1982

Quite possibly the most abrasive album ever released, DISCHARGE's "Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing" is about as close as one can ever get to the sound of the apocalypse. The songs are fast, powerful, and spiked with acidic lyrics and spastic, breakneck guitar leads. Listen to tracks like "Drunk With Power" and "The Blood Runs Red" for the aural equivalent to an atomic device being detonated. Remarkably heavy, and beyond essential -- if you only pick up one of our recommendations from this time period-- make it this one. Recently the album has be re-issued through Sanctuary Records, and the remastering job is excellent.

Some albums you hear about until you are sick of them, and then there are others that can't be praised enough. MAIDEN's 1982 monster "Number of the Beast" falls into the latter category. Bruce Dickinson's official debut with the band turned out to be a high watermark for the NWOBHM that has never really been duplicated. Tracks like "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and the title track showcase amazing vocals and intricate twin guitarwork. Not unlike Phil Rudd's work on the early AC/DC records, Clive Burr's drumming seemed to have a 'plus one' effect on MAIDEN's overall sound that's hard to describe. Check out the intro to "The Prisoner" and the outtro to "Hallowed Be Thy Name" for evidence of Clive's unique contribution to the Maiden metal machine.

Picks of the litter, 1982: