Top 10 Albums that DEFINE HEAVY METAL! - Part 1| nolifetilmetal

This is a TWO PART video.
I questioned 40 Metal band members and KZbinrs and asked them to tell me what one album "defines heavy metal" for them. Not thrash, death, doom or any sub-genre, but just heavy metal. Those albums that you could hand to someone who doesn't know heavy metal and say, "This is heavy metal!"
Part 1 features MY Top 10 albums that define heavy metal, as well as a few people who agreed with me.
Part 2 will be a Top 20 list made from friends including members of At War, Dark Angel, Tourniquet, Vindicator, From the Ruins, Anger As Art, Worldview, Bride, Avenger of Blood, Trytan and many more...

[@weezlwizl5677]

Great list Scott! My list would definitely have to include a lesser known favorite of mine, Ded Engine. I discovered their self titled album as a teen in the eighties and rather recently found their second album. Great stuff!

[@meatballwanger]

Good list! Have to admit there were a few bands on it that I never heard of (but am now looking into). Was very surprised to see guys from Vengeance and Deliverance giving you input. Used to listen to both of them back in high school and haven't heard them mentioned since then.

[@craigpaulson3503]

W.A.S.P. Self titled. 1984, one of the best heavy metal albums of the 80s. I'm shocked it's not on here.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Great album. There are hundreds of albums that could have been in this list.

[@dcavfactory]

Thanks for what you do man. I enjoy these clips. Feels like chatting with my old friends about music, of course im not heard, but thanks.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thank you. Appreciate the encouragement.

I haven't even watched this yet, but as a 40 year fan of heavy metal, my Top 10 would be this: #1. Black Sabbath - Paranoid (not my favorite Sabbath album, but it basically defined and set the template for heavy metal and is probably the best introduction/gateway album and band for those unfamiliar with the genre) #2. Judas Priest - Unleashed In The East (most of their best songs done even better and heavier live) #3. Judas Priest - British Steel (just as Sabbath pretty much invented and defined the metal sound with Paranoid, Judas Priest redefined and reinvented it with this album and also set the template for speed/thrash metal with "Rapid Fire") #4. Judas Priest - Screaming For Vengeance (sheer metallic perfection from a band at the top of their game) #5. Iron Maiden - Killers (Number Of The Beast is a better album overall, but this album set the template for the Maiden sound and is bursting with raw energy and aggression) #6. Iron Maiden - Number Of The Beast (just an epic metal album) #7. Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard Of Ozz (as with Iron Maiden's Killers compared to Number Of The Beast, I think that Diary Of A Madman is the better album, but this is the album that introduced Randy Rhoads and Ozzy's new band and sound to the world, and as stated in the Bible, it was good) #8. Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell (this album redefined and reinvented Sabbath and also introduced Ronnie James Dio to the metal world. I know many hard rock fans were aware of him from his great work with Rainbow, but Sabbath were much more of a straight-ahead metal band which allowed him to really wail and demonstrate the full power and glory of his magnificent metal voice) #9. Ozzy Osbourne - Diary Of A Madman (sheer metal perfection, part two) #10. Metallica - Kill 'Em All (yes, I know this is considered speed/thrash metal, but it's an essential, influential, and game-changing album, so I would strongly recommend it to anyone who I'm trying to introduce to metal)

[@Rextum]

Great list! Considering the influence of the albums, you got it absolutely right. As far as my own favorites go, I would choose certain other albums (just as you mentioned as well). Probably something like Master of Reality, Unleashed, Beast, Diary of a Madman, Mob Rules (or maybe Last in Line) and then Mercyful Fate’s Melissa, Scorpions’ Virgin Killer, Accept’s Breaker, Loudness’ Devil Soldier and Motörhead’s Orgasmatron. Also, not heavy metal, but I would like to add something from Rush, Megadeth and Slayer to the list, as I love those bands so much.

@@Rextum Thanks. And Scott had set the format of this list as "Top Ten Heavy Metal Albums That Define Heavy Metal" for the purpose of introducing someone not familiar with the genre to, but I would put most of these in my personal Top 10 as well. But I would probably have Master Of Puppets at #1 and Vol. 4 and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath in there somewhere. It's pretty hard to pick just ten since there are multiple albums that Iove from each of these artists.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Great choices. You may see many of these in Part 2 of this video series. However, the 70's albums I purposely did not include as I specified to all the people I questions that it was choose an album between 1979 and 1990. I only had ONE person chose one outside and it was 1978 so I let it slide, and besides he use to sing for ACCEPT so who am I to argue. Haha!

[@markwebb1040]

@ Agreed. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is part of the foundation of metal as we know it.

[@mickshrimpton6494]

Awesome idea for a video, Scott, cant argue with any of your picks, especially the top 3...cheers

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thank you. Stay tuned for Part 2.

[@guitarslim69]

Great choices for your top ten list. I don't own all, but most of the albums shown on vinyl. BTW, I dig the shirt. Just subbed.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks for the sub! Yes, had to give a nod to Lizzy even if I didn't pick one of their albums.

[@raulserrano3670]

Killer video idea Scott . Lots of cool bands . Definitely gonna pick up that Queensrÿche record sometime soon . Killers isn’t my favorite maiden record but I can definitely see why you’d pick it . I really need to get more Saxon and Accept , don’t have too much by them . Awesome vid man . Stay Heavy 🤘

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks Raul. Stay tuned for Part 2

[@ricardoostos2406]

Awesome video, now I have discovered a lot of new stuff to check out. Thanks!!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

That's awesome to hear. Enjoy!

