10 Albums Turning 40 Years Old in 2024

This year sees some of metal's most iconic records celebrating major anniversaries which still stand the test of time. Check out all of these amazing albums that were released way back in 1984.

1. Anthrax - Fistful of Metal
   Genre - U.S Thrash/Heavy Metal
   Released - January 28th 1984

Anthrax's debut album released via Megaforce Records and the only record to feature original vocalist Neil Turbin and original bassist and band co-founder Daniel Lilker. The record features a cover of Alice Cooper's 'I'm Eighteen' and was previously banned in Germany in 1986 for its for its 'violent' album artwork.

2. Bathory - Bathory
 Genre - Black Metal
 Released - October 2nd 1984

Named after the famous Hungarian countess (also known as 'The Female Dracula') Elizabeth Bathroy, the band are regarded as one of the pioneers of the black metal genre. Founding member and songwriter Quorthon requested that the goat which appears on the album cover was to be gold in colour however at the time, this was too expensive; therefore it was coloured yellow instead. Quorthon hated the look if it and after the first 1000 pressings, the colour was reverted to white. The gold goat or 'Gula Geten' is now a collector's item.

3. Celtic Frost - Morbid Tales
 Genre - Thrash/Black Metal
 Released - November 1984

Since its release and particularly in the 90s, various bands in the death and black metal subgenres have cited this record as inspiration. Raw, aggressive and dark in nature, Celtic Frost drew on inspiration from the likes of H.P Lovecraft, Aleister Crowley, and religious writings related to Kabbalah.

4. Dio - The Last In Line
 Genre - Heavy Metal
 Released - July 1984

Despite the success of this record's predecessor (Holy Diver), The Last In Line became Ronnie James Dio's first platinum selling record and features guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain and drummer Vinny Appice with the addition of Rough Cutt keyboard player Claude Schnell.

5. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
 Genre - Heavy Metal
 Released - September 1984

The fifth studio album to be released from Iron Maiden known for its visually striking album cover and dynamic story-telling ranging from The Battle of Britain during World War II to the supernatural.

6. Judas Priest - Defenders of the Faith
 Genre - Heavy Metal
 Released - January 1984

The band's ninth studio album which produced popular tracks 'Freewheel Burning,' 'Some Heads Are Gonna Roll,' and 'Love Bites.' Various bands have also covered tracks from this record including Katatonia, Machine Head and Rage.

7. Manowar - Hail to England
 Genre - Heavy/Power Metal
 Released - July 1984

The entire record pays homage to England, the country the band members met and formed the band in. However despite this, the album cover depicts the Union Flag and not the English flag. Furthermore, the track 'Army of the Immortals' is dedicated to Manowar's fans.

Also a special mention to the band's fourth studio album Sign of the Hammer which was also released in 1984.

8. Mercyful Fate - Don't Break The Oath
 Genre - Heavy Metal/ First Wave of Black Metal
 Released - September 1984

The second studio album to be released from the band which incorporated progressive elements as well as King Diamond's distinguishable theatrical vocal style. Although it may not be as prestigious as Melissa of 1983, this record still packs a punch with its own bangers and influential style.

9. Metallica - Ride the Lightning
 Genre - Thrash Metal
 Released - July 1984

Metallica's second studio album which was inspired by Stephen King's 'The Stand' which Kirk Hammett was reading at the time. It was also the last Metallica album to feature song-writing credits from Dave Mustaine.

10. W.A.S.P - W.A.S.P
   Genre - Heavy Metal
   Released - August 1984

W.A.S.P's self-titled debut album was originally to be called Winged Assassins. The track 'Animal (F**k Like a Beast)' was meant to be included on the original release however due to its controversial lyrics, pressure was applied to have it removed. It was released as a stand-alone single in the UK instead.