Rockin' Through 1986: The Top 20 Hard Rock and Metal Albums of the Year
The year 1986 saw a diverse range of hard rock and metal albums that showcased the various subgenres gaining popularity in the music scene. From glam metal to thrash, the music landscape was evolving rapidly.
Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" epitomized the glam metal genre, with three hit singles and massive sales. Bands like Cinderella, Poison, and Ratt also made waves in the genre, with Ratt even taking Bon Jovi on tour as their opening act.
Even traditional metal bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden experimented with guitar synthesizers, blending pop-metal elements into their sound. Meanwhile, thrash metal saw significant releases from Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, solidifying the genre's place in the metal world.
Former bandmates also made headlines in 1986, with David Lee Roth releasing his solo debut "Eat 'Em and Smile" while Van Halen continued with Sammy Hagar on vocals. Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath also released successful albums, showcasing their enduring influence in the metal scene.
Explore these albums and more in our list of the top 20 hard rock and metal albums of 1986.