1980

One of the most interesting aspects about the early 1980s metal is observing the evolution of a "strip-it-down" DIY ethic as it clashes with 70s guitar rock trappings. This pure grit and chutzpah drove NWOBHM bands like VENOM and ANGEL WITCH to release such mindblowing platters. Some obscure, non-NWOBHM releases like the DEUCE album, with Marty Friedman and Tom Gattis, or the BRATS LP, with Hank Sherman and Michael Denner (pre-MERCYFUL FATE) are also necessary slabs for the time period. These bands represented an interesting hybrid of simple, direct songwriting and showstopping PRIEST-style guitar leads. 1980 also saw impressive debuts from several bands determined to rewire or totally flush the music of the previous decade like KILLING JOKE and THE DEAD KENNEDYS.

Picks of the litter, 1980: