'80s Metal History (September 4th)

September 4, 1990: Queensrÿche released their fourth studio album "Empire" in North America (September 10th in the UK) featuring "Jet City Woman", "Silent Lucidity" and the title track that made the LP the band's most commercially successful.

Queensrÿche "Empire" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - September 1, 1990; [UK] Kerrang! - September 10, 1990.

Happy Birthday to W.A.S.P. lead singer and rhythm guitarist (formerly bassist) Blackie Lawless (September 4, 1956).

September 4, 1987: Armored Saint released their third studio album "Raising Fear" in North America (Late September '87 in the UK), recorded as a four-piece as guitarist Phil Sandoval left the band during the sessions of previous album "Delirious Nomad". He returned a few years later.

Armored Saint "Raising Fear" release date source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - August 28, 1987; [UK] Kerrang! ad - September 17, 1987.

September 4, 1990: Canadian thrashers Annihilator released their second studio album "Never, Neverland" in North America (July '90 in the UK), with former Omen singer Coburn Pharr, who replaced Randy Rampage after he left to retain his job seniority on the shipping docks in Vancouver. Release information source: [US] CMJ New Music Report - August 31, 1990; Billboard Magazine ad - September 8, 1990; [UK] Kerrang! review - July 28, 1990.

September 4, 1984: With support from Queensrÿche, DIO played the first night of a month of UK dates in Northern Ireland. The tour ended with three shows at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.

September 4, 1985: AC/DC launched the "Fly On The Wall" Tour in Binghamton, New York. It was marked by protests from some groups who claimed the band's music was connected to the Night Stalker murders. Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force opened.

September 4, 2015: Iron Maiden released their 16th studio album "The Book Of Souls", their longest LP to date, with a total length of 92 minutes and 11 seconds and featuring single "Speed Of Light". Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - August 14, 2015.

September 1992: Black Sabbath released "Master Of Insanity" as the second single from the album "Dehumanizer". The song was a re-recording of an unreleased Geezer Butler Band track and the only track on Dehumanizer that Ronnie James Dio did not have a hand in writing the lyrics.

Happy Birthday to drummer Bobby Jarzombek [Riot, Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach] (September 4, 1963).

September 4, 1996: The original Van Halen lineup (Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony and David Lee Roth) reunited as presenters at the MTV Video Music Awards, their first public appearance in over 12 years and sadly, their last.

September 4, 1989: The debut album from Exodus, "Bonded By Blood", was re-released by Combat Records, with the new version including live versions of "And Then There Were None" and "A Lesson In Violence" sung by Steve "Zetro" Souza who had replaced original singer Paul Baloff. Release date source" The Hard Report radio trade publication - September 8, 1989.

September 4, 1986: James Hetfield's wrist was still broken from a skateboarding accident in July and guitar tech John Marshall was still filling in for James on guitar, but the shows must go on and Metallica were close to launching the UK/Europe leg of the "Damage, Inc. Tour" in Cardiff, Wales with support from Anthrax.