On their 1984 debut album Cloven Hoof served-up a menu of powerful old school heavy metal with a lyrical content based in sword and sorcery that proved simultaneously dated and influential!

The 1980s was a golden era for metal but who started it, what finished it and what was with all the eye liner and hairspray? Read-on to discover the wonders of the Hair Metal era . . .

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.

Strong Arm of the Law is a 1980 album from New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Saxon featuring Biff Byford – hear MP3 samples and video

Killing Machine is a 1979 album from Birmingham heavy metal band Judas Priest featuring Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton – hear MP3 samples and video

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is a 1973 album from Birmingham heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler – hear MP3 samples and video

Another Perfect Day is a 1983 album by Motorhead featuring ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, Lemmy and Phil Taylor – hear MP3 samples and video