In 1977 disco reigned supreme across the airwaves of America. However, a diametrically opposed genre began making some headway both underground and mainstream that would stand the test of time. In 1987 one of the greatest debuts in recorded history would be unleashed that changed the musical landscape completely. Between the years and the decade between 1977–1987 was the most important in metal and hard rock history.
KISS produced some of their best work including Rock n Roll Over, Love Gun and the return to form Creatures of the Night. These albums influenced millions and still do today. Judas Priest made their best music between 77-87 including British Steel, Unleashed in the East, Stained Class and of course Screaming for Vengeance. These key albums shaped the landscape for metal and thrash in the future.
AC/DC thrived during this decade. Starting with the fan favorite Powerage and including Let There Be Rock, Highway to Hell and the seminal Back in Black. They were a stark contrast to the disco and easy listening music that permeated the airwaves. Van Halen ruled during this time too. All six of their albums with Roth were released during this time and their excellent 5150 with Hagar was too. No other American band during this time had a greater influence on heavy metal and hard rock.
Some would argue that Sabbath didn’t thrive as they did in their early days but history now proves that Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules with Dio were huge records. Both have aged better than some of their earlier material too. And remember that one of the greatest metal albums of all-time, Dio’s Holy Diver come out in 83’. In mentioning Sabbath, it was during this decade that Ozzy came into his own aided by the Californian guitar maestro Rhoades. Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman are classics in their genre. They made Randy immortal.
Two other bands from Europe also produced their finest material. The Scorpions from Germany and Iron Maiden from England ruled. The Scorps released both Uli Jon Roth and Mathias Jabs eras during this time with classics that include; Tokyo Tapes, Lovedrive, Animal Magnetism, Blackout and Love at First Sting. Maiden who may just be the biggest metal planet to have ever existed released all their best stuff in these ten years. These included; Iron Maiden, Killers, Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Live After Death and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.
