Kill ‘Em All is the debut album from Metallica which pioneered what was to become thrash, or speed, metal. It’s essential listening as James Hetfield and co breathed fresh air into the world of 1980s metal.

The Number of the Beast is a 1982 heavy metal classic from Iron Maiden and was not only a door-opener to mainstream success for the heavy metal genre, but also is cited as a major influence on many bands who were to follow.

Vixen was the 1988 debut album from all-girl US commercial rock band Vixen and has stood the test of time, bar the odd production sound, as a very strong collection of meolodic rock tracks from a talented, albeit short-lived, band.

At the forefront of the emerging thrash scene in the mid-1980s, New York’s Anthrax recruited vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello for Spreading the Disease, their follow-up to their 1983 debut album Fistful of Metal.

An unlikely coming together of glam, hair and trad metal, Contraband comprised of Michael Shenker, Bobby Blotzer (Ratt), Tracii Guns (LA Guns), Richard Black (Shark Island) and Share Pedersen (Vixen) and this 1991 album was to be both their debut and swansong!

I have to confess that Shout At The Devil is a real belter and for those like me, who rather overlooked Motley Crue back in the day, I’d recommend putting aside what you know of their image, attitude and ’scene’ that they in a large part pioneered and just listen to the tracks with an open mind.

With a sound lighter than a helium-filled feather, British AOR band FM broke onto the scene with Indiscreet, their debut album, in 1986 which showcased their ability to pen a fine melodic tune!

The Runaways is the 1976 debut album from The Runaways featuring Joan Jett and Lita Ford – hear MP3 samples and video

The mini-album Star Fleet Project is short, but certainly sweet, and is the debut solo project for Queen’s Brian May released in 1983 featuring Eddie Van Halen.

Vivid is the 1988 debut from funk rock band Living Colour – hear MP3 samples and video