A hearty welcome to our readers who have landed on our page! We hope everything is going positively for you. Guys, today we will discuss the best 80s metal bands of all time. These bands are globally known and loved for numerous reasons. Let me list them for you.
- Cultural impact: these bands had a significant cultural impact, not only in the music industry but also in popular culture as a whole.
- Commercial success: these bands have sold millions of albums worldwide. The success of these bands helped establish a global fan base and made them household names in many countries.
- Live Performances: Their concerts were a major draw for fans, and they toured extensively around the world. Their energetic live performances are commendable.
- Enduring Legacy: these bands continue to be popular and influential today, with new generations of fans.
- Influential Albums: Several iconic albums were released by 80s metal bands. such as “Master of Puppets” by Metallica, “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses, and “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden. These are widely considered classics of the genre.
- Pioneering Sound: the sound that these bands have created, often captured the imagination of millions of music fans worldwide. Although, their music continues to be popular today.
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However, all these above-mentioned points collectively have made these bands an enduring force in the music world. Furthermore, I have prepared a list of 20 best-ever known 80s metal bands for you. How about digging in?
1- Metallica
Metallica is a heavy metal band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. However, they are considered to be one of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre.
Moving on, their music from the 1980s is highly regarded as some of the most influential and important metal music of all time.
In addition to this, They are known for their fast and aggressive riffing, intricate guitar solos, and complex song structures.
Indeed, one of the greatest 80s metal bands for a reason.
2- Def Leppard
Def Leppard is a British heavy metal band that was formed in Sheffield, England in 1977. However, their music from the 1980s is often categorized as glam metal.
It means Their sound is characterized by their melodic vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and heavy use of backing vocals and harmonies
In addition to this, their most famous songs from the 80s include “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, “Love Bites”, “Hysteria”, “Photograph”, etc.
3- Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band that formed in London in 1975. Moving on, They rose to prominence in the 1980s with their unique sound.
In addition to this, The band is known for their iconic mascot, Eddie, who appears on many of their album covers and merchandise.
Moving on, The band’s sound is characterised by their use of complex guitar harmonies, fast-paced rhythms, and the powerful operatic vocals of lead singer Bruce Dickinson.
4- Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is an English heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham in 1968. However, their most famous work was released in the 70s, and they also released several albums in the 80s.
Moving on, Black Sabbath is often considered to be one of the pioneers of heavy metal. Apart from this, their music from the 80s continued to be characterized by their dark and heavy sound.
Their legacy is super strong and it is Indeed, it is one of the greatest 80s metal bands for a reason.
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5- Van Halen
Van Halen is an American hard rock band that was formed in Pasadena, California in 1972. However, They rose to prominence in the 1980s with their unique sound that blended together elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop.
Furthermore, Van Halen’s music from the 1980s is often categorized as glam metal and its sound.
Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Jump”, “Panama”, “Hot for Teacher”, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”, and “Runnin’ with the Devil”.
6- Judas Priest
Judas Priest is a British heavy metal band that was formed in Birmingham, England in 1969.
However, They rose to prominence in the 1980s with their powerful sound that blended together elements of heavy metal, hard rock, and progressive rock.
Furthermore, one of their most famous songs from the 80s includes “Breaking the Law ”, “Living After Midnight ”, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'”, etc.
Moving on, Judas Priest had a major influence on the sound of 80s metal and beyond, and they are widely regarded as one of the greatest metal bands of all time.
7- Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983.
However, They are known for their aggressive sound that blends together elements of heavy metal, punk, and progressive rock.
Furthermore, Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Peace Sells”, “Symphony of Destruction”, “Hangar 18”, “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”, and “In My Darkest Hour”.
Apart from this, They are known for their technical musicianship, politically charged lyrics, and their ability to push the boundaries of the genre.
8- Poison
Poison is an American glam metal band that was formed in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in 1983. However, they rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with their energetic and fun-loving sound that blended together elements of hard rock, pop, and metal.
Furthermore, Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Talk Dirty to Me”, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”, “Nothin’ but a Good Time”, “Fallen Angel”, and “Unskinny Bop”.
Indeed, it is one of the greatest 80s metal bands for a reason.
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9- Motley Crue
Motley Crue is an American glam metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981.
However, They became one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s, known for their astonishing image, wild behavior, and hard-hitting rock sound.
In addition to this, Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Kickstart My Heart”, “Girls, Girls, Girls”, “Shout at the Devil”, “Home Sweet Home”, and “Dr. Feelgood”.
