Signals From Mars – Episode 350 – 1985

The year 1985 was a remarkable year for hard rock and metal music. It was the year when these genres truly started to diversify, giving rise to a plethora of unique and enduring sounds. This article will highlight some of the most influential and genre-defining albums of that iconic year.

Firstly, we can’t ignore the debut album from Megadeth, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!. Founded by ex-Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s first album set the standard for technicality, speed, and political lyricism in metal. Standout tracks such as “Mechanix” and “Rattlehead” set the band apart from its peers, showcasing a level of musicianship that would become a hallmark of their sound.

AC/DC continued to deliver their signature brand of high voltage rock and roll with their 10th studio album, Fly on the Wall. Although it received mixed reviews initially, this album has gained appreciation over the years, with infectious tracks like “Shake Your Foundations” affirming the band’s commitment to their roots in hard rock and blues.

The glam metal scene was lit up by Ratt‘s Invasion of Your Privacy. Characterised by catchy melodies, awe-inspiring guitar solos, and polished production, this album contributed significantly to defining the sound of the era. Tracks like “Lay It Down” and “You’re in Love” became synonymous with the glam metal movement.

From the shores of Britain, Saxon carried the flag of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) high with their more commercially orientated album, Innocence Is No Excuse. It still embodied the heart and soul of the band, with tracks like “Back on the Streets” delivering their iconic punch.

In the domain of thrash metal, Spreading the Disease by Anthrax became a cornerstone. This was the first album to feature Joey Belladonna on vocals. Anthems like “Madhouse” and “A.I.R.” quickly became fan favorites, demonstrating that Anthrax could hold their own against the heavyweights of the thrash scene.

While not directly linked to the metal or hard rock genre, Kate Bush‘s Hounds of Love certainly played a pivotal role in shaping later sounds. Her theatrical and grandiose musical style would go on to inspire bands like Nightwish and Within Temptation in the symphonic metal sub-genre.

Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force pushed boundaries with their sophomore album Marching Out. Malmsteen, a virtuoso guitarist from Sweden, fused his classical music influences with hard rock and heavy metal to craft a sound that would become known as neoclassical metal. This approach paved the way for countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps.

1985 was undeniably a significant year for hard rock and metal, a year that saw the release of several seminal albums that continue to inspire and entertain fans to this day. It was a year when the seeds of the genre’s future were sown, the echoes of which continue to resonate in the sound and spirit of contemporary hard rock and metal.