Speed Metal 1970s Albums

Accept presents the raw, heated blueprint of the hard-edged heavy metal the band would later refine.

Bomber, released by Bronze in October 1979, was the band's second album of that year and reached No. 12 in the UK. Official videos exist for the title track, "Dead Men Tell No Tales" and "Poison".

Recorded in 1975 and 1976, On Parole should have been Motörhead's first album. The label shelved it, and it did not appear until November 1979, by which time the band were established.

Motörhead's second album, released by Bronze in March 1979 and a UK No. 24. Lars Ulrich of Metallica has named the double bass drums on its title track as what made him want to play that way.

Narita joins direct riffs, sharp twin guitars and Guy Speranza’s high, urgent voice in an early Riot statement.

Released in the United Kingdom as Killing Machine and known in the United States as Hell Bent for Leather, this 1978 JUDAS PRIEST album preserves the sharp…

Stained Class brings together JUDAS PRIEST’s twin guitars, cutting rhythms and Rob Halford’s extraordinary range in a concentrated statement of heavy metal’s…

Sin After Sin connects cutting guitar riffs, Rob Halford’s wide vocal range and aggressive rhythm, giving heavy metal a clearer outline.

Motörhead's debut album, released by Chiswick in August 1977 as WIK 2 and a UK No. 43. Eight tracks, and the first record by the three-piece of Lemmy, Eddie Clarke and Phil Taylor.

Rock City puts Riot’s sharp twin guitars, forceful rhythm and Guy Speranza’s high voice directly in front.

Sad Wings of Destiny finds Judas Priest beginning to define heavy metal in its own language.

Rocka Rolla is Judas Priest’s debut, recorded before the band had fully forged the steel-like heavy-metal identity for which it later became known.