'80s Metal History (October 13th)

Happy Birthday to Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna (October 13, 1960).

Happy Birthday to Sammy Hagar [Montrose, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen] (October 13, 1947).

October 13, 1987: Formed two years earlier in Phoenix and part of the second wave of '80s thrash metal bands, Sacred Reich released their debut album "Ignorance" on Metal Blade. Featuring the song "Death Squad", the LP was co-produced by the band and Bill Metoyer, who had previously engineered most of Slayer's early work. The original cover design (second image) was rejected by Metal Blade as too "punk rock". Release information source: Concert ad - August 22, 1987.

October 13, 1984: Dokken's second studio album "Tooth And Nail" debuted at No. 116 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart. Singles "Into The Fire" and "Just Got Lucky" made it popular with rockers, but power ballad "Alone Again", drove the LP into the Top 50.

October 13, 1982: Touring the UK with AC/DC, Y&T played the first of four nights at London's Hammersmith Odeon. "Most of the bands that open for us get things thrown at them. Y&T had to do encores. They're the best." -Brian Johnson, AC/DC

October 13, 1992: Moving away from the occult themes of their first two records to politics and society, Flotsam and Jetsam released their fourth studio album "Cuatro" in North America featuring singles "Never To Reveal" and "Swatting At Flies". Release date source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication (radio Oct. 12th, in stores next day) - September 4, 1992.

October 1989: From Jonquière, Quebec, Canadian thrash metal science fiction band Voivod transitioned to a more progressive metal sound with the release of their fifth studio album "Nothingface" in North America, their most successful to date and only LP to enter the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. A music video was made for Pink Floyd cover "Astronomy Domine" that was played often on MTV Headbangers Ball. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - October 13, 1989.

October 1984: Van Halen released "Hot For Teacher" as the fourth single from the album "1984". The music video starring "Waldo", the awkward boy with large glasses and bow tie was a huge hit on MTV, but only reached No. 56 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication ad - October 12, 1984.

October 13, 1984: With the "I Wanna Rock" music video getting regular airplay on MTV, a red hot Twisted Sister played Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee with special guests Dokken and Y&T.

October 13, 1980: With Iron Maiden opening, KISS concluded the European "Unmasked" Tour in Drammen, Norway. "Gene doesn't usually wear other bands' T-shirts, so I was surprised when he came up to me the other day and asked for a Maiden one. I said: ‘What do you want it for? You’ll never wear it.’ And Gene replied: ‘You're right, you won't often see me in anything other than a Kiss Tshirt. But if I had one with the name of a group that's going straight to the top on it, then I wouldn't mind…'" -Paul Di'Anno

October 13, 2023: Judas Priest released "Panic Attack" as the lead single from their forthcoming 19th studio album "Invincible Shield" due in March 2024. The LP was produced by the band's touring guitarist Andy Sneap, who also produced 2018's "Firepower", and contributed guitar to the album, making this the first time Judas Priest have recorded with three guitarists. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - October 8, 2023.