In 10/10 albums by classic rock artists over the same time period. What's interesting about these releases is that they all happen for different reasons, giving each one its own special story.
For some, it is just about proving they can still perform at a high level, continuing to grow the legacy of the brand they established decades before. For others, it was about nostalgia and putting an exclamation point on their recording career, like Black Sabbath did as the classic metal musicians whose discography spans over 10 albums. Whatever the case may be, they had the right motivation to create magic again.
10 White Devil Armory (2014)
Overkill
One thing fans have always been able to expect from Overkill is a steady release of music. Their 2014 record, White Devil Armory, was the thrash metal band's 17th studio album, and it was one of their strongest. It came after the huge success of their 2012 record, The Electric Age, but they were more than ready to follow up what they had just done.
This was Overkill's biggest charting record, reaching the 31st position on the Billboard 200.
The 11 tracks were praised for being a representation of the classic sound of the genre, proving that the band was far from losing sight of who they were. Regarding its commercial success, this was Overkill's biggest charting record, reaching the 31st position on the Billboard 200. This was not only significant for the band but also for the genre they were representing, helping bring attention to it once again.
9 Firepower (2018)
Judas Priest
From changing their sound early on to becoming pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal to replacing key , Judas Priest has been through it all. The one thing they have never done is lose sight of the music. No matter what they were going through, there has been a devotion to their fans to give them their best, and their 2018 album, Firepower, was no different.
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The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, marking their best opening placement in the United States. It also placed as high in their native UK, matching their personal best achieved with the historic British Steel album. This 2018 release ended up winning multiple awards, and it took the metal community by storm. The 14 tracks proved that the band were not only performing at a high level but also understood the intricacies of producing something that resonated in a vast musical landscape.
8 Dark Roots Of Earth (2012)
Testament
After years of competing with some of the best musical acts of all time, it was Testament's time to shine as the top band. Their 2012 album, Dark Roots of Earth, entered the Billboard 200 at the highest position they had ever achieved, at the 12th spot. The nine-track album consisted of songs mainly over five minutes long, further showcasing the effort they put into it.
Additionally, the album is significant as it is the last to feature longtime bassist Greg Christian. Although he had left the band before, in 1996, he returned for a few more albums, but this would mark another ending. Nonetheless, between the CD and the DVD, this body of work by the band is forever enshrined as one of the biggest achievements in the genre.
7 The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead! (2022)
Megadeth
The creation of their 16th album was not an easy task for Megadeth. Through a health battle, a pandemic, a dