'80s Metal History (October 20th)

October 20, 1986: Slayer released their third studio album "Reign In Blood" in North America (April '87 in the UK), their first with producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. The first Slayer LP with Def Jam Records was originally scheduled to hit stores in late August or early September 1986, but delayed because of concerns regarding the subject matter of opening track "Angel Of Death". Def Jam's distributor, Columbia Records, refused to release the album, so it was issued by Geffen Records via Warner Bros.

Slayer "Reign In Blood" release information source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - October 10, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! ad - April 16, 1987.

October 20, 1980: In the UK, "Manic Skullcrackers" Motörhead released the title track as the lead single from their new album "Ace Of Spades". The LP was supposed to be issued the same day, but delayed a week due to a pressing issue. Release date source: Music Week - October 18, 1980.

October 20, 1984: Twister Sister were all over American radio and MTV with "We're Not Gonna Take It" and the follow up kept them in the spotlight a little longer as "I Wanna Rock" made its debut on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK singles chart.

October 1986: Formed three years earlier in Sarasota, Florida, Crimson Glory released their debut album in the UK (March '87 in North America) with the band wearing full-face metallic silver masks. Release month source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - October 30, 1986.

October 20, 1987: The "Hell On Wheels" Tour featuring Helloween, Armored Saint and Grim Reaper rolled into Minneapolis. This show was released on DVD in 2017. The tour was just 35 dates with most in the USA.

October 20, 1984: Mercyful Fate played their first-ever American gig at the Starry Night Club in Portland, Oregon... "From the moment vocalist King Diamond emerged from his "hell-house" in full makeup and black leather, he had the audience completely under control." -Heavy Heroes Fanzine review

October 1991: From the album "Psychotic Supper", that according to their official web site the band considers to be their best, Tesla released "Edison's Medicine" as a single in the UK. Kerrang! ad - October 26, 1991

Happy Birthday to Cinderella drummer Fred Coury (October 20, 1967).

Remembering Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore, who would have celebrated a birthday today (October 20, 1953). Phil died in 2011. R.I.P.

New York metal band Virgin Steele released their fourth studio album "Age Of Consent" in North America in late 1988 (April '89 in the UK) featuring "The Burning Of Rome (Cry for Pompeii)". Unfortunately, their label shut down soon after and it didn't get much promotion. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! review - April 8, 1989.

October 20, 1983: After playing shows in Portugal, Spain and France, KISS arrived in the UK to see the title track from their new album "Lick It Up" issued as a single there just before they began a short UK tour one night later in Leeds.

October 20, 1978: AC/DC released their first live album "If You Want Blood" in the UK (November '78 in North America). The band's only official live LP with singer Bon Scott was recorded six months earlier during the "Powerage" Tour in Glasgow, Scotland. Release information source: [UK] Music Week ad and Record Mirror review - October 21, 1978: Official album chart debut - October 28, 1978; [US] Debuted Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart on December 23, 1978.

October 1985: Getting close to Halloween, the irresistible Blackie Lawless and Dee Snider were scaring up sales for Hit Parader Magazine in the US.