummer has two arms. Killer Kuts: "Photograph," "Too Late For Love," and "Rock of Ages."
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Rainbow - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll After the demise of the band Elf (Ronnie James Dio's first outfit) and the initial disbandment of Deep Purple (Ritchie Blackmore's first and best known outfit), the two formed this awesome group. This is their first and last appearance on the countdown, which is unfortunate, but it is well worth it. Ultimately, once Dio left, Rainbow became more accustomed to today's classic rock universe, but this is a masterpiece. Killer Kuts: "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll," "Gates of Babylon," and "Kill The King."
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W.A.S.P. - The Last Command Early on in their career, WASP was another one of those rambunctious, groupie-shagging hair bands. However, their persona was more rambunctious than any other band of the movement, and this album was a standout at the time. This would be the last album on which vocalist Blackie Lawless would play bass (he later switched to rhythm guitar while still singing). Killer Kuts: "Wild Child," "Blind In Texas," and "Running Wild In The Streets."
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Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I The first of two appearances on the countdown by Germany's metalgods and the originators of the highly populated power metal scene. This is half of their best album (the other half will be coming soon). The scariest thing about this album (and by scary I mean scary good) is that new vocalist Michael Kiske was 19 at the time of this album's release. Killer Kuts: "I'm Alive," "Future World," and "Halloween." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "A Tale That Wasn't Right."
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Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell After Ozzy was fired, Ronnie James Dio was hired after quitting Rainbow. This album is certainly quite a good comeback after two flops in the late 70's. The founding fathers of heavy metal make their fourth appearance on the countdown here, and three more are soon to come. Killer Kuts: "Neon Knights," "Lady Evil," and "Die Young."
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Twisted Sister - Stay Hungry Well, you've been waiting for it, and here it is: the third and final appearance from hair metal's hermaphrodites! By far their best album, and that's not just because it features their biggest hits. It, simply put, is THE glam metal album. Killer Kuts: "We're Not Gonna Take It," "Burn In Hell," and "I Wanna Rock."
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Anthrax - Among the Living Finally, the last piece of the "big 4 of thrash metal" puzzle comes together with this! Although this is the only appearance they will make, it certainly makes sense as to why. It's not their heaviest, but of their classic albums, it towers over the competition in terms of production and songwriting ability. Killer Kuts: "Caught In A Mosh," "Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)," and "Indians."
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Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden At long last, another one of metal's biggest bands has cracked the countdown! The debut from Iron Maiden is the first of six appearances for the British bashers. This album suffered from somewhat bad production, but the songwriting is still good. Killer Kuts: "Running Free," "Phantom of the Opera," and "Iron Maiden." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Strange World."
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Judas Priest - Stained Class Finally! Rob, KK, Glenn, and the rest crack the countdown for the first time (out of 7)! This was perhaps the rawest record Priest would release in the 70's. Killer Kuts: "Exciter," "Better By You, Better Than Me (Spooky Tooth cover)," and "Stained Class." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Beyond The Realms Of Death."
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Judas Priest - Sad Wings of Destiny Moving right along, Judas Priest hit the countdown for the second time in a row with their sophomore effort! Though this album wasn't a commercial success and nearly caused the band to split, a light soon shone at the end of the tunnel. Their last album on an indie label. Killer Kuts: "Victim of Changes," "The Ripper," and "Tyrant." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Dreamer/Deceiver."
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Motorhead - Ace of Spades Lemmy and co. finally crack the countdown! Sadly, this is their only appearance, but virtually every true Motorheadbanger knows that this is their best album by far, so it deserves it. Killer Kuts: "Ace of Spades," "Love Me Like A Reptile," and "Bite The Bullet."
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Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill make their fifth appearance on the countdown, and it still isn't their last! This is the most recent Sabbath/Ozzy album on here, but it wasn't the last good one (that was 'Sabotage,' which is not on here). Killer Kuts: "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," "Sabbra Cadabra," and "Killing Yourself To Live."
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Ozzy Osbourne - Diary of a Madman The Ozz-man's solo group finally cracks the countdown! On his second album, which would also be his last with original guitarist Randy Rhoads, the cover is strange, but the music contained within is phenomenal. Killer Kuts: "Over The Mountain," "Flying High Again," and "You Can't Kill Rock 'N' Roll."
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Iron Maiden - Killers Iron Maiden are back! Their second appearance on the countdown is the final album with original vocalist Paul DiAnno, as well as the first with guitarist Adrian Smith. The album beats the first one in terms of production and rawness. Killer Kuts: "Wrathchild," "Murders In The Rue Morgue," and "Purgatory."
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Accept - Balls to the Wall Well, the album art is horrendous, but this album is the definitive work from these ultra-heavy German metal masters. This is their second and final appearance on the countdown. Killer Kuts: "Balls to the Wall," "London Leatherboys," and "Love Child."
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Motley Crue - Too Fast For Love Motley Crue's debut may be mortifying to fans of their material from the late 80's. On their debut, not only was the makeup a LOT thicker, but they actually were wearing INVERTED CROSSES! Can you believe it? Motley Crue used to actually be Satanic! Killer Kuts: "Live Wire," "Piece of Your Action," and "Too Fast For Love."
