10 80s Albums That Changed Rock Music
3. Metallica: Master Of Puppets (1986)
By the time Metallica released their third studio record, thrash was established as one of the more prominent sub-genres of metal. The adoption of punk-inspired speed and an obsession with fretboard precision, resulted in one of the more impenetrable sounds in rock.
Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeath were all doing their utmost to rise to the top of the pile. With this record Metallica secured the spot - no doubt to the dismay of former Metallica member, Dave Mustaine. Their ability to play harder and faster than anyone else was matched by their willingness to explore more reserved melodies; notable on Welcome Home (Sanitarium).
Master of Puppets propelled Metallica into the mainstream, no longer were they the mere darlings of an under-acknowledged sub-genre, now they were celebrated as innovators of the wider art from. The acceptance of the genre into a wider mainstream audience was demonstrated when the record went platinum - the first thrash album to do so. Five years later, the group redefined themselves once more with the Black Album, turning their backs on the thrash metal community that spawned them.