Re-upload: Mercyful Fate - Don't Break The Oath [1984]

This was the album with which Mercyful Fate really broke through into the metal spotlight - famed for influencing the black metal scene in terms of image, and for King Diamond's schizophrenic vocal style, this was quite extreme for its time, perhaps only topped by Slayer's debut.

Re-upload notes: When I talk about extremity here, I'm only really referring to the metal spectrum. Also, I don't see how I failed to mention it, but this is one of the best heavy metal albums of all time.

320 kbps

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Reagan Youth - A Collection Of Pop Classics EP [1984]

One of the more unsung heroes of US hardcore punk, Reagan Youth repeatedly produced anthems for the damned and divine, preaching peace or satirically attacking the politics of the time. The songs themselves are great - this eight-track EP is a very good example of their craft, and indeed, some of the best examples of the style that will be heard anywhere. Admittedly, I was a hardcore newb when I first heard this, after downloading it because I liked the name, but now I have something of a more developed taste in the genre, and would still recommend the EP to anyone.

192 kbps

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Ratos de Porão - Crucificados Pelo Sistema [1984]

Although Lobotomia have a few claims, I'd say that this is the seminal album of Brazilian hardcore punk. As with South American takes on all genres, this is substantially more aggressive than their North American counterparts, and to be honest, it brings a lot more to the table. Clean-ish vocals allow the (Portuguese) lyrics to be heard quite clearly - and this allows the fantastic 'shout-along' vocal lines to shine through (my personal favourite being 'Agressão - Repressão'). Even for those like me who understand little Portuguese, a decidedly political approach is evident.

192 kbps

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Running Wild - Gates To Purgatory [1984]

This, Running Wild's debut album, is some of the best power metal ever made. It's German, it's from the mid 80s, of course it's some of the best power metal ever made. Every song is an absolute winner, and the variation in pace makes this album near perfect, and thus absolutely essential for everyone. It's also a blessing that it's slightly shorter than some of their later material, which, although also essential, can drag after 55 minutes or so.

320 kbps

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Judas Priest - Defenders Of The Faith [1984]

This, I believe, is the last of the 'classic' era Priest albums for me to post (although I'm aware I haven't yet posted Rocka Rolla, and to me, that's an excellent album too). I'll get it in the air: the last two tracks suck. Blended into one, they use one riff and essentially end the album on a stadium-rock-esque low note. That said, the rest of the album is fan-bloody-tastic (repeat, it is a classic era Judas Priest album) - the tunes that Judas Priest are known for, and no low notes in the middle like British Steel.

192 kbps

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Iron Maiden - Powerslave [1984]

Prime-era Iron Maiden is essentially like a premium steak cooked rare. In other words, tastes delicious, seems pretty sophisticated for what it is, but still has enough bite to it to make it an absolute fucking feast. Enough with the analogies already. Powerslave isn't Maiden's best album - it's got some filler in it ('Losfer Words', 'The Duellists'), but is still an absolute corker of an album. Seek it down instantly. Or better still, download it below.

128 kbps

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Mantas - Death By Metal demo [1984]

I'll confess to not being overly enamoured with this demo tape - sure, it's essentially Death, but the fact remains it has the production values of a very early extreme metal demo tape (which is to be expected to be honest!). If nothing more though, it's worthwhile for its historical value.

128/192 kbps

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REPOST: Bathory - Bathory [1984]

There is little argument that this album is one of, if not the only, key album of the first wave of black metal. Tomas 'Quorthon' Forsberg unfortunately passed away, however, in 2004, due to heart failure. RIP.

192 kbps

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Celtic Frost - Morbid Tales EP [1984]

Don't be fucking with Celtic Frost. This is perhaps their best EP (although I also love Emperor's Return (coming soon) and Tragic Serenades. Straight off the back of Hellhammer, this blends that style with the more refined sound that was to come on To Mega Therion.

128 kbps

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Roger Waters - The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking [1984]

Oh would you look at that it's my all-time favourite album. Around 1978, when Pink Floyd were coming up with ideas for a new album, bassist and self-proclaimed Lord of the Universe Roger Waters presented 2 ideas to the band. One was The Wall, the other was this.

After all the drama of "The Final Cut", Waters left to fully develop this project, and I am extremely glad that he did. "The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking" follows the dreams of a man undergoing a mid-life crisis. The result is one of the most emotional albums I have ever come across. But what I like most about it is how well it flows. The entire album just fits together, like one big soppy song. Featuring the sublime guitar work of Eric Clapton (playing in his trademark bluesy-country style) this album is simply fantastic start-to-finish. Though if I had to pick highlights, I would choose "Sexual Revolution" and "Go Fishing".

Mp3, 256 kbps

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(n.b. the times before each track name are supposed to be there, as the album is chronicling one night of dreaming)

Rush - Grace Under Pressure [1984]

What many consider to be the finest work of Rush's "synth" period, "Grace Under Pressure" is an album with a very dystopian feel. And not just in the lyrics of the songs (penned by Neil Peart as always). The synths used have a very wide, echoey sound to them, as if they're being played in the middle of a vast, faceless city.

Although many people shun Rush's 80s albums from pushing Alex Lifeson's guitars out of the spotlight, "Grace Under Pressure" is still a great album with a great sound. Be sure to check out "Distant Early Warning" and "Kid Gloves".

Mp3, 320 kbps

Link taken down. Comment to see a reupload!

Cirith Ungol - King Of The Dead [1984]

Nothing like a bit of Lord Of The Rings-themed heavy metal. This is done the way it should be - an elegant mix of shorter and longer songs, brilliant riffs and passionate vocals - I found them a little tricky to get into, but now I love them.

192 kbps

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Run-DMC - Run-D.M.C. [1984]

Another departure from the metal - did I mention I love a lot of 80s/early 90s hip hop? This rarely stays up on any blog long, so get it quickly - it's a classic piece, and few people haven't heard the classic 'It's Like That'.

192 kbps

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Exciter - Violence And Force [1984]

Although coming a year later, Exciter's debut bears heavy resemblance to two seminal thrash classics, both of which also bridged the gap between speed and thrash metal: Slayer's 'Show No Mercy' and Metallica's 'Kill 'Em All'. This is a great example of early thrash.

192 kbps

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