10 Forgotten Metal Albums That Need to Be Rereleased on Vinyl

In the world of music, few things are as satisfying as the crackle and warmth of a vinyl record spinning on a turntable. For lovers of metal music, the experience is even more profound, as the raw energy of their favorite albums come alive in a way that digital formats just can’t replicate.

In this article, we will take a look at ten iconic metal albums that, in my opinion, deserve a fresh release on vinyl.

1. Metallica – …And Justice for All (1988)

When it comes to metal, Metallica’s “…And Justice for All” is up there with the best. Released in 1988, this album marked a significant evolution in the band’s sound, blending the aggressive thrash elements of their earlier work with more complex song structures. The album features some of Metallica’s most iconic tracks, including “One,” “Blackened,” and the title track, “…And Justice for All.”

The musicians behind this masterpiece include James Hetfield on vocals and rhythm guitar, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums, and Jason Newsted on bass. The album’s production has been a topic of debate among fans, particularly the near-absence of bass in the mix. A rerelease on vinyl could offer an opportunity to address these issues and present the album in a new light.

 2. Iron Maiden – Powerslave (1984)

Released in 1984, this album features epic tracks like “Aces High,” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” and the nearly 14-minute-long “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” The album’s Egyptian-themed artwork and lyrical content makes it a fan favorite.

This album captures Iron Maiden at the height of their powers, with Dickinson’s soaring vocals and Harris’s galloping bass lines giving you the feel of the band’s signature sound. A vinyl rerelease would not only honor the album’s legacy but also provide a richer, more immersive listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

3. Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970)

No list of essential metal albums would be complete without Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Released in 1970, this album is often credited with laying the foundation for heavy metal as a genre. With timeless tracks like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and the title track “Paranoid,” it remains a cornerstone of metal music.

The band members responsible for this groundbreaking work are Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. While the album is great as it is, a vinyl rerelease would allow fans to appreciate the album’s raw power in a way that digital formats simply can’t match.

 4. Judas Priest – Painkiller (1990)

Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” is a high-octane metal masterpiece that deserves a spot in any serious metalhead’s collection. Released in 1990, the album marked a return to the band’s heavier roots, with blistering tracks like “Painkiller,” “Hell Patrol,” and “Night Crawler.”

The lineup for “Painkiller” includes Rob Halford on vocals, Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing on guitars, Ian Hill on bass, and Scott Travis on drums. Travis’s drumming, in particular, brought a new level of intensity to the band’s sound, while Halford’s piercing vocals and the twin guitar attack of Tipton and Downing delivered some of the most memorable riffs and solos in metal history. A vinyl rerelease would be a good way of capturing the album’s ferocity and giving fans a chance to experience its full impact.

 5. Megadeth – Rust in Peace (1990)

Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace” is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. 

The musicians behind “Rust in Peace” are Dave Mustaine on vocals and guitar, Marty Friedman on lead guitar, David Ellefson on bass, and Nick Menza on drums. Friedman’s intricate solos and Mustaine’s razor-sharp riffs are highlights of the album, while Ellefson and Menza provide a rock-solid rhythm section. A vinyl rerelease would do justice to the album’s intricate arrangements and allow fans to fully appreciate its technical brilliance.

6. Slayer – Reign in Blood (1986)

Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” is a relentless assault on the senses, clocking in at just under 30 minutes but packing a punch that few albums can match. Released in 1986, it features some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “Angel of Death,” “Raining Blood,” and “Postmortem.” The album’s breakneck speed and unrelenting aggression have made it a landmark album. A vinyl rerelease would capture the raw energy and intensity of “Reign in Blood,” giving fans a chance to experience it in its purest form.

 7. Pantera – Cowboys from Hell (1990)

Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” is often credited with pioneering the groove metal subgenre. The album is renowned for providing fans a fine blend of thrash metal’s intensity with a heavier, more rhythmic approach. Released in 1990, the album features standout tracks like “Cemetery Gates,” “Domination,” and the title track “Cowboys from Hell.” This album marked a significant shift in Pantera’s sound and set the stage for their future success.

The band members responsible for this groundbreaking work include Phil Anselmo on vocals, Dimebag Darrell on guitar, Rex Brown on bass, and Vinnie Paul on drums. Dimebag Darrell’s innovative guitar work and Anselmo’s powerful vocals are highlights of the album, while the tight rhythm section of Brown and Paul provides a solid foundation. A vinyl rerelease would be a nice way of bringing new life to an all time metal classic.

 8. Sepultura – Chaos A.D. (1993)

Released in 1993, this album features powerful tracks like “Refuse/Resist,” “Territory,” and “Slave New World.”

The lineup for “Chaos A.D.” includes Max Cavalera on vocals and guitar, Andreas Kisser on lead guitar, Paulo Jr. on bass, and Igor Cavalera on drums. Max Cavalera’s aggressive vocals and Kisser’s intricate guitar work are standout features, while the rhythm section of Paulo Jr. and Igor Cavalera adds a driving force to the album’s sound. A vinyl rerelease would provide a richer listening experience for fans old and new.

 9. Anthrax – Among the Living (1987)

Released in 1987, the album features iconic tracks like “Caught in a Mosh,” “I Am the Law,” and the title track “Among the Living.” The album’s comic book-inspired themes and high-energy performances have made it a fan favorite.

The band members behind “Among the Living” include Joey Belladonna on vocals, Scott Ian and Dan Spitz on guitars, Frank Bello on bass, and Charlie Benante on drums. A vinyl rerelease would offer a fresh perspective on an album that is undoubtedly, a thrash metal masterpiece.

10. Death – Symbolic (1995)

Released in 1995, the Symbolic album features standout tracks like “Symbolic,” “Zero Tolerance,” and “Crystal Mountain.” The album’s complex compositions and thought-provoking themes have cemented its status as a classic.

The lineup for “Symbolic” includes Chuck Schuldiner on vocals and guitar, Bobby Koelble on guitar, Kelly Conlon on bass, and Gene Hoglan on drums. You get this album a vinyl re-released and what you would be doing is appreciating one of death metal’s most influential works.