1983 was a monster year for heavy metal. It’s arguably the most important year for the entire genre. Why? Mainly because of the fact it’s the year a colossal number of iconic and influential metal records were unleashed onto its bloodthirsty fanbase.
You might be saying, “1983? That was like, 100 years ago!” And if you are saying that, you’re wrong because it was only 40 years ago. Regardless of how wrong you are, the majority of these classic records have, and will continue to stand the test of time. Whether you’re an old 50-something head who “was there MAAAAN,” or a “30-something poser” because you weren’t there, such as myself, this list of 20 metal masterpieces turning 40 years old in 2023 should be celebrated by every headbanger.
Dokken “Breaking the Chains”
Although not their best album, Dokken’s first record “Breaking the Chains” is a fantastic debut by THE band your drunk, mulleted uncle who reeks like Camel Unfiltered cigarettes is most certainly still “rockin” like.
Slayer “Show No Mercy”
Before leaving Hell in the spring of 1983, Slayer allegedly told Satan,”Sorry we can’t stay, but we have to release one of the greatest heavy metal records ever recorded, but we’ll be sure to visit!” And they did (not sure about visiting Lucifer).
Metallica “Kill Em’ All”
The birth of thrash metal? One of Metallica’s only four good albums? Metallica’s only good album? Just a bunch of Diamond Head riffs turned up at 100 mph? Whatever you say about Metallica’s iconic first record, you must admit it’s pretty essential.
Saxon “Power and the Glory”
Even though Saxon has many albums under their belt, 83’s “Power and the Glory” is considered to be their last “great album.” Speaking of great, Biff Byford is one of the coolest, most humble people in classic metal. Now that’s a guy you just want to share a pint and eat tinned tomatoes with, or something.
Dio “Holy Diver”
Come on, it’s fucking Dio. Holy Diver?! Do I really need to say anything else here? Rainbow in the Dark? Come on! Dio?! He did the hand….thi…the…hand, he did metal fingers!! That was Dio!
Accept “Balls to the Wall”
Accept comes from the country of Germany, which in my opinion, had the best heavy metal bands of the entire 1980s. Accept being one of them. Also one more thing: the little stunt dummy of Udo Dirkschneider riding the wrecking ball in the “Balls to the Wall” video.
Raven “All for One”
NWOBHM legends Raven put out arguably their best record in 1983. That’s really saying a lot considering how great their catalog is. Plus even them being in their 50s, to this day, they make bands half their age look like U2 in comparison.
Battleaxe “Burn This Town”
Awesome album from the year of 1983, with an album cover that looks like it was done by a 3-year-old. But there’s a certain charm to it, no? Yeah, I know the answer is no, but the album deserves a spot on this list regardless!
Mercyful Fate “Melissa”
Mercyful. Fucking. Fate. “Melissa” is one of those, “So glad this album exists” albums. Plus the title track is about an actual human skull King Diamond owned that was stolen from him. Happy birthday Melissa,*whispering* if you’re still with us.
Motörhead “Another Perfect Day”
In 1983, Brian Robertson of Thin Lizzy joined Lemmy and crew to make Motörhead’s most unique album at that time. I heard they kicked him out of the band because he always wore funny pants.
Iron Maiden “Piece of Mind”
“You Take My Life, Well I’ll Take Yours Too!” Words penned by one of metal’s greatest bands to help every 9th-grade student in AP history class remember what the fuck the Crimean War was.
Torch “S/T”
Sweden is known the world over for two things: one, their meatballs, and two, the band Torch. Actually, that might just be me. But at any rate, check out this record if you’re unfamiliar with it.
Trance “Power Infusion”
Not a super well-known record by any means, and that’s tragic. The album cover has a dude shooting up his arm with a Marshall amp head. In a perfect world, that cover would be on our nation’s flag, in a perfect world.
Exciter “Heavy Metal Maniac”
Speed metal kings from Canada Exciter are just one of maybe 10,000 metal bands who borrowed their name from a Judas Priest song. Essential listening.
Thin Lizzy “Thunder and Lightning”
Now, I’m not much into the idea of dying, or even the idea of climbing any sort of hill, but Thin Lizzy is THE greatest band of all time, and that’s a hill I am 100% willing to die on. And when the buzzards pick my rotting corpse apart on said hill, I’ll be fine so long as “The Sun Goes Down” is echoing throughout the land.
Savatage “Sirens”
“Sirens” is one of the U.S.A.’s finest heavy metal moments, and almost makes up for Bon Jovi, almost.
Satan “Court in the Act”
Can you believe it took all the way until 1983 for a band called Satan to release a full length album? Sorry Testament fans, but there’s only one true “Trial by Fire” and it’s on “Court in the Act.”
Grim Reaper “See You in Hell”
This album is an absolute classic. Beavis and Butthead were wrong. This isn’t the first time I’ve been staunchly opposed to music opinions of cartoon characters from two decades ago, and it won’t be the last.
Tank “This Means War”
This year we lost the legendary Tank frontman Algy Ward. Although not as iconic as their debut, “War” is definitely on par with it. RIP Algy.
Ashbury “Endless Skies”
This record is probably the best album you’ve never heard that’s turning 40 this year. Think of it as a heavy metal Allman Brothers Band. Yeah, it is that good.
Honorable Mention:
Warlord “Deliver Us” EP
“Deliver Us” is one of the U.S.A.’s finest heavy metal moments, and almost makes up for Poison, almost.