'80s Metal History (July 5th)

Overkill released their third studio album "Under The Influence" worldwide on Megaforce featuring single "Hello From The Gutter" in early July 1988. New drummer Sid Falck replaced Rat Skates and the band toured with Nuclear Assault and Testament. Release information source: [US] CMJ New Music Report - July 1, 1988 [UK] Kerrang! ad - July 9, 1988.

Death Angel released their second studio album "Frolic Through The Park" in North America in early July 1988 (one month later in the UK) featuring one of their most popular songs "Bored". The music video was played often on MTV Headbangers Ball. Release information source: [US] CMJ New Music Report 'Killer Pick' + ad - July 1, 1988 [UK] Kerrang! ad - August 13, 1988.

July 5, 1988: Cinderella released their second studio album "Long Cold Winter" in North America (one day earlier in the UK) featuring singles "Gypsy Road", "Coming Home", "The Last Mile" and power ballad "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)", the latter reaching No. 12 in the US. Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - July 2, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - June 11, 1988.

Summer 1985: RATT's new album "Invasion Of Your Privacy" had a list price higher than normal at $9.98, but with the "Lay It Down" music video in power rotation on MTV, demand was huge and the LP reached US platinum sales in only three weeks.

July 5, 1980: "Neon Knights", the first single from "Heaven And Hell", Black Sabbath's first album with Ronnie Jame Dio, debuted on the UK singles chart. It was the last song written for the LP and quickly done to fill time on the album's first side.

July 5, 1986: "Deaf Forever" the lead single from Motörhead's forthcoming album "Orgasmatron" debuted on the UK Singles Chart. The original vinyl contained a post card with a contest to win a Sony Discman and the new LP on CD.

July 5, 1985: Thrasher released "Burning At The Speed Of Light", a collaborative project featuring members from various metal and thrash bands like Anthrax, Exciter, Riot, Virgin Steele and more. It was the brain child of The Rods drummer Carl Canedy. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - June 21, 1985.

Remembering Helix guitarist Paul Hackman, who died July 5, 1992 at age 38. R.I.P. Paul co-wrote rock hits "Heavy Metal Love", "Deep Cuts The Knife" and more.

Listen to METAL SHOP for "The Essential Iron Maiden", but if that's just not enough for you, the band's fourth greatest hits compilation, released July 5, 2005, is a solid backup. At the time it was only available in North America. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - May 19, 2005.