'80s Metal History (January 24th)

January 24, 1989: Skid Row released their debut album in North America (one day earlier in the UK) featuring singles "Youth Gone Wild", "18 And Life" and "I Remember You". Early reviews were mixed and the LP didn't really gain any traction until the music video for "18 And Life" blew up on MTV in May that year.

Skid Row debut release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - February 3, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! - January 28, 1989.

January 24, 1982: While performing in Chicago, this photo of Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads was captured by photographer Paul Natkin. Five years later it became the cover for "Tribute", Ozzy's live album honoring Randy's memory.

January 24, 1987: Slayer had just played two shows at The Ritz in New York City and were now at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey opening for W.A.S.P., where Kerrang!'s review claimed they stole the show... "It was clear to everyone who were the real headliners here." Slayer's third album "Reign In Blood" was issued in North America three months earlier, but wouldn't get an official release date in the UK until April 1987.

January 1990: Anthrax suffered a setback in recording their new album "Persistence Of Time" after a fire at the band's rehearsal studio destroyed over $100,000 worth of equipment. "I've never seen a cymbal melt before!" -Drummer Charlie Benante.

Happy Birthday to Helloween singer Michael Kiske (January 24, 1968).

January 1990: Doom metal pioneers Trouble released their fourth studio album "Trouble" in North America (February '90 in the UK). The band was on a three-year hiatus when they were snapped up by Rick Rubin's Def American Records. Rubin also produced the album. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication 'Most Added' - February 2, 1990; [UK] Kerrang! - December 23, 1989.

L.A. brutal thrashers Dark Angel released their third studio album "Leave Scars" in 1989, their first with vocalist Ron Rinehart and bassist Mike Gonzalez (who joined just prior to the release of previous LP "Darkness Descends") and the last to feature guitarist Jim Durkin (R.I.P.) until he returned in 2013.

January 1987: Tesla's debut album "Mechanical Resonance" released a month earlier in North America was now available in the UK. "The best new American band in ages." -Kerrang! (January 23, 1987)

Happy Birthday to Saxon drummer Nigel Glocker (January 24, 1953).

Happy Birthday to Riot guitarist [1989–2012, 2013–present] Mike Flyntz (January 24, 1965).

Happy Birthday to Dream Theater founding member and bassist John Myung (January 24, 1967).

January 1987: Kerrang! reported a split between Quiet Riot and singer Kevin DuBrow, who departed the band around this time and was later replaced by Rough Cutt vocalist Paul Shortino.

January 1986: RATT were getting ready for their first British tour opening for Ozzy Osbourne and got the cover of Kerrang! In April that year, the band would travel to Japan for 17 shows plus a television appearance that included a lip sync performance.