1985

"Crucify the so-called Lord, he soon shall fall to me."

In 1985, SLAYER took a bold step in creating “Hell Awaits”, a set of violent, breakneck thrash tunes filled to the brim with wicked, sadistic themes. The release really pulled the band ahead of the pack. Contemporaries like CELTIC FROST, VENOM and DESTRUCTION were nowhere near as brutal or offensive. It became obvious through tracks like “Kill Again”, “At Dawn They Sleep”, and the title track (which includes possibly the greatest thrash metal intro ever recorded) that SLAYER was out to become the permanent heavyweight champion of all evil music, period. Ironically, they would only be outdone by themselves in upcoming years. Even so, “Hell Awaits” remains a classic.

Fusing a much more potent dose of classic rock magic into their sound, THE CULT’s “Love” turned out to be the most creative musical statement of their career. Although it still carried a lot of the Manchester dance-rock influence that drove the “Dreamtime” record, it still was a high watermark for the band creatively. The Brit-rock, punk rock, 60s psychedelia, and Native American themes from Ian Astbury all come together so seamlessly on this record, it simply demands repeat listens. Lose yourself in the dark and brooding chords of “Brother Wolf, Sister Moon” or the irresistible air guitar riff of “Sanctuary.” 1985's "Love" is truly a special album.

Picks of the litter, 1985: