10 Best Debut Rock Albums Of The 1980s
3. Kill ‘Em All - Metallica
Don't tell Dave Mustaine, but Metallica's debut album was better.
Shortly after they sent Dave on his merry way, Metallica put the finishing touches on Kill 'Em All. In July 1983, it was out, and the band took their first steps to becoming megastars.
Also, just think about that for a second: R.E.M. and Metallica put out their debut albums in the same year.
Weird.
Even though it's four-decades-old now, songs from Kill 'Em All still regularly get brought out by one of the biggest bands in the world. The likes of Hit the Lights, Seek and Destroy, and The Four Horsemen are in heavy rotation in modern Metallica setlist and they still kick as much ass today as they did when they were first recorded.
Kill 'Em All sounds dark and dingy in the best way possible, capturing the underground feel of the band's early days to perfection. Hetfield's voice is mixed perfectly amongst the music, floating around the sounds like a ghost with a ridiculous moustache.
For its overall quality and the part it played in shaping Metallica, this album more than deserves such a high ranking.
Again, sorry Dave.