Best 1980s Metal Album Covers

The most iconic 1980s Metal album covers — every entry has its own complete story: the designer, the photographer, the concept, and why it became iconic.

12 curated covers

Danzig

Danzig · 1988

Shout at the Devil

Mötley Crüe · 1983

Blizzard of Ozz

Ozzy Osbourne · 1980

Hysteria

Def Leppard · 1987

Appetite for Destruction

Guns N' Roses · 1987

Reign in Blood

Slayer · 1986

Master of Puppets

Metallica · 1986

Powerslave

Iron Maiden · 1984

Ride the Lightning

Metallica · 1984

The Number of the Beast

Iron Maiden · 1982

Ace of Spades

Motörhead · 1980

Back in Black

AC/DC · 1980