In April of 1980 Iron Maiden released their debut studio album.

Recorded at Kingsway Studio the previous December, the album is a shot across the bow for heavy music. With breakneck speeds, ferocious riffs, anthemic melodies, and the dulcet tones of original singer Paul Di’Anno, the album heralded the arrival of The British New Wave of Heavy Metal.

Let’s talk Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden!

In July of 1980 Joy Division released their final studio album.

Once again produced by Martin Hannett but released two month after the tragic passing of lead singer, Ian Curtis, the album represents a high watermark of the post-punk genre.

Lets talk Joy Division, Closer!

In October of 1980 Talking Heads released their 4th studio album.

With Brian Eno back at the helm, the band continues their trajectory as the best group to come out of the CBGB’s scene, and the album deserves every accolade that has been thrown at it.

Lets talk Talking Heads, Remain in Light!

In October of 1980 Circle Jerks released their debut album.

With fourteen songs clocking in at just over fifteen minutes, the album is a true classic of the hardcore punk genre.

Let’s talk Circle Jerks, Group Sex!

In April of 1980, known hellbent for leather Turbo Lovers, Judas Priest, released their 6th studio album.

Taking lyrical cues from AC/DC this time around, the band dropped some of the darker themes featured on their earlier releases, opting for a more party time feel.

The record announced the arrival of The New Wave of British Heavy Metal and would help inspire the thrash metal genre of a few years later.

Lets talk Judas Priest, British Steel!

In October of 1980 Killing Joke released their debut album.

“Bass, lead, to tell the killing joke, we mean it man! Total exploitation, no information, anonymity” was the rallying cry posted in Melodie Maker Magazine by keyboardist/singer Jaz Coleman and drummer Paul Fergeson in 1979. With the addition of guitarist Geordie Walker and bassist Youth, the band headed into the studio in August of 1980.

Recorded at Marquee Studios in London and self-produced by the band, the album trail-blazed a sound that the Chicago indie scene of 5 years later would owe a true debt.

Lets talk Killing Joke, Killing Joke!

In November of 1980 Motörhead released their fourth studio album.

Recorded in August and September of the same year, the illustrious producer Vic Maile managed to capture the raw power of the trio all while tightening up their sound.

Though the band hated being lumped into The New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the record is a true watershed moment where the fury of punk and the speed of metal were fused together by one of the best rock n roll bands around.

Lets talk Motörhead – Ace of Spades!

In July of 1980 Echo & the Bunnymen released their debut album.

Recorded over the course of about three weeks and produced by Bill Drummond, David Balfe, and Ian Broudie, the album is considered one of the finer debut records in the 80s.

Let’s talk Echo & the Bunnymen, Crocodiles!

In April of 1980 known sad bois from West Sussex, The Cure, released their second studio album.

Due to being cash strapped, the record was recorded and mixed down in seven days with the band pulling 16 – 17 hour per, with the majority of the songs being conceived and written by lead singer Robert Smith in his parent’s house on a Hammond organ.

The album has gone on to be considered a pioneering example of gothic rock and an harbinger of the gloom to come.

Lets talk The Cure, Seventeen Seconds!

On June 28th of 1980 The Soft Boys released their 2nd studio album.

Recorded in parts during June of 79, and from January to June of 80 on both 4 and 8 track recorders for the low price of £600, the album hearkens back to the psychedelia of the 60s but with its feet firmly planted in the post-punk of it’s day.

Though not a commercial success upon it’s release,the album’s influence and legacy cannot be overstated (we see you, R.E.M).

Lets talk The Soft Boys, Underwater Moonlight!