The Best Heavy Metal Music of 1986

Looking for the best heavy metal music of 1986? Look no further than this blog post, which features the top 10 metal albums of that year. From classics like Metallica’s Master of Puppets to lesser-known gems like Megadeth’s Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?, there’s something for everyone here. So crank up the volume and headbang your way into the new year!

Metallica- “Master of Puppets”

Metallica’s 1986 album “Master of Puppets” is often cited as one of the most influential and important heavy metal albums of all time. The album was Metallica’s third studio release, and it was the first to feature bassist Jason Newsted. “Master of Puppets” was recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark and produced by Flemming Rasmussen.

The album’s artwork was designed by Metallica’s lead singer/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. It features a decapitated puppet with Metallica’s logo in the background. The artwork is meant to symbolize the band’s marketing strategy at the time, which was to use puppets to sell their music.

“Master of Puppets” was released on March 3, 1986 and spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 charts. The album has been certified platinum by the RIAA six times and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Megadeth- “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?”

Megadeth’s second album was a game-changer for both the band and the entire metal genre. “Peace Sells” is a vicious, tightly wound piece of work, with an outstanding collection of songs that rank among the best in rock history. The title track is a searing political commentary, while “Devil’s Island” and “Good Mourning/Black Friday” are brilliant forays into the dark side of the human psyche. This is one of those rare albums that gets better with each listen, as the intricacies and subtleties of Mustaine’s songwriting come to light. Simply put, “Peace Sells” is a timeless classic, and one of the greatest heavy metal albums ever recorded.

Slayer- “Reign in Blood”

Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” is often cited as one of the best heavy metal albums of all time, and it’s certainly one of the most influential extreme metal albums of the ’80s. Featuring some of the band’s most iconic songs, like “Raining Blood” and “Angel of Death,” the album is a relentless assault of fast, aggressive thrash metal that helped define the genre. Although it was met with some controversy due to its graphic lyrical content, “Reign in Blood” has proven to be a timeless classic that still sounds as fresh and vital today as it did when it was first released.

Anthrax- “Spreading the Disease”

Released on October 7, 1985, Anthrax’s second studio album was titled Spreading the Disease in reference to the then-emerging AIDS epidemic. The album was their first to feature new vocalist Joey Belladonna and is considered by many fans to be their best work. It contains the singles “Madhouse” and “I Am the Law”, which are both staples of Anthrax’s live shows to this day.

Exodus- “Bonded by Blood”

Exodus- “Bonded by Blood”

The debut album from San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Exodus, Bonded by Blood is often cited as one of the most influential thrash metal albums of all time. Featuring fast, aggressive guitars and drumming, and growling vocals from lead singer/bassist Chuck Billy, the album set the standard for the Bay Area thrash metal sound that would come to dominate the genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bonded by Blood was released in April 1986 to critical acclaim, but poor sales. However, the album’s popularity increased dramatically after its re-release in 1992 following Exodus’ signing to Metallica’s record label, Elektra Records. Today, Bonded by Blood is considered a true classic of the thrash metal genre, and is essential listening for any fan of heavy metal music.

Overkill- “Taking Over”

Killing is easy… but it’s the taking over that’s hard! This song perfectly encapsulates not only Overkill’s attitude but also the entire theme of this essential speed/thrash metal album. There’s something so anthemic and fist-pumping about this song that makes it irresistible, and it remains one of the band’s most popular songs to this day.

Destruction- “Release from Agony”

While most metal in 1986 was either shifting to a more pop direction or becoming increasingly experimental, Destruction decided to stay the course and double down on what they did best: thrash metal. The result is one of the finest pure thrash albums ever made. “Release from Agony” is fast, heavy, and relentless, with shredding solos and guttural vocals galore. It’s the perfect album for headbanging and moshing, and it remains Destruction’s best album to this day.

Kreator- “Pleasure to Kill”

Kreator’s second album, “Pleasure to Kill” is a textbook example of Teutonic thrash metal. The riffs are catchy and aggressive, the drumming is relentless, and the vocals are banshee-like screeches. This is an album that is guaranteed to get your head banging.

Voivod- “Rrröööaaarrr”

“Rrröööaaarrr” is the debut album by Canadian heavy metal band Voivod, released in 1984. It is considered a classic of the genre, and was included in Kerrang! magazine’s list of “The Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time”.

Tankard- “Chemical Invasion”

Tankard’s 1986 album, Chemical Invasion, is considered by many to be one of the best heavy metal albums of all time. It features a mix of thrash and speed metal elements, with some of the fastest and most aggressive drumming in the genre. The riffs are incredibly catchy and the vocal delivery is powerful and unique. This is an essential album for any fan of heavy metal music.