Throughout the vibrant decade of the ’80s, hard rock and heavy metal emerged as dominant forces in the music industry. Upon reflection, it?s clear that a significant part of their remarkable success can be traced back to the exceptional albums released in the early years of this transformative period. The Top 15 Hard Rock and Metal Albums of 1980 showcase a plethora of bold new sounds and innovative styles that defined a new era in rock music. This year marked a crucial turning point for many of the biggest names who had previously dominated the ’70s music scene.

After achieving monumental multiplatinum success with their 1979 album, Highway to Hell, AC/DC faced a precarious future following the tragic passing of their iconic frontman, Bon Scott. However, the band faced this adversity head-on, introducing new frontman Brian Johnson, and releasing one of the most significant albums in rock history, which not only salvaged their career but also solidified their place in the annals of rock music.

Meanwhile, the legendary pioneers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath, found themselves at a crossroads at the end of the ’70s. After parting ways with their defining lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne, both the band and Ozzy faced the looming threat of fading into obscurity as they ventured into the ’80s. However, with the addition of key talents like Ronnie James Dio for Sabbath and Randy Rhoads for Osbourne, both acts experienced a remarkable resurgence, delivering albums that garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim, effectively setting the stage for a new era.

As these seasoned veterans embarked on new chapters in their careers, a wave of ambitious newcomers began to carve their niche in the realm of heavy music. The rock press and fans quickly became enamored with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, as powerful and gritty debuts from bands like Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, and Diamond Head took the music scene by storm. Judas Priest also capitalized on this momentum, evolving into the arena-filling Metal Gods they were always destined to become, thus expanding their influence and audience.

Discover the remarkable journeys and influential sounds of these bands and more in our comprehensive list of the Top 15 Hard Rock and Metal Albums of 1980.