[@diarmuidmcnally1300]

Great you mentioned "Restless and Wild" by Accept. Can't believe no one picked this masterpiece!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Part 2 has 18 different choices but NONE of them are ACCEPT. I was surprised by this. I half expected someone to choose Metal Heart or Balls to the Wayy.

[@paulburrows7908]

Hilarious, I am listening to that album, right Now!

[@dan-lv8ss]

Great Band.My first Acceot album was Russian Roulette. Now I have them all :-)

[@alibobsmarland9572]

Restless and Wild definitely!

[@kraftwerk974]

Huge Accept fan here. Not picked up because eventually there was already one Judas Priest at that time 😁

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I couldn’t agree more with you on Restless and Wild , that would of been the first thing I would of told you ... thats pure metal at it finest ! Nice to see Raven in the mix ! Love that #1 ! Cool video Scott 🤘

[@satanicpanic1313]

Lol thought you were Max Cavalera! Gr8 vid!

[@lucasbeer353]

The Spectre Within is also my favourite Fates Warning album. Love your picks. 1. King Diamond - Abigail (my top 3 KD album that got me into them, best solos on earth) 2. Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast (not my favourite, top 3 but it got me into Maiden) 3. Judas Priest - Killing Machine (In my opinion it's the first truly metal album, Hell Bent for Leather, first real metal track) 4. Fates Warning - The Spectre Within (easily as good as the best Maiden) 5. Ozzy Osbourne - Diary of a Madman (not my favourite Ozzy album, easily top 3 but the sound, man, it was 1981 and it sounds huge) 6. Manowar - Hail to England (My favourite Manowar album and the one that got me into them) 7. Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys part 1 (the album that got me into metal in general) 8. Samson - Shock Tactics (probably the best Bruce Dickinson vocal performance) 9. Queensryche - Queensryche EP (easily the best EP in metal) 10. WASP - WASP (from LA but didn't want to be like Motley Crue or Ratt, heavy metal with balls... and chain). Stay heavy stay hard

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Excellent picks! Glad to see someone list Samson. Underrated band. Also nice to see someone else list The Spectre Within. A killer album! Yes, W.A.S.P. was on my short list as well, but I could have easily listed 100 bands. Haha! Frankly I think early Crue fits in this list as well. Too Fast For Love and Shout At the Devil were prime American metal IMO.

[@scottricci5063]

I would've put Stained Class in addition to Hellbent. And Killers with Number. Also, UFO Lights Out.

[@Nick-qf7vt]

Looooove your list, but gotta disagree: Stained Class was the first TRUE 100% heavy metal record!

[@speedking4951]

Awesome list. Need to pick up that Twisted Sister album. I totally agree about Helstar, Scott. That album should definitely be among your list! Metal Church's The Dark, Judas Priest's Painkiller and Motley Crue's Shout At The Devil are also among the classics. Can't wait for the next video 🤘.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Yes. The original mix of Under The Blade is the best. Raw, nasty heavy metal. There is a reason that Twisted Sister were an honorary NWOBHM band.

[@DS-yo4uw]

Thanks for making these videos. I have picked up a lot of new-old bands that are fantastic. Sanctuary and Helstar I had never heard of, but these are awesome. Big thanks.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks for sharing that with me. Appreciate the encouragement.

[@DS-yo4uw]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Absolutely, we old guys have to stick together. Free suggestions for future topics - I'd love to hear your thoughts about ' fantastic vocalists that are typically overlooked/lesser known", and NWOTHM bands. Thanks again.

[@thomashubner697]

Cool topic and very good choices! I give you the last 4 albums I was listening to. Armored Saint- Punching the sky, Railway- Railway II, Crashdiet- Rust and Faithful Breath- Gold'n glory. All are the purest form of heavy metal.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I still need to pick up the new Armored Saint. Like what I’ve heard.

[@stormwind_7996]

Awesome video! I totally agree with your choices of the albums by Accept, Saxon, Black Sabbath, Dio, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. The Helloween and Twisted Sister albums are also great!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I realized after I posted this that I did not include ONE female fronted band. Might have to do a female fronted video in the future.

[@zeppearl]

Great to hear your list, its a hard thing to do. All valid picks !!

[@jasonmarkham2592]

Cool video, brother. Armored Saints new record is kicking my ass right now. Plus Mors Principium Esp's new one.

[@Wabin22]

Awesome stuff bro! Btw, what do you think about the new remix version of Manowars Hail To England? I personally think it's amazing, since I never liked the original mix.. but it also opened up my ears for the original, so now I think they both kick serious ass :)

[@guiltyforgiven7167]

Great video Scott. When you asked me, I came up with a few in my head right away: "Screaming for vengeance" was an immediate contender for me. I was also thinking TS "You Can't Stop Rock N Roll" or "Under the Blade" and DIO "The Last in Line" or "Holy Diver", and the only other one from your list I considered was Maiden's "Killers". The others I hadn't considered, but once you held them up, I immediately smacked my forehead and said of course! All except Helstar as I have never had anything by them. This video has got me interested in them now however, so I'll be looking into that album.

[@jeffreywebb7932]

Yes ..Heaven and Hell. You the man,Scott. Great vid🤘Screaming fof Vengeance is correct😀👍

[@bimmyfrizzo3988]

New subscriber. I love heavy metal! Nice channel!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks for subbing. We have a mutual love my friend.

