11 Best Metal Albums of 1994

In 1994, heavy metal was taking sharp turns in all directions as it continued to evolve and branch out even further. Grunge had a vice grip on the music world and metal acts were starting to react to this new and popular style. Bands that were known for virtuosic guitar playing began to strip down their sound while others simply incorporated a grungier vibe when starting a new band. 1994 was also a pivotal year for the Norwegian black metal scene as future legends released some of their most acclaimed discs.

Not everything had taken a drastic turn though. Some bands rediscovered their roots and carried the flag of the ’80s while others took influence from traditional metal and reacted harshly to the simplistic music being played and churned out incredibly progressive music. In a period of absolute turmoil where new subgenres kept cropping up, heavy metal began to divide fans into very different crowds where one metalhead had the potential to have little musical taste in common with another metalhead. We embrace it all, so join us in taking a look at the 10 Best Metal Albums of 1994.

See Loudwire’s picks for the Best Metal Album of Each Year Since 1970