KISS - Creatures of the Night (1982)

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The last album Kiss released in their trademark make-up (at least the first time around) and after the 'courageous' attempt at Prog Rock that was 'The Elder' the pressure was on Kiss to come up with something that reaffirmed their rock and roll credentials. C.O.T.N. certainly did that, being their heaviest album to date (and since for that matter). Much of this was down to a new guitar player by the name of Vinnie Vincent, though Kiss insisted on trying to pretend that it was Ace, yeah right! 

JUDAS PRIEST - Screaming for Vengeance (1982)

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Opening with one of the most classic intro's ever recorded, this album pointed the way forward for the Priest after the limp-wristed and blatantly commercial 'Point of Entry'. Throughout their career Priest have frustrated endlessly, one minute dishing out classic, top quality metal, the next offering up weak trend chasing pap, but here JP hit on a winner and detailed the blueprints for the majestic 'Defenders of the Faith' album.

TWISTED SISTER - Under the Blade (1982)

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Can't quite bring myself to give this a 4, despite the fact that it's definitely the best TS album. Those who only really know the singles would find this quite a surprise, from the surprisingly brisk 'Under the Blade' to the brooding stomp of 'Destroyer', this might well exceed your expectations.

IRON MAIDEN - The Number of the Beast (1982)

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Unquestionably a magnificent album, even if some of the songs appear to be fillers. The truth is the great songs are so great that they make very good songs look weak (much the same as on Reign in Blood). This was actually the very first album I ever bought, back in 1982. I loved it to death then and it still stands up remarkably well today. Like most people I imagine I can probably sing every word of this album even now.

VENOM - Black Metal (1982)

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Though the supposed inspiration for the whole Black Metal scene (I think Bathory deserve 90% of that credit), this was always acknowledged as being part of the Thrash scene, even though it kinda predated that whole explosion by a year or so. Still a magnificent album, despite it's slightly murky production.