[@dan-lv8ss]

Great List, Great to see Krokus in the Top Ten !!!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Surprisingly I was the only one of the 40 polled who picked Krokus.

[@belucena528]

KROKUS, great Band, great sonha and incredible riffs.

[@dan-lv8ss]

@@belucena528 In particular the song Fire on the Metal Rendez Vouz album. The guitar solo is out of this world. RIP Tom Kiefer

[@markkopernicky3489]

Hi Scott. ....Fantastic video. .agree with a lot of the picks. ..although I'm not sure if I would have picked Screaming for Vengeance. I think I would have chose The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden. Keep up the heat work.

[@soulfly391]

I grew up listening to almost every album you showed, brings back memories

[@ironjawtx]

Great list! I would have had Manowar on the list versus Twisted Sister, but I can't really argue with any of the picks.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

It’s all just opinion and I would not argue with Manowar! Manowar made Part 2 of the video.

[@hmetaljustin]

Can't argue with any of those picks. Screaming is probably my top favorite Priest album. But I always think of Painkiller as far as a pure metal album. I think it has all the elements. Also dig your shirt!

[@hinjurock70]

British Steel, Unleashed In The East and Screaming For Vengeance are Priest's three best albums, IMO.

[@saitamabilingualgamer3915]

Great list. I see that Twisted Sister was a local band for you growing up. Does that mean you are from Long Island? I was born and raised on eastern Long Island but have been living in Japan for almost a decade now. Love your videos! Also just wanted to say that I discovered Recon through one of your videos and they have become one of my favorites.

[@briansauer6695]

Great list Scott! Other than Killers, where I would put Number Of The Beast, Your top 4 would be my top four to define or introduce someone to Heavy Metal! #OTB and Screaming came out when I was 14 and were what introduced me to metal, aside from my buddies older sister's 8 track of Master Of Reality we used to play the frap out of when we were 10! Thanks for corrupting our minds Sherry!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Number of the Beast made the second part of this video. I think it may have been number one. All hail Sherry for blessing you with the Sabbath 8-track and a life long obsession with heavy metal! Haha!

[@briansauer6695]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Haha! BTW, Killers and #OTB are my two favorite Maiden albums. Still have to watch part two. Thanks again for putting these together! Going to check out the few other albums you've mentioned in your videos that I haven't heard before.

[@triggertunes6392]

Hey Scotty this was a great vid for a metal novice like me, I tend to think of Sabbaths debut as definer of metal I guess that stems from it being one of the origins, I see part 2 is up which I'll checkout soon, be well buddy ✌🥁

[@lacuevadelmetal9193]

Judas priest's ram it down album for me represents heavy metal in the full extension of the world dude! !!!! Wild video!! Congrats!!

[@MetalTheologian]

Damn, dude, I don't think I ever would have come up with your #10, but that is a GREAT pick!

[@mikemacheese7174]

Great list! "Sirens" by Savatage or anything by Armored Saint would be great choices as well.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Sirens is a PERFECT choice. Easily could have been in this list. Same with Armored Saint.

[@mikemacheese7174]

@@nolifetilmetal1 ... or “Fire Down Under” by Riot or “Ample Destruction” by Jag Panzer. I forget if you have them on the list.

[@markwebb1040]

Absolutely! I might be more inclined to Hall of the Mountain King for Savatage. And there's a special place in my heart for Delirious Nomad from Armored Saint as that's the album that turned me on to them. And I know this falls more into the doom category but a seminal album for me was The Skull from Trouble. I just love that heavy god-crushing grind of songs like Pray For The Dead and The Wish.

[@theprepubescentgrandpa1237]

@@markwebb1040 Mountain King is amazing, but I have to agree with Sirens as a whole

[@jasonfoster6212]

Dungeons are calling is a fantastic album. Savatage were always overlooked at the time for some reason.

[@AvalonMillworks]

Thanks for the vid. My favorite is Dokken, back for the attack. My other favorite which is actually space metal is pagans mind, enigmatic calling. Incredible guitar work on both albums.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Great choices.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Love all the picks!!🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks Dianne.

[@mytvsettowatch]

This list, needs a top 100 to be fair to Rock Music... But!, you mentioned "Killers"... after that, I can forgive any restrictions. Great top 5! ;)

[@nolifetilmetal1]

And easily could have been! I had to take so many great bands out of the list that easily could have been in.

[@georgegsroomofrock9868]

These are not my favorites by these bands but I still love them. 1. Judas Priest- Screaming for Vengeance 2. Armored Saint - March of the Saint 3. DIO - Holy Diver 4. Ozzy - Blizzard of Oz 5. Iron Maiden - self titled 6. Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King 7. Accept- Balls to the Wall 8. Scorpions - Blackout 9. Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell 10. Motorhead - Overkill

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Fantastic list! Great choices.

[@MetalHeart8787]

the Scorpions Black is an awesome album, BUT Last in line > Holy diver

[@eduardomarques5756]

I also think that savatage and armored saint should be on the list...

[@lysdexic9129]

awesome, really agree your number one, thrashed that album on my parents stereo with the headphones :) Another album I think epitomizes Heavy Metal is Black Sabbath's Born Again, although probably a little dark for the NWOBHM. I'll check on those bands such as Raven that I've not heard before, I think you like the same type of music qualities as I. Cheers from Adelaide Australia.

[@magnuswesterfalk1482]

Great list! ”Burning star” was one of my first fav metal records, but I like ”Remnants of war” even better.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I like Remnants better too. Both are great though.

