'80s Metal History (October 24th)

October 24, 1986: Enigma Records shipped "To Hell With The Devil", the second studio album from Stryper. The original artwork was changed on later pressings to a basic black cover with the Stryper logo because someone was offended by four long haired angels throwing the devil into a fiery pit 🤷‍♂️ It was the first Christian metal album to go platinum in the US.

Stryper "To Hell With The Devil" release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - October 17, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! ad - October 30, 1986.

October 24, 1989: Overkill released their fourth studio album "The Years Of Decay" in North America (one day earlier in the UK), their last with guitarist Bobby Gustafson and featuring singles "Elimination", "Time To Kill" and the title track.

Overkill "The Years Of Decay" release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - October 6, 1989; Album listening party held September 29, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! ad - October 21, 1989.

October 24, 1986: Starring Ozzy Osbourne as a preacher and Gene Simmons as a local DJ, "Trick Or Treat" the movie premiered in theaters in the US. Rumor has it, Blackie Lawless was originally cast to play the demonic rocker. Fastway recorded the soundtrack issued a week earlier.

October 24, 1984: "Killing For A Living", Megadeth opened for Exciter at The Waters Club in San Pedro, California. The setlist included the live debut of the song "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" and an early version of "Wakeup Dead" called "Blood And Honor".

October 1983: British metal band Savage released their debut album "Loose 'N Lethal" in the UK, featuring the song "Let it Loose", originally issued in 1981. Metallica covered the track in '82 on their "Whiskey Audition Tape" demo. Release information source: Kerrang! review - November 3, 1983: Kerrang! ad - December 15, 1983.

October 24, 1988: Helloween released "I Want Out" in the UK as the second single from the album "Keeper Of The Seven Keys: Part II". It was written by Kai Hansen, who has said it was a hint of him really wanting "out" of the band at the time. Release date source: Kerrang! ad - October 22, 1988.

October 24, 1987: Alice Cooper's "Raise Your Fist And Yell" Tour with Faster Pussycat brought three straight nights of blood-soaked Metal-mayhem to Southern California where not all balloons were filled with confetti 😱

October 24, 1985: Opening with "King Of Rock And Roll" and "Like The Beat Of A Heart" from their latest album "Sacred Heart", DIO played Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

Happy Birthday to Krokus co-founder and former singer and bassist [1974–1983, 87–89] Chris von Rohr (October 24, 1951).

Remembering former W.A.S.P., L.A. Guns and Riley's L.A. Guns drummer Steve Riley who died October 24, 2023. R.I.P.

October 24, 1995: Anthrax released their seventh studio album "Stomp 442" in North America (one day earlier in the UK). The cover art was originally intended for Bruce Dickinson’s "Balls To Picasso" album. Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - October 21, 1995.

October 24, 1995: Savatage welcomed guitarist Chris Caffery as a full-time member along with new guitarist Al Pitrelli and released the album "Dead Winter Dead" in North America (October 30th in the UK). During this time the Trans-Siberian Orchestra idea was born. Release date source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - October 13, 1995; [UK] Kerrang! ad - October 28, 1995.

October 2000: The first compilation album from Megadeth, "Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years" was issued in North America. Amazingly only two '80s songs are included, but you don't have to worry about that, METAL SHOP has your back 🤘 Release information source: Debuted Billboard 200 on November 11, 2000.

October 1987: A magazine for musicians, Music Connection featured Armored Saint on the cover. The band's latest album "Raising Fear" was released a month earlier.