The best Black Metal albums
of the 1980s.
Where to start with 1980–1989 black metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1980s — black metal
Top picks from 1980–1989, ranked by where we would start.
Mayhem
Deathcrush
An abrasive collision of raw production, primal energy, and chilling atmospheres that defines the early black metal sound.
Start here
Celtic Frost
Morbid Tales
A dark and menacing fusion of thrash and doom metal that explores themes of death and despair with unrelenting intensity.
Start here
Celtic Frost
To Mega Therion
A chaotic fusion of thrash and doom that merges ferocious riffs with dark, atmospheric undertones.
Start here
Necrodeath
Fragments of Insanity
A relentless barrage of ferocious riffs and guttural vocals, drenched in themes of death and psychological torment.
Start here
Bathory
Under the Sign of the Black Mark
A furious blend of aggressive riffs, haunting melodies, and dark themes that define early black metal's raw intensity.
Start here
Bathory
Blood Fire Death
A monumental blend of raw black metal and epic viking themes, forging a dark yet majestic atmosphere.
Start here
Sarcófago
Rotting
A ferocious blend of black, death, and thrash metal that channels chaos through guttural vocals and relentless instrumentation.
Start here
Sarcófago
I.N.R.I.
Raw, chaotic energy fuses thrash and black metal with provocative themes and relentless aggression.
Start here
Bulldozer
Neurodeliri
A relentless fusion of thrash and black metal, punctuated by feverish tempos and sinister lyrical themes.
Start here
Bulldozer
IX
A fierce amalgamation of thrash and black metal, IX pulses with aggressive energy and darkly theatrical themes.
Start here
Hellhammer
Satanic Rites
A raw and aggressive sonic assault blending black, death, and speed metal with dark, occult themes.
Start here
Hellhammer
Triumph of Death
Raw, unrefined aggression coalesces with ominous atmospheres, laying the groundwork for extreme metal's evolution.
Start here