The best Traditional Heavy Metal albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 traditional heavy metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — traditional heavy metal
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
Deep Purple
Fireball
A fiery blend of hard rock and progressive elements, igniting with intense riffs and dynamic instrumental exchanges.
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Deep Purple
Stormbringer
A blend of hard rock and soul, infused with funk rhythms and contemplative lyrics that explore themes of love and loss.
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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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Thin Lizzy
Johnny the Fox
A vibrant fusion of blues rock and hard rock delivers storytelling steeped in both myth and reality.
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Thin Lizzy
Bad Reputation
A gritty blend of hard rock and blues, showcasing Thin Lizzy's dual guitar harmonies and evocative storytelling.
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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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Queen
Queen
A theatrical blend of hard rock and glam aesthetics, bursting with dynamic melodies and flamboyant vocal performances.
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Queen
A Night at the Opera
A flamboyant fusion of rock operatics and intricate harmonies that defy genre boundaries and showcase theatricality.
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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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Gary Moore
Grinding Stone
A mesmerizing blend of blues rock and jazz fusion, marked by intricate guitar work and expansive instrumental passages.
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Gary Moore
Back on the Streets
A vibrant blend of blues rock and hard rock, marked by expressive guitar solos and dynamic rhythms.
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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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Nazareth
Play 'n' the Game
A blend of hard rock riffs and soulful ballads showcases Nazareth's diverse musical palette and emotional depth.
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Nazareth
Razamanaz
'Razamanaz' captures the essence of Nazareth's musical identity, featuring standout tracks that highlight their raw energy and melodic hooks. This album is pivotal in understanding their impact on the hard rock genre during the '70s.
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Rainbow
Down to Earth
A vibrant fusion of hard rock and melodic hooks, showcasing passionate vocals and intricate guitar work.
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Rainbow
Long Live Rock 'n' Roll
A vibrant tapestry of hard rock and neo-classical metal, blending theatricality with intricate musicianship.
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Steppenwolf
For Ladies Only
A blend of hard rock and blues with provocative lyrics, embodying the raw energy of early '70s rock culture.
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