'80s Metal History (September 21st)

September 21, 1979: Judas Priest released their first live album "Unleashed In The East" in the UK (early September in the US) recorded in February that year over two nights in Tokyo during the "Killing Machine" Tour. At that point, it became the band's best-selling LP.

Judas Priest "Unleashed In The East" release information source: [UK] Melody Maker & Record Mirror 'just released' - September 22, 1979; Music Week 'Album Releases' - September 22, 1979; [US] Billboard Magazine 'recommended LPs' + ad - September 8, 1979.

September 21, 1993: Scorpions released their 12th studio album "Face The Heat" in North America featuring Top 10 US rock hit "Alien Nation". It was their last LP with drummer Herman Rarebell and first with bassist Ralph Rieckermann who replaced Francis Buchholz. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - September 4, 1993.

September 21, 1986: On the road with Anthrax in the UK, Metallica brought the "Damage, Inc." Tour to London's Hammersmith Odeon. One of Cliff Burton's last shows, it was a popular bootleg. The band released it as a free download in 2014.

September 21 & 28, 1982: Evolved from the band Circus Circus (formed in 1979 by Blackie Lawless and Randy Piper), W.A.S.P. played their first show three weeks earlier and were now booked for two dates at the Troubadour in Santa Monica.

September 21, 1987: Leatherwolf released their second studio album "Leatherwolf" in North America (late November in the UK). As teens in the early '80s, they shared bills with Metallica and Slayer. The band's three-guitar lineup is nicknamed the "Triple Axe Attack". Release date source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - September 18, 1987; [UK] Kerrang! review - December 5, 1987.

Happy Birthday to Helloween co-founder and bassist Markus Grosskopf (September 21, 1965).

Remembering Motörhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, who would have celebrated a birthday today (September 21, 1954). Phil died in 2015. R.I.P.

September 1988: Following up "Strength Of Steel", their most commercially successful record in the US, Anvil brought the heaviness with fifth studio album "Pound For Pound" issued by Metal Blade, but not the hooks. Release information source: Kerrang! - September 3, 1988.

September 1987: From Essen, West Germany, thrash metal band Kreator released their third studio album "Terrible Certainty" featuring single "Behind The Mirror". The band toured the UK the following month with Celtic Frost. Release information source: Kerrang! - September 3, 1987.

September 21, 1987: Cleveland power metal band Shok Paris released their second studio album "Steel And Starlight" in North America featuring single "Go Down Fighting". Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - August 28, 1987.

September 21, 1979: Whitesnake released their second studio album "Lovehunter" in the UK. Produced by Martin Birch (Iron Maiden), the controversial cover art was created by fantasy artist Chris Achilleos, the last album cover he designed until 2003. Release date source: Record Business - September 10, 1979; Sounds Magazine ad - September 22, 1979.

German Magazine POP News reported (November 29, 1979) on the problems with the "Lovehunter" album cover in the US which had a sticker strategically placed. In Argentina, a bikini bottom was added and in Singapore, the woman was dressed 😁

September 21, 1991: Just days after the release of Guns N' Roses "Use Your Illusion I and II", it was reported that guitarist Izzy Stradlin had quit the band, "unhappy at the way GnR's massive world tour was progressing." He returned in late October.

September 1985: Ozzy Osbourne and his band were in the studio in West London recording their next album "The Ultimate Sin" when the Prince of Darkness took some time for an interview with Kerrang!