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Van Halen - Van Halen The final appearance from Eddie and co. is their debut album. There's no denying it-this is the best VH album, period. Killer Kuts: "Runnin' With The Devil," "Jamie's Cryin'," and "Atomic Punk."
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Judas Priest - Killing Machine Better known today as 'Hell Bent For Leather,' Judas Priest's fifth album is their best 70's material. It's very heavy (by both today's standards and the time that it was originally released), and the songwriting and production are also great for the time. Killer Kuts: "Hell Bent For Leather," "Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown)," and "Killing Machine." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Before The Dawn."
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Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II Helloween make one last appearance on the countdown with Part II to their epic 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys' saga. This may very well be the greatest power metal album EVER. It's heavy, it's epic, it's long, the production for the time is good...it's got everything. Killer Kuts: "Dr. Stein," "I Want Out," and "Keeper Of The Seven Keys."
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Dio - The Last in Line Finally, the last outfit with Ronnie James Dio on vocals to emerge has done so! The sophomore effort from the voice of metal is the first of two countdown apperances. Dio is just the king of swords and sorcery heavy metal. Killer Kuts: "We Rock," "Last In Line," and "Mystery."
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Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time The first Iron Maiden album with Bruce on vocals to appear on the countdown. This album was their first to incorporate synths into their sound (it seemed like that was all the rage in the mid-late 80's, with bands like Van Halen and Judas Priest incorporating synths into their music and bands like Fate's Warning and Dream Theater emerging). Killer Kuts: "Caught Somewhere In Time," "Wasted Years," "and "Stranger In A Strange Land."
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Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? Megadeth make their fourth appearance on the countdown with their 1986 album. It seemed that 1986 was a banner year for thrash, with albums like this, Metallica's 'Master of Puppets,' Slayer's 'Reign In Blood,' Dark Angel's 'Darkness Descends,' and Helloween's 'Walls of Jericho' (which also invented power metal) all being released that year. The last with original lead guitarist Chris Poland and late original drummer Gar Samuelson. Killer Kuts: "Wake Up Dead," "Peace Sells," and "My Last Words."
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Black Sabbath - Paranoid Black Sabbath's sophomore effort marks their sixth apperance on the countdown-and they're still not done! This is not only their second album, but also the second heavy metal album ever released! Killer Kuts: "War Pigs," "Paranoid," and "Iron Man." Heart Wrenching Ballad: "Planet Caravan."
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Slayer - South of Heaven Slayer return for their thrid album on the countdown. Their fourth album showed a bit of a mature side for them, for they experimented with clean vocals and slower tempos. Killer Kuts: "South of Heaven," "Live Undead," and "Spill The Blood."
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W.A.S.P. - W.A.S.P. Perhaps the most intense, rambunctious, and heavy album of the hair metal era, W.A.S.P.'s self-titled debut is their third (and final) appearance on the countdown. Killer Kuts: "I Wanna Be Somebody," "B.A.D.," and "The Torture Never Stops."
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Judas Priest - British Steel Judas Priest began the 80's with a bang here! On this, their sixth album and fourth to appear on the countdown, they show a sound similar to that of 'Stained Class' and 'Hell Bent For Leather,' but with new riffs and licks aplenty, and a new drummer, who would stay with them for a decade and is now in jail after being convicted of child molestation. Killer Kuts: "Rapid Fire," "Breaking The Law," and "Living After Midnight."
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Metallica - Kill 'Em All Like the early albums of a lot of 80's thrash bands, Metallica's 1983 debut suffered from so-so sound, and it never let up on the heavy. This album is what really brought thrash to the masses. Metallica still have two more appearances on here, and they have yet to arrive for a little while. Killer Kuts: "The Four Horsemen," "Whiplash," and "Seek and Destroy."
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Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard of Ozz The classic debut from the Ozz-man! Once his career with Black Sabbath went down the tubes, he thought he couldn't go on, but he proved himself wrong, and his would-be wife Sharon helped him through his time of problems. The last of two apperances by the Ozz-man. Killer Kuts: "I Don't Know," "Crazy Train," and "Mr. Crowley." Heart-Wrenching Ballad: "Goodbye To Romance."
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AC/DC - Highway to Hell AC/DC are back on the countdown at last! This album initially got them in a heap of trouble. Due to the controversial cover, people thought that they in fact worshipped the devil. Luckily, they were proven wrong. This was the last album with original vocalist Bon Scott, who died not long after. Killer Kuts: "Highway to Hell," "Shot Down In Flames," and "If You Want Blood, You've Got It."
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Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath It wouldn't be a countdown of the greatest metal albums ever if the first metal album wasn't on here. In their seventh and final apperance, Black Sabbath release their debut upon the world. Even though Ozzy's parents wondered what he was on when he recorded this, it's still an amazing work of art. Killer Kuts: "Black Sabbath," "The Wizard," and "N.I.B."
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Megadeth - Rust in Peace The fifth and final apperance from Dave and co. This is the first album with their defining lineup, and it was completed by drummer Nick Menza and lead guitarist Marty Friedman (ex-Cacophony). Ultimately, this is one of the greatest thrash albums ever, as well as the best Megadeth album, period. Killer Kuts: "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due," "Hangar 18," and "Poison Was The Cure."
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Judas Priest - Defenders of the Faith The rawest of 80's Priest, and one of their best albums. The fifth of seven appearances by the British 'bangers. Some of the songs have falsetto wails high enough to break glass. Killer Kuts: "Freewheel Burning," "The Sentinel," and "Love Bites."
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Motley Crue - Shout at the Devil The sophomore effort from the hair metal inventors and masters. This was the last album with such thick makeup, and also their last Satanic album. After this, hair metal was pretty much the calmest genre of metal there was. Killer Kuts: "Shout At The Devil," "Looks That Kill," and "Too Young To Fall In Love."
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Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction This and 'Shout At The Devil' are perhaps the ultimate glam metal albums. This is Guns N' Roses first (and last) appearance on the countdown, but it's no surprise; none of their other albums came even close to measuring the success of this. Killer Kuts: "Welcome To The Jungle," "Mr. Brownstone," and "Paradise City."
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Judas Priest - Painkiller The heaviest Judas Priest album ever! Their twelfth album is their sixth appearance on the countdown, and their seventh is coming...very soon. I have never heard better falsettos than on this album. Killer Kuts: "Painkiller," "Metal Meltdown," and "One Shot At Glory."
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Queensr˙che - Operation: Mindcrime The last band to appear on the countdown, and the only time they will. Queensryche's 1988 album is the best concept album ever. Everything about it is great: it's heavy, the production is terrific for the time, and the plot is deep. Killer Kuts: "Breaking The Silence," "I Don't Believe In Love," and "Eyes of A Stranger."
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Judas Priest - Screaming for Vengeance We've finally cracked the top 10! And kicking it off is none other than Judas Priest's eighth album. This is their last time on the countdown, and it certainly rounds off the top 10 with a bang! Killer Kuts: "Hellion/Electric Eye," "Screaming For Vengeance," and "You've Got Another Thing Coming."
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Slayer - Seasons in the Abyss Slayer's fourth apperance of five, and their first of two in the top 10! The last classic album from Slayer is a well-balanced combination of flat out heavy and fast thrash tunes coupled with mid-tempo heavy rockers. Killer Kuts: "War Ensemble," "Dead Skin Mask," and "Seasons in the Abyss."
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Dio - Holy Diver The solo debut from the voice of metal is, simply put a masterpiece! The second and final apperance from him on the countdown is not only heavy as hell, it simply shreds. Killer Kuts: "Stand Up And Shout," "Holy Diver," and "Rainbow in the Dark."
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Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind Iron Maiden's fourth countdown appearance, and their first of a record THREE appearances in the top 10. This was the first with their defining lineup of Bruce, Adrian, Dave, Steve, and Nicko. Not as good as some of their stuff, but it still is amazing. Killer Kuts: "Revelations," "Flight of Icarus," and "The Trooper."
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Iron Maiden - Powerslave The fifth appearance by Iron Maiden, their second in the top 10, and also the third and final band to appear two times in a row on the countdown (after Megadeth and Judas Priest). Bass work is killer, and the falsettos are amazing. Killer Kuts: "Aces High," "2 Minutes To Midnight," and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
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Slayer - Reign in Blood We've finally cracked the top 5! And rounding it off is none other than Slayer! In their final appearance on the countdown, Slayer have released what is possibly the greatest extreme thrash record of all time. Though brief, it really brings out the best in all the members. Killer Kuts: "Angel of Death," "Piece by Piece," and "Postmortem/Raining Blood."
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AC/DC - Back in Black The fourth and final appearance by AC/DC is the first album with Bon Scott's replacement vocalist, Brian Johnson. He wasn't near as good a vocalist as Scott, but he was still good. Unfortunately, after this, the band ultimately became quite repetitive. Killer Kuts: "Hell's Bells," "Back In Black," and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
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Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast The final countdown appearance by Iron Maiden. Easily their best. Everything about this album is perfect. The songs, the production (for the time), the amount of musicianship, EVERYTHING! The first with vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and the last with drummer Clive Burr. Killer Kuts: "The Number of The Beast," "Run To The Hills," and "Hallowed Be Thy Name." And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...the greatest heavy metal album of all time according to Metal-Rules.com is...
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Metallica - Master of Puppets METALLICA'S MASTER OF PUPPETS!!!!!!! Everything about this album is PERFECT! It's heavier than hell, the musicianship is top-notch, the songwriting is teriffic, and the riffing is absolutely savage! If you don't like this album, you are NOT a metalhead! Killer Kuts: ALL OF IT!
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Best Heavy Metal Albums
![Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin [IV]](http://www.about-heavy-metal-albums.com/cart/photos/715.jpg)