[@Navili502]

They still make good albums. Vampiro was really good. My favorite has to be Nosferatu though; a really cool blend of speed/thrash and power metal with SERIOUS neoclassical chops that don't devolve into wankery.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

@@Navili502 Vampiro is superb.

[@DolfanDale]

Great video! I guess I'm starting to catch up a little on mainstream metal. I've got three of the last four albums that you showed on CD. I would have more Saxon if I could find it at a decent price.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

But I bet you have enough Christian metal that you could do this video on that alone.

[@careful__Icarus]

Really dug this vid. Loving that you put Sanctuary on your list. Bought Refuge Denied cassette new after hearing Battle Angels ONCE!!! But no love for the Bloody Stools? Dang. Lol

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Same here. Bought the record after hearing Battle Angels and being blown away!

[@adamusein]

Absolute great job of yours especially for mentioning Twisted Sister, because they were big in the clubs, before they recorded their first album. But i have objections: I distinguish between 3 kinds of "Heavy Metal" and 2 kinds of "Hard Rock" until say 1985 that were generally tagged as Heavy Metal: +)Original Heavy Metal, the forerunners of Doom/Occult Metal: Sabbath, Black Widow, Atomic Rooster, Zeppelin, early Alice Cooper +)Original Hard Rock aka Heavy Rock, the forerunners of Stoner Rock: Purple, Grand Funk, Buffalo, Steppenwolf, Cheer, Hawkwind, early UFO, Butterfly, +)Classic Heavy Metal: Samson, Saxon, Priest, Motorhead, Rose Tattoo, Twisted Sister, Maiden (DiAnno), nearly everything from the early NWoBHM, Accept, Wendy O Williams, Plasmatics, Kiss, AC/DC, Quartz, Cirith Ungol, Spinal Tap, early Manowar, Diamond Head, The Rods, Manilla Road +)Traditional Heavy Metal, the forerunners of Power Metal: Maiden (Dickenson), Cirith Ungol, Rainbow, Rush, Sabbath (Dio), Dio, Magnum, Budgie, Uriah Heep +)Classic Hard Rock, the forerunners of Sleaze Rock/Glam Metal: Scorpions, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Alice Cooper (since $1B Babys), Nugent, Triumph, Riot, UFO, Kiss, Def Leppard, Montrose, Y&T, Nazareth, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC I interpret your question such that you mean Classic Heavy Metal, my list goes: 20) Krokus-Hardware 19) Girlschool-Hit and run 18) Cirith Ungol-Frost and Fire 17) Kiss-Creatures of the night 16) Saxon-Strong arm of the law 15) Twisted Sister-Under the Blade 14) Accept-Breaker 13) WOW-WOW 12) Manowar-Battle Hymn 11) the Rods-The Rods 10) Picture-Diamond Dreamer 9) Diamond Head-Lightning to the nations 8) Motorhead-Ace of Spades 7) Angelwitch-Angelwitch 6) Witchfynde-Give em hell 5) Ozzy Osbourne-Diary of a madman 4) Iron Maiden-Killers 3) Rose Tattoo-Rose Tattoo 2) Judas Priest-Hell Bent for Leather 1) Samson-Head On

[@randallscott7801]

Dude, so happy to see Accept. Can't get enough of that album. Restless and Wild is top five for me too. Sanctuary was a surprise but love it as well. First Metal Church album do anything for you? Early Savatage....

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Yes. Love Metal Church. Check out Part 2 of this video.

[@holspa]

Super idea for a video. Only amazing stuff, you know what heavy metal is about of course.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks brother Reme. I was hoping some of you guys might do a follow-up video and show your list.

[@cristianosorio2517]

Hi Scott!! cool video, and nice ranking as well. My list would be: 1.- Judas Priest: British Steel 2.- Iron Maiden: TNOTB 3.- Saxon: Power and the Glory 4.- Accept: R&W 5.- Dio: Last in Line 6.- Rainbow: Rising 7.- Ozzy: Blizzard of Ozz 8.- Black Sabbath: H&H 9.- Diamond Head: Lightning to Nations 10.- Baron Rojo: Volumen Brutal

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Fantastic list. Don’t disagree with any of you choices. Stay tuned for Part 2.

[@tristanbrewersmith8982]

Scott I love how you include bands people don’t talk about a lot like Raven, instead of all the choices being Sabbath, Metallica, Slayer, Maiden etc. You are an underrated KZbinr

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thank you.

[@craigpaulson3503]

American Metal. Man I love your shirt.. Love You To Pieces is my favorite album Lizzy ever did. Great video. 👍

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Had to give some love to Lizzy.

[@tns4421]

Amazing video, thank you so much!! Well Dio defined heavy metal for sure!! I was quite surprised though that you did not mention any 78 or 79 records that really pushed all those 80's bands to play it loud, hard and heavy!! Motorhead, Scorpions, Triumph, Riot, Thin Lizzy, J.P.-Hell bent for leather/killing machine/stained class....all late 70's megatons heavy metallers on the verge of the new decade!!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I was really trying to keep it traditional 80's metal and would not have included any 70's or 90's releases, but despite telling all the people I polled that I wanted 1980's releases, I still got a pick from 78 and 90. Haha! Regardless, had I expanded beyond that decade, Rainbow Rising, Priest - Stained Class, Sabbath - Master of Reality, Aerosmith - Rocks and Budgie all would have made my list.

[@tns4421]

@@nolifetilmetal1 80's ruled all over the place!!

[@joshalan5125]

I totally agree with your top 5. As a huge Ronnie James Dio fan, I appreciate seeing both Heaven and Hell and Holy Diver. I wanted to add 2 picks of my own: Scorpions- Blackout and Riot- Thundersteel.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Nice! Love Thundersteel and Blackout. Oddly enough no one I polled chose those albums. Stay tuned for Part 2.

[@joshalan5125]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Looking forward to it.

[@joelutz4348]

Blackout by the Scorpions FOR SURE! But I would go with Fire Down Under from Riot (although I ain't mad at ya mentioning Thundersteel! Riot rules.)

[@GRockVC]

Yes good choices. Hard to argue with that list. I might have had one of Ozzy's first two albums on there and I might have gone with stained class as the number one. Might even have had one of the warlock album on there as well. 🤘

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Stained Class is easily my choice but I had restricted everyone to 1979-1990, so we were taking purely 80s records. As for Ozzy. Stay tuned for Part 2.

[@GRockVC]

@@nolifetilmetal1 ah right must have missed the dates. I'd definitely make stained class an honourable mention then even though it falls outside. And I might choose defenders of the faith then. With that accept at No.1. Amazing there's nothing with Dickinson in the list considering he's often defined as the voice of heavy metal. Just goes to show how strong the genre is. Definitely looking forward to part two.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

@@GRockVC Dickinson will show up in part 2.

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

I saw Sanctuary a few years ago opening for Iced Earth and that show got me back into them big time. Refuge denied is a MASTERPIECE!! This is a great list that you have made. Accept Restless And Wild is my favorite album of theirs. I love and listen to all these albums.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

All killer, no filler.

[@independenceltd.]

I had heard of Sanctuary but never bothered to invest in them. (They did come out when I was in college and had even less money than high school...could barely afford one album per yr.) Bought the album off the video recommendation and it absolutely rips.

[@amysson5151]

Great vid, SW. I watched this video to see if my favorite would get a mention and you put it at #1. I agree, JP’s ‘Screaming...’ is metal defined. I bought the cassette in a bargain bin as a young teen in the early 80’s at KMart based on the cover art alone. It was a big payoff. Never heard their music before but boy was I glad we ventured to KMart that day. It’s always my go-to when I reach for JP. Good job on this list. It would be great if you could focus more on Christian albums exclusively with countdowns like this. Not enough people know of all the great Christian music that’s out there and secular music already gets an overload of attention, so I’m always looking forward to Christian-focused vids I can find to point others to. Thanks and keep up the good work. Turn it up and METAL ON!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I was amazed at how many people of the 40 I polled listed Screaming For Vengeance.

[@amysson5151]

Yep-it’s hard to beat a classic. Every time I put on ‘Screaming...’, I see lasers and hear razors. Love it. At this point, it’s a mandatory daily vitamin. Rock on!

[@megiloth3634]

Nice pick with Helstar. I forgot about those guys. I have Nosferatu on tape somewhere in my basement. My Manowar pick would have been Kings of Metal because it is so over-the-top metal. Metal Church's The Dark, and would have to include Blizzard of Ozz. Oh and King Diamond's Abigail. You're right, tons of stuff that could be but if we gotta boil it down, so be it.

[@shredaholic9179]

interesting list :) for my taste - from the records you talked about - Hail To England is #1 by far. It's in my top 10 of all time even though I'm more into thrash/death/grind type stuff. First 2 vinyl records I bought when I bought a record player recently were original prints of Hail to England and Viking - Do or Die. Maiden-wise I'd go with Powerslave. Black Sabbath - self titled and Paranoid.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I was sticking to albums from 1979 to 1990 so that is why no Ozzy era Sabbath. Great choices nonetheless.

[@marcusg5665]

Advance and Vanquish is in my top 5 albums of all time.. Love that you include it in your intro

[@nolifetilmetal1]

3 Inches of Blood - Advance & Vanquish? GREAT album. However, the intro is Rip n Tear by Ultimatum off Heart of Metal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5WnY2qVetmdpck

[@marcusg5665]

@@nolifetilmetal1 In your CD player one of the albums is 3IB.. not the actual music lol.. i am not going to say something is a top album for me in a lifetime and get the songs wrong.. c'mon man!! lol

[@pinot7914]

Great selection! Accept with UDO is awesome! Also Halloween....damn time flies....I bought that Accept cassette when I was 7 years old

[@Frip36]

Man, I just realized that he picked Screaming for Vengeance for #1. I'm very happy about that. (If I've seen this video before, I'd totally forgotten about it). So freaking cool. I'm happy.

[@volcanicwinter4417]

Mine: 7 - Black Sabbath: Heaven And Hell 6 - Accept: Restless And Wild 5 - Mercyful Fate: Don't Break The Oath 4 - Helloween: Walls Of Jericho 3 - Iron Maiden: Powerslave 2 - Diamond Head: Lightning To The Nation 1 - Judas Priest: Painkiller Salutations!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

All killer. No filler! Great list.

[@volcanicwinter4417]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Thanks!

[@alibobsmarland9572]

1. Diamond Head Lightning to the Nation's 2. Iron Maiden Iron Maiden. 3. Judas Priest British Steel 4. Accept. Restless and Wild 5. AC/DC Let There be Rock 5 Motorhead Overkill 6 Black Sabbath Master of Reality 8 Metallica Kill em all.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

@@alibobsmarland9572 I guess I didn’t make it clear enough that I was talking strictly 1980s traditional heavy metal. People keep saying Ozzy-era Sabbath which was not of that era. Still. Great choices.

[@alibobsmarland9572]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Sorry mate, got carried away with my favourites!😁

[@noisespektrum5416]

All Great choices. Pretty hard to argue against any of them. Cheeers!!!!!!!Lee

[@scottlillis4849]

Great picks Scott. When it comes to Priest I don't think you can wrong with Screaming for Vengeance or British Steel as a number 1 album.

[@neillbickerstaff8003]

May I give you an option? How about kiss self titled or riot fire down under? I also want to mention that praying mantis album that has running for tomorrow on it (forgot the name of the album)

[@edviges1]

Cool video! You got a new subscriber

[@olecasas9268]

Thank you. Agree with your picks 100%.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thank you. Be sure to catch Part 2 of this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZm3mIyloa2Vo5I

[@sloth4787]

Great vid , where did you get the lizzy Borden shirt ? I can't find anything from them except for very recent, I am 51 and really dug the band , the 1st three albums plus the live album.(yes , 1 EP and 2 studios plus the live one). Always loved the flag logo shirt....

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Saw Lizzy opening for WASP several years ago and bought the shirt. Great show!

[@edwinvandenkieboom5735]

Great choices! Helstar is awesome. I'd include Leatherwolf,Ruffians, Armored Saint and Metal Church.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

All good choices. Metal Church made Part 2 of the video.

[@edwinvandenkieboom5735]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Cities.. also a great one.

[@s.hi.1076]

Solid. Raven and Krokus are suprising and not at all surprising at the same time. My Top10: Crimson Glory - Crimson Glory Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell Manowar - Into Glory Ride Sanctuary - Refuge Denied Saxon - Denim and Leather Demon - The Unxpected Guest Vicious Rumors - Digital Dictator Judas Priest - Screaming For Vengeance Rainbow - Rising Dio - Holy Diver

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Perfect list! You know a lot of people in the comments have picked Rainbow Rising. If I had not specified traditional 80's heavy metal it would have made my list too, along with Judas Priest - Stained Class.

[@metalmogul]

I'd have gone with Strong Arm only because I have an emotional attachment to it. Tygers Of Pan Tang's Wild Cat would be in my top 10 as would Manowar, but I can't really fault any of the bands in your top 10. Restless and Wild has to be in there, I'm with you on that one 100%! I was worried there wouldn't be any JP but you got out of jail at the end. All killer, absolutely no filler in this video!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks Brother Cloudy. I think you will be pleased with Part 2 as well. I should have asked you too. My apologies for not asking.

[@metalmogul]

@@nolifetilmetal1 no apologies necessary, enjoyed this one a lot!

[@rickypineda2053]

Good list. would have been good to see Cloven hoof self title as honorable mention

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Nice! Love Cloven Hoof. Good choice. I would not argue against them at all. It was tough to keep this list down to only 10. Imagine how hard it was for the 40 metal musicians I asked in the poll to pick only ONE album that defines heavy metal. In fact current Cloven Hoof vocalist George Call was one of the guys who took part and is in Part 2 of this video.

[@melvinramone2605]

Great video! I enjoyed the concept the execution. It would be neat to see a series of these with picks representing Thrash, Death, Doom, etc. My #1 would be either Black Sabbath - Heaven & Hell or Iron Maiden - Number Of The Beast (Killers is a great pick too but I feel Paul's vocals have a punky element to them while Bruce is Metal through and through, plus the cover has the devil on it). I would also throw into the conversation: Slayer - Show No Mercy (I know you said no Thrash but to me Slayer didn't start to sound Thrash until later. In thr begining they were more traditionally Heavy Metal) and Motörhead - Overkill (sound wise there is a huge Rock N Roll/Punkish element but I feel like by the time you're making a whole list for someone Lemmy has to be in there somewhere). As a dark horse I might suggest Skid Row - Slave To The Grind. They started Hair Metalish but on that record they just went for it with being Metal. It's also pretty underrated IMO, probably because the radio hits from their first album put them in a certain box for some people. Anyway, great video. Thanks!

[@ironhide8491]

🤘🤘🤘 First one here, pumped as hell to see this!!!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Hope you dig it.

[@ironhide8491]

Hey Scott awesome video! Here are others I might have included (of course within the timeframe you chose); Ozzy Osbourne-Blizzard of Ozz Motley Crue-Shout at the Devil WASP- s/t Metal Church-s/t Accept- Balls to the Wall Plus sort of “metal-lite” introductory albums- albums that are not necessarily the greatest albums in a bands catalog but are probably their most popular and/or most accessible: Judas Priest- British Steel Twisted Sister- Stay Hungry Ratt- Out of the Cellar Pumped for part 2 🤘🤘🤘 Edit: your earlier videos and rankings with Trog got me into Raven, and I have to say All for One is definitely one of the greatest metal records of all time

[@nolifetilmetal1]

@@ironhide8491 That's awesome! Glad you found out about Raven from us. Thanks for sharing. Great list above too. I would not call Ratt - Out of the Cellar or Bristish Steel as metal-lite. Both are prime examples of pure heavy metal IMO.

[@kevinm5957]

Scott, great channel. Curious...what is your outer sleeve of choice? They really make those vinyl covers pop.

[@paulburrows7908]

Diamond Head- Lightning to the Nation's Accept- Restless and Wild Judas Priest Sad Wings of Destiny Savatage- Sirens Fates Warning- Awaken the Guardian Iron Maiden- Piece of Mind Van Halen Fair Warning Black Sabbath- Black Sabbath Rainbow- Rising Helloween- Walls of Jericho

[@nolifetilmetal1]

All great picks. I easily would have chosen some of the early Sabbath and Priest titles, not to mention Rainbow, Purple and Budgie, but since I was keeping it to titles released in the 8Os I could not.

[@fotisstardust8484]

But Van Halen was more party than actual Metal

[@BM-uf4pp]

​@@fotisstardust8484 VH opened the door for many metal bands. EVH inspired metal guitarists in the 80s and beyond. I think they are allowed to be included, much like Sabbath is allowed as well. Both bands have a direct line to metal vs bands like Deep Purple who have an indirect line to metal.

[@rubendelarosa2553]

Fair warning bad ass

[@bonichols8511]

Oh boy, iv'e gotta tell ya Scott i was real worried when i was watching this episode wondering what will be picked for the #1 Heavy Metal record & i didn't agree with some the other albums which i have my own order BUT you hit the freaking nail on the head with this #1 pick of Judas Priest's 1982 album "Screaming 4 Vengeance" which IS without a doubt the #1 heavy metal album of all time in my book. When i tell people (& i have done this for a loooooong time) that if you were looking at heavy metal in the center THIS IS WHAT YOU WOULD GET PERIOD . !!!!!!!!!! EXCELLENT PICK Scott.

[@bonichols8511]

Also loved your pick of Accept & i'm really thrilled that you like Helix & Dokken which theze 2 bands are my favorite 80's heavy metal bands of ALL TIME !!!!!.....hint notice my logo for 1 of them.....take care Scott.....Bo

[@cdonly3456]

Hello Scott, question. What pressing us the Helstar Lp? My copy is a total different cover . I 've got the Dutch version. Greetz Eddy from Holland

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Original US pressing on Combat Records. You must have the Roadrunner pressing with the spaceship. I have that cover on CD. Very nice to meet you Eddy.

[@rjc7289]

My current top 10 favorite heavy metal albums in no particular order... 1. s/t -- Black Sabbath 2. Louder Than Hell -- Manowar 3. Diary Of A Madman -- Ozzy Osbourne 4. The Number Of The Beast -- Iron Maiden 5. Sirens -- Savatage 6. Metal Heart -- Accept 7. Unleashed In The East -- Judas Priest 8. Holy Diver -- Dio 9. Tooth And Nail -- Dokken 10. Thunder In The East -- Loudness

[@nolifetilmetal1]

All killer! No filler! Great list.

[@semblanceofdisorder]

Great to see Loudness on your list. One of my all time favorites. I even love their old stuff and Akira Takasaki is one of the world's most under rated guitarists.

[@Kamchatka_75]

Cool and instructive video.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks

[@Olegstuff21986]

Yes, bonus points for Sanctuary's 'Refuge Denied'! That album is one of the first things that came to mind.

[@bloodboughtbigphilr8266]

Some gems on that list Scott. Wholly agree with Under The Blade and Wheels Of Steel and would be in my top 10. Monumental albums. In my view, one of the best metal releases of all time was Riot's 'Fire Down Under'. Such an overlooked band.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Nice. Good to see somehow agrees with Under The Blade. It’s a vicious metal album.

[@bloodboughtbigphilr8266]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Every track a memorable corker but all so different in structure and texture. Firm fave of mine for years and Sister at the top of their game. That album raised the bar for metal. A well worthy inclusion. Don't know why they get lumped in with glam. They went out of their way to look as unglamorous as possible in a pantomime sort of way. Anything but pretty boys and the same could be said for good ole Saxon minus the make up. Wheels Of Steel represents the best of the NWOBHM. So honest, gritty and down to earth, being just themselves and delivering the goods big style. No fillers on there either. Your channel is a great nostalgia trip for me bruv and good that there are other believers in Jesus out there who appreciate the same sounds as myself metal wise. Much blessing.

[@vinceviselli3805]

Great choices it’s super difficult to pick top 10 there are sooo many unbelievable albums

[@nolifetilmetal1]

EXACTLY! I made it really hard on the 40 people I polled. Only allowed them to pick ONE album that defined traditional heavy metal to them. I did specify 1979-1990 too, not that this helped much. Haha. Thanks for watching Vince.

[@eddiemaiden4751]

Keep them coming Scott

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks. Stay tuned for Part 2.

[@rocketrod1444]

Man , have you been going through my record collection ? The only 2 i haven't got on vinyl are Helstar and Sanctuary. I would have included Savatage's The Dungeons Are Calling. Manowar's Hail To England and Raven's All For One are right at the top for me....great selection Scott.

[@vinnyambrose7514]

What was that album playing in background, hey sound like Leather Nun, a local band in the 80's from Jacksonville, Florida. They recorded one album "Into The Night" but success was hampered by a vehicle accident that injured most of band and they never went on tour again.

[@fritzsailer5676]

i´m looking too, what´s teh name oft this song?

[@JeffMcCormack777]

Almost everyone of the ones you showed, were ones that came to my mind when you asked, and I struggled to make a choice. I'm glad I was on the same track. WAIT WAIT - I DID PICK THAT ACCEPT, that was my number one choice, until I remember Metal Church. I figured Accept may be a little less, because of Udo's vocals. And that Priest was my other choice (review my comments when you asked, to confirm), before I went Metal Church. So funny. I'm glad I am right on par with your choices.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Part 2 with your choice coming soon. Yup. Metal church.

[@jcass1970]

Great list. Glad you included Fates Warning. They never get enough recognition. I wore out the vinyl on their first 3 records as a teenager. Still listen to them today.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Fates Warning rule! Thanks for watching.

[@rawkinjproductions4352]

Great Anthrax drum skin!! Cheers

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks. I've had that for years. Its from the first reunion with Joey Belladonna.

[@romanwalczak7748]

Scott, question what would you consider King Diamond are they just metal band or would you say speed metal just curious.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

King Diamond? Heavy metal for sure. Would have fit neatly into this video.

[@scotslater]

I made a public playlist on Qobuz of all the albums mentioned in part 1 & 2 of this series. (Two exceptions: Manowar - Hail to England and Jag Panzer - Ample Destruction as they are not yet available on Qobuz). Here's a link to the playlist so you can check out all the tunes if you like: open.qobuz.com/playlist/5032905

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I'll check it out when I can. Thanks.

[@ragalyisp]

I agree 100% with your choices and opinions 🤘

[@MetalHeart8787]

Good list, Accept Restless & Wild is Awesome. Nice shirt Lizzy Borden menace to society is also Awesome.

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Restless & Wild blew our minds in the early 80's! The opening hy-dee, hy-doe, hy-da then into utter mayhem! Haha!

[@MetalHeart8787]

@@nolifetilmetal1 yeah i can't remember if it was 1984 - 85. when i first heard it i was like what the heck?

[@hobbytyrant]

Well, for me it has to be a Priest album. The question is which one? Very nice to see Under the blade. That one and You can’t stop rock n roll deserves so much praise but they kinda fell of the radar when Stay Hungry got so popular. Great list!

[@BabosanTV]

Hey Scott great video, just a little curiosity / fun fact about the Black Sabbath - Heaven & Hell record, as you mentioned the bass playing on said record, It is believed that the bass lines (100%) we're played by Craig Gruber from Elf (Dio's previous band) because Geezer was too wasted to play on the record. Cheers

[@nolifetilmetal1]

I've heard the rumor that someone else played on the record but Geezer vehemently denies it and since he wrote the lion's share of the album I tend to think Geezer probably played on it, but who knows.

[@BabosanTV]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Yes! Who Knows. And another rumour I've heard is that the drums on Born Again were played by the drummer from Quartz Malcom Cope (a band for which Tony Iommi previously produced an album for in 1977)!

[@dougarnold7955]

Thanks. Great list. 🤘 16:29...yep. I think it's great you're going over this. A lot of the younger generation needs some education on this (understandably) early Iron Maiden was what I thought of as Metal in high school. 🤔... Junior year for me I think I started listening to Maiden...👍...('82ish)

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Thanks Doug. I find it humorous that there is a generation that thinks Priest and Maiden are “classic rock” and not metal.

[@dougarnold7955]

@@nolifetilmetal1 Right. I get a little frustrated with it in comment sections but it's understandable. Really it's great that many are interested. I learned a lot from your list too because I didn't have access to all of this at the time. 🤘😁 Thanks again. Great video.

[@TheMasterOfMetal9]

What is the song that is playing in the background around the 9 minute mark?

[@laudanum669]

I saw your Lizzy Borden shirt and said "I think this guy's Alright". Before I watched I made a mental list Saxon, Accept, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Dio the same albums picked. Savatage "Power of the Night" Motorhead "Ace of Spades" Exodus "Bonded by Blood" are also on my list Thanks

[@neillbickerstaff6671]

I’m creating a battle vest and I was wondering if y’all sell any of patches with your no life til metal fist on it

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Let me look into that.

[@mobiusone3370]

Scott what's that playing in background? I hear a high pitch vocal, but sound is to low, so i can't recognize what is it?

[@nolifetilmetal1]

Damn dude! I cannot make it out! It's so far in the background and I can't make hear it over my big mouth rambling on. Haha! I just don't remember what I was playing that day. I'm thinking possibly it was Iron Kingdom.

[@mobiusone3370]

Ha, ha all right man, no problem. Will check that band you mentioned. Stay heavy!

[@inmyhouse11]

Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell Judas Priest - Hell Bent for Leather Iron Maiden -Killers Overkill- Taking Over Twisted Sister -Under the Blade Raven -All For One Metallica Kill em All The Rods Let them Eat Metal Warlock- Triumph and Agony Riot - Restless Breed

[@Olegstuff21986]

Overkill's 'Taking Over' is quite thrashy, I'd say Feel the Fire is closer to heavy metal but is more like speed metal.

[@independenceltd.]

I had heard of Sanctuary before but never knew anyone who listened to them. I just got a copy of "Refuge Denied" and that thing friggin' rox. Just ordered the 2CD version of "Into the Mirror Black". Great pick.

[@jcass1970]

Love Sanctuary. The first Nevermore record that Warrel Dane did sounds so much like Sanctuary. Not sure if you've tried them. Also, one of the last records Sanctuary did a few years ago, Yr the Sun Died, is pretty awesome too.

[@independenceltd.]

@@jcass1970 Will check out both. Thanx.

[@albertampel4175]

Excellent choises, can´t argue about a single one! Is there a subliminal message? The video is exactly "21:12"! Hehe... Looking forward to part 2!

[@nolifetilmetal1]

2112! Haha. That’s awesome. Didn’t notice that.

[@christophergase1468]

Da lag ich mit meiner Nr.1 doch goldrichtig😉