'80s Metal History (June 27th)

Queensrÿche released their second studio album "Rage For Order" the last week of June 1986 in North America (July 14th in the UK) featuring singles "Walk In The Shadows", "Gonna Get Close To You" and "The Whisper". Despite the band's emphasis on keyboards and digital technology, the LP was recorded and mixed in analog.

Queensrÿche "Rage For Order" release information source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - May 23, 1986; Billboard Magazine 'New Releases' - June 7, 1986; Billboard Ad - July 5, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! - June 12, 1986.

Late-June 1983: Twisted Sister released their second studio album "You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll" in North America (April '83 in the UK) featuring the title track and "The Kids Are Back". Release information source: Magazine ad 'Available Now"; LP debuted on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart on August 27, 1983.

June 27, 1986: Judas Priest brought the "Fuel For Life" tour to Dallas and along with a show in Atlanta two weeks earlier, used the recordings to make up their second live album "Priest...Live!" in-stores a year later.

June 27, 1981: On the heels of "Ace Of Spades", Motörhead's first live album, "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith", debuted at No. 1 on the UK album chart. North America wouldn't get the LP until September that year.

Late-June 1988: Bay Area thrashers Vio-Lence released their debut album "Eternal Nightmare" featuring the title track that when released as a single came in a sealed plastic cover, containing (fake) vomit. Release information source: [US] CMJ New Music Report review - July 1, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! ad - August 6, 1988.

June 27, 1989: German thrash metal band Kreator released their fourth studio album "Extreme Aggression" in North America (March '89 in the UK) featuring single "Betrayer" with music video that played often on MTV Headbangers Ball. The album's original artwork was that of a man standing in front of a bathroom mirror looking at the reflection of his face falling off, exposing Kreator's mascot demon underneath, but it was replaced. Release date source: [US] CMJ New Music Report - June 15, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! - March 25, 1989.

Canadian metal band Thor released the single "Thunder On The Tundra" in the UK the last week of June 1984. The 12" included the "Manic Metal Mix!!!", fitting with frontman Jon Mikl Thor breaking bricks over his chest and head and bending microphone stands at concerts. Release information source: Music Week - June 23, 1984.

June 1980: Girlschool released their first studio album "Demolition" in the UK featuring a cover of The Gun's "Race With The Devil". The band toured with Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep that summer. Release information source: Sounds Magazine ad - June 28, 1980.

June 27, 2006: Metal Church released their eighth studio album "A Light In The Dark" in the US (June 19th in Europe) featuring "Watch The Children Pray '06", a remake of their song from 1986's "The Dark" album, dedicated to late vocalist David Wayne. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - August 8, 2006.

Happy Birthday to Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero (June 27, 1969).

Happy Birthday to former Steeler [Germany] guitarist Axel Rudi Pell (June 27, 1960).

Late-June 1983: The debut EP from RATT, released on their own Time Coast record label, was now available in the UK (Late-May '83 in North America) featuring "You Think You're Tough" and an earlier recording of "Back For More". The legs of Tawny Kitaen grace the cover. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! 'just released' - July 1, 1983; Kerrang! ad - July 28, 1983; [US] Billboard Magazine 'Recommended LPs - June 11, 1983.

June 27, 1987: Mötley Crüe's fourth studio album "Girls, Girls, Girls" peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200. It reached No. 4 in Canada.

June 27, 1989: With new singer Tony Martin and Cozy Powell on drums, Black Sabbath brought the "Headless Cross" tour to Atlanta.

June 1986: With their second studio album "Rage For Order" due for release in the UK in July, Queensrÿche were featured in the June issue of Kerrang! with singer Geoff Tate and guitarist Chris DeGarmo getting the cover.