Reign In Blood
Slayer
Took thrash to the next level in terms of speed and aggression.
Comment by Owen Ward
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Expanded what metal could be. Combines thrash with other influences to create a unique and innovative metal record.
Comment by Owen Ward
British Steel
Judas Priest
This is the record that put Judas Priest on the map. While I think they released records before and after this one that are better, this is their breakout record. It was a huge release for Priest and for metal as a whole and its impact is still felt today.
Comment by Owen Ward
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
The first Iron Maiden record with Bruce Dickinson on vocals and containing some of their best songs, many of which are still played live by the band to this day. Inarguably the best record the NWOBHM produced.
Comment by Owen Ward
Holy Diver
Dio
Along with Rainbow - Rising and Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell, this is one of the greatest records Dio made in his long career. It contains classics like the title track, Don't Talk to Strangers, Rainbow in the Dark and many others. Easily one of the greatest heavy metal records of all time and hugely influential.
Comment by Owen Ward
Heaven And Hell
Black Sabbath
After Ozzy's ejection, Black Sabbath seemed over. What were they to do without their classic singer? Well it turns out the answer was recruit a better singer (sorry Oz) and make the best record they had made since at least 1973 (some would say ever). This album contains tons of classic songs like Children of the Sea, Die Young, the title track, etc. This is the record that saved Black Sabbath from oblivion.
Comment by Owen Ward
Ace Of Spades
Motörhead
While I like other Motörhead records more than this one, this is much like Priest's British Steel, Dio's Holy Diver and Ozzy's Blizzard of Ozz in that it put the band on the map. This is their breakout record for good reason. The title track is Motörhead's most well-known song and this album contains numerous other classic songs.
Comment by Owen Ward
Blizzard Of Ozz
Ozzy Osbourne
After Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath, he lived in a hotel doing drugs and drinking for several months. Fortunately though, he snapped out of it (with Sharon's help) and made this album. I think some of his other solo albums are technically better, but this one is the most classic in that it started his incredibly successful solo career. It also features the insane shredding of the gone-too-soon Randy Rhoads.
Comment by Owen Ward