There are a lot of classic heavy metal artists and bands, which therefore means there are a lot of awesome albums that fans can bang their heads to. In the genre of heavy metal, fans are really spoiled for choice and there are a lot of albums that have the potential to make it onto this list.
If you are a classic heavy metal fan then you would be pleased to know that a lot of the albums listed here are from the time where heavy metal was at it’s greatest. That’s not to say that there aren’t awesome heavy metal bands now, it’s just that the most popular albums below to those classic bands.
So, in no particular order, have a read on below at some of the most popular heavy metal albums of all time:
Master of Puppets by Metallica
With Metallica being one of the biggest names in the metal genre, it only made sense that at least one of their albums, Master of Puppets made the cut. Released in the mid 80s, which was a breeding ground of hit heavy metal albums, this Metallica album was very well received by all fans. The variety in this album is great enough to make all types of fans happy.
The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden
Another iconic band from the heavy metal genre see another iconic album take its rightful position in this list. This was their first album with the singer Brue Dickinson, and he certainly delivered, as many believe this is one of the best albums released by Iron Maiden. It is a good idea to go relive some of the great songs from this 1982 album like, Hallowed Be Thy Name and Children of the Damned.
Blizzard of Ozz by Ozzy Osbourne
This album may just be the best comeback album of all time in the heavy metal genre. After getting booted from Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne was on a mission to show fans that he had still got the goods, and his 1980 album, Blizzard of Ozz, certainly delivered. True Ozzy Osbourne fans will remember the songs like Suicide Solution and Crazy Train.
Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Leading on from the ex-front man of Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne had a hand in creating this Black Sabbath masterpiece in 1970, before getting the boot from the band 9 years later. This was such a great album because it got people right around the world interested, and not just those diehard and loyal heavy metal fans. It helped expose a lot more people to the dark and twisted world of heavy metal.
Reign in Blood by Slayer
No greatest heavy metal album of all time list would be complete without something from the band Slayer. There must have been something in the water in the mid 80s as this album was yet another classic that has been able to stand the test of time. Pretty much every single track on this album is a fan favourite and even to this day, many people still love listening to this album.
Ride the Lightning by Metallica
Another great album from Metallica that deserves a place on this list, it was released in 1984 and it was everything the fans could have asked for. This album even helped bring in new fans and you’ll see songs from this album sitting on people’s heavy metal playlist to this day. Do not estimate the power and influence Metallica had in the 80s and with tunes like Kill ‘Em All, it’s easy to see why.