'80s Metal History (July 27th)

July 27, 1984: Megaforce issued "Ride The Lightning", the second studio album from Metallica in North America (one week later in the UK). With input from Cliff Burton, the LP revealed the band's musical growth and lyrical sophistication. The album was re-released in November '84 after the band signed with Elektra.

Metallica "Ride The Lightning" release information source: Kerrang! ad + review - July 26, 1984; Music Week UK 'New Albums' - August 4, 1984.

July 27, 1980: Judas Priest and Scorpions opened for Heart at Rockford Speedway in Rockford, Illinois. At this point in time, "British Steel" had only been in stores for just over two months in North America.

July 27, 1980: Opening for Journey, Black Sabbath played "Day On The Green" in Oakland, California. Opening with "War Pigs", "Neon Knights" and "N.I.B.", only three of the nine songs performed were from the "Heaven And Hell" LP.

July 27, 1983: Metallica and Raven launched the "Kill 'Em All For One Tour" in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The two bands met at Megaforce founder Jonny Z's home just two days earlier and traveled together in the same vehicle.

July 27, 1985: RATT's second studio album "Invasion Of Your Privacy" peaked at No. 7 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart thanks to hit singles "Lay It Down" and "You're In Love".

July 27, 1984: AC/DC released "Nervous Shakedown" as a single from the album "Flick Of The Switch" in the UK only. Two music videos were made with the first filmed on the same set and in the same format as the videos for "Flick Of The Switch" and "Guns For Hire". The second version features the band on stage at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit during a before-show rehearsal.

Sharing many similarities with early Def Leppard, Pantera released their second studio album "Projects In The Jungle" in 1984, featuring single and the band's first music video "All Over Tonight". The LP was produced by "The Eld'n" Jerry Abbott.

Release information: Most sites show Pantera's "Projects In The Jungle" was issued on July 27, 1984, but evidence is limited. A Metal Magic Management promotional letter sent to magazines, newspapers, etc. back in the day, shows a release date of May 6, 1984. (Source: Pantera Rocks Fan Site).

Happy Birthday to Pantera bassist Rex Brown (July 27, 1964).

Remembering Manilla Road founder, singer and guitarist Mark "The Shark" Shelton, who died July 27, 2018 at age 61. R.I.P.

Metal Church released their sixth studio album "Masterpeace" in 1999 with original singer David Wayne, who last appeared on 1986's "The Dark". Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof was not happy with the result of this album, calling it "Disasterpeace".

July 27, 2018: Former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider released his fourth solo studio album, the ultra-heavy "For The Love Of Metal", featuring "I Am The Hurricane". Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - May 7, 2018.