1980 YEAR IN METAL

1980 Year in Metal

THE CASE FOR 1980

The Best Year in Metal

by: Melissa Nee

Is 1980 the best year in Metal? Yes, yes, it is! Some may argue 1986 and I can certainly see making a case for that BUT there would be no 1986 without 1980.

In 1980 the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was at its peak with bands like Iron Maiden and Saxon getting international attention. Judas Priest had already established themselves as a legit metal band, AC/DC came back from tragedy with an album that cemented them as one of the best, most loved and most influential bands ever. It also got a lot of young people who were not familiar with them to go back and check out the Bon Scott era. Metal was going worldwide with bands from not just the UK but Canada, U.S. and Europe.

Here is a short list of the most influential album from that year.

Iron Maiden-Iron Maiden

The beginning of it all and we all know what has happened to this band since.


Saxon-Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm of the Law

They put out 2 albums that year and cracked the U.S. market.

AC/DC-Back in Black

This album was EVERYWHERE!


Judas Priest-British Steel

Their look would set the uniform for metalheads to this day.


Van Halen-Women and Children First

Not metal, well, Eddie’s guitar set the bar for all aspiring axemen (and women)


Samson-Head on

The first time we hear Bruce Dickinson

Accept-I’m a Rebel

Udo’s gritty vocals proved you didn’t need to be a traditional singer.


Def Leppard-On through the Night

The beginning of what would be world domination in the 80s.


Ozzy Osbourne-Blizzard of Ozz

The resurrection of Ozzy and the introduction to Randy Rhoades

Angel Witch-Angel Witch

One of the most underrated NWOBH bands in history. Oh, and you may recognize the riff in the song Angel of Death


Black Sabbath -Heaven and Hell

The iconic voice of Ronnie James Dio paired with the guys from Sabbath, A masterpiece!

I could go on and on. We heard so many bands that would go on to dominate then various genres of metal for decades to come and individual musicians that would soar to greatness.

These albums and their fellow 1980 alumni influenced everyone from Poison to Hooded Menace.

I invite you to check out these offerings and see if you can find the vocal, riff, base line or drum pattern that inspired your favourites metal artist or band.