Thrash ’n burn: why 1985 was metal's defining year

Thirty years ago a seemingly endless parade of bands and landmark albums changed metal forever – and the global scope of its rise was impressiveIt’d be impossible to pinpoint one exact moment in time that truly encapsulates the long, colorful and often bloody history of heavy metal, but if forced to choose, 1985 would make for a strong contender. The genre had finally begun to find its footing, emerging from the hazy days of the proto-metal 70s to gain strength, power and, most impor