'80s Metal History (January 13th)

January 13, 1989: Exodus released their third studio album "Fabulous Disaster" in North America (January 30th in the UK) featuring "The Toxic Waltz" and the title track. It was the last recording for drummer Tom Hunting until his return for the 1997 live album "Another Lesson In Violence".

Exodus "Fabulous Disaster" release date source: [US] Kerrang! - December 17, 1988; Cashbox Magazine spotlight - January 21, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! ad - January 28, 1989.

January 13, 1984: In the UK, Judas Priest released "Freewheel Burning" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Defenders Of The Faith". MTV in the US added the music video with Rob Halford's face superimposed on the arcade game Pole Position in late January. Release date source: Kerrang! - January 12, 1984.

January 1989: Tesla released "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "The Great Radio Controversy". It went on to be a Top 15 rock hit in the US. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication ad - January 13, 1989.

January 13, 1991: Iron Maiden launched the North American leg of the "No Prayer On The Road" Tour with opening act Anthrax in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, their first with guitarist Janick Gers who replaced Adrian Smith.

January 13, 1990: "Happening San Francisco Power Thrash quintet" Testament returned to London on the "Practice What You Preach" Tour for a show at Hammersmith Odeon, along with Oz thrashers Mortal Sin. -Kerrang!

Happy Birthday to Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo (January 13, 1959).

Remembering original Slaughter guitarist Tim Kelly, who would have turned 60 today (January 13, 1963). Tim died in 1998. R.I.P.

January 13, 1986: In the UK, Fastway released "The World Waits For You" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Waiting for the Roar". Release information source: Kerrang! ad - January 23, 1986.

From Los Angeles, Hellion released their debut EP in 1984. Two years earlier, singer Ann Boleyn had received offers from Van Halen's manager, Ed Leffler, and others, to turn her into "the next Pat Benatar" on the condition that she have cosmetic surgery and leave Hellion 😬

January 1984: The word was out that former Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes had joined Whitesnake, along with the return of bassist Neil Murray. The new LP "Slide It In" was set for its UK release at the end of the month. -Kerrang!