The best Heavy Metal albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 heavy metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — heavy metal
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
Scorpions
In Trance
A fusion of hard rock and melodic elements, marked by soaring vocals and intricate guitar work that encapsulates the spirit of 70s metal.
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Scorpions
Virgin Killer
A raw blend of hard rock and proto-heavy metal that showcases the band's youthful energy and melodic prowess.
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Aerosmith
Toys in the Attic
This album marked a significant breakthrough for Aerosmith, featuring tracks that helped define their sound. It contains some of their most recognizable songs, making it accessible for newcomers to appreciate their musical identity.
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Aerosmith
Night in the Ruts
Aerosmith's gritty blues-infused rock weaves through tales of love, loss, and hedonism with raw energy and melodic hooks.
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Meat Loaf
Bat Out of Hell
Epic rock operas intertwine theatrical storytelling with raw emotional power and grandiose instrumentation.
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Rush
Rush
A dynamic fusion of hard rock energy and progressive complexity, characterized by intricate arrangements and powerful musicianship.
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Rush
Fly by Night
Dynamic guitar riffs meld with intricate rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics, showcasing Rush's evolution into progressive rock territory.
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Alice Cooper
Muscle of Love
A gritty blend of glam rock and hard-hitting riffs, punctuated by theatrical storytelling and raw energy.
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Alice Cooper
From the Inside
A theatrical exploration of personal demons, blending hard rock riffs with introspective lyrics and Alice Cooper's signature macabre flair.
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Judas Priest
Rocka Rolla
A raw fusion of hard rock and early heavy metal, marked by energetic riffs and theatrical vocals.
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Judas Priest
Killing Machine
High-octane riffs and soaring vocals combine with a gritty, rebellious attitude that defines the essence of late 70s heavy metal.
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Motörhead
On Parole
Raw energy collides with gritty riffs as relentless rhythms push the boundaries of rock and roll.
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Motörhead
Motörhead
Raw energy and raucous riffs collide in a relentless barrage of hard rock and metal fury.
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Accept
Accept
Dynamic guitar riffs and powerful vocals blend in high-energy anthems that define the early German heavy metal sound.
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Iron Maiden
The Soundhouse Tapes
Raw energy and aggressive guitar riffs define this foundational heavy metal EP, showcasing the early sound of Iron Maiden.
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Black Sabbath
Master of Reality
'Master of Reality' is pivotal in defining the band's sound and influence on the metal genre. It blends heaviness with melodic elements, making it accessible yet rich in character.
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Black Sabbath
Sabotage
A chaotic blend of heavy riffs, intricate rhythms, and haunting melodies that push the boundaries of traditional metal.
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Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot II
A vibrant fusion of glam rock riffs and anthemic choruses that captures the exuberance of late '70s hard rock.
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Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot
A raucous blend of glam rock energy and heavy metal guitar riffs that captures the youthful rebellion of the late 1970s.
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Blue Öyster Cult
Agents of Fortune
Agents of Fortune embodies the essence of Blue Öyster Cult, balancing catchy hooks with lyrical complexity. It represents their evolution during a pivotal era in rock history, setting the stage for new listeners to understand their contribution to the genre.
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Blue Öyster Cult
Spectres
A blend of hard rock riffs and eerie, atmospheric lyrics that evoke the thrill of the unknown.
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Saxon
Saxon
Raw, energetic heavy metal riffs intertwine with anthemic choruses, embodying the spirit of late '70s rock rebellion.
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Diamond Head
Lightning to the Nations
'Lightning to the Nations' features some of Diamond Head's most defining tracks, making it an ideal entry point for new listeners. Its high-energy riffs and memorable melodies highlight why they are considered a foundational band in heavy metal.
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Dokken
Back in the Streets
A raw blend of glam metal and hard rock, bursting with youthful energy and gritty guitar riffs.
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