10- Queensryche
Queensryche is an American progressive metal band that was formed in Bellevue, Washington in 1980. However, They became known for their unique sound that blended together elements of heavy metal, progressive rock, and hard rock.
Moving on, their music from the 1980s is often considered to be some of their best work. In addition to this, Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Silent Lucidity”, “Eyes of a Stranger”, “Jet City Woman”, “I Don’t Believe in Love”, and “Queen of the Reich”.
Indeed, it is one of the greatest 80s metal bands for a reason.
11- Pantera
Pantera is an American heavy metal band that was formed in Arlington, Texas in 1981. Well, their music from the 1980s is often categorized as glam metal, and their sound is characterized by powerful vocals.
Moving on, Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Cowboys from Hell”, “Cemetery Gates”, “Mouth for War”, “Walk”, and “This Love”.
In addition to this, they soon became known for their intense live shows and aggressive attitude. However, their music continues to be celebrated and influential in the world of heavy metal.
12- Dokken
Dokken is an American heavy metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1979.
However, They became one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s, known for their melodic hard rock sound and powerful vocals.
Moving on, Some of their most famous songs from the 80s include “Dream Warriors”, “Breaking the Chains”, “Alone Again”, “In My Dreams”, and “Into the Fire”.
Apart from this, They had a strong presence on MTV and helped to define the sound and look of 80s metal.
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13- Deep Purple
Deep Purple is an English rock band that formed in Hertford in 1968. Furthermore, they are often associated with the hard rock and heavy metal genres.
In addition to this, their music has also incorporated elements of blues, classical music, and progressive rock.
However, Some of their most popular songs from this era include “Perfect Strangers”, “Knocking at Your Back Door”, and “Bad Attitude”.
Well, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Indeed, it is one of the greatest 80s metal bands for a reason.
14- Slayer
Slayer is a legendary American thrash metal band that formed in Huntington Park, California in 1981. However, Slayer’s music is characterised by fast and aggressive guitar riffs.
In addition to this, Some of their most famous songs include “Raining Blood,” “Angel of Death,” and “Seasons in the Abyss.”
Furthermore, The band has gone through various lineup changes over the years and managed its legacy. Apart from this, Their music has also sparked controversy due to its graphic and controversial subject matter.
15- Kreator
Kreator is a German thrash metal band that formed in Essen, Germany in 1982. However, their music is characterised by fast and aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and intense vocals.
Furthermore, Kreator is known for their intense live shows and their contributions to the thrash metal genre, particularly in their early years.
Overall, They remain a popular and influential band in the metal community to this day.
16- Dio
Dio was an American heavy metal band that formed in 1982 and was fronted by legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio.
However, Dio’s music is characterised by powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and epic, fantasy-inspired lyrics.
Furthermore, Some of their most famous songs include “Holy Diver,” “Rainbow in the Dark,” and “The Last in Line.” Moving on, Their music remains a beloved staple of heavy metal culture to this day.
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17- Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot was a popular heavy metal band that formed in Los Angeles, California. However, The band is often credited as one of the pioneers of the 80s metal scene.
Also, The band was known for its high-energy live shows, which featured pyrotechnics and elaborate stage setups. Hence it is righteous to mention that the band is one of the greatest 80s metal bands for a reason.
18- Stryper
Stryper is a Christian metal band that rose to prominence in the 1980s. However, it gained widespread popularity in the mid-1980s with albums like “Soldiers Under Command” and “To Hell with the Devil.”
Moving on, Their music featured a blend of heavy metal guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and Christian lyrics. And it is something that celebrates faith, hope, and redemption.
In conclusion, the band has continued to perform and record music over the years, and their influence on the Christian metal genre is widely recognized.
19- Anthrax
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band that formed in New York City in 1981. Popularly the band is known for its fast-paced riffs, aggressive vocals, and politically charged lyrics.
Furthermore, Over the years, Anthrax has gone through several lineup changes, but they have continued to record and tour consistently. And this is totally commendable.
Moving on, Anthrax’s influence on the thrash metal genre is significant and bound to draw applause.
20- Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister is an American heavy metal band that emerged from the New York City club scene in the late 1970s. However, it gained widespread popularity in the 1980s.
In addition to this, The band is known for its over-the-top stage presence, catchy songs, and rebellious image.
Moving on, Twisted Sister’s music and live shows were characterized by their high-energy performances, elaborate costumes, and theatrical makeup. Overall, their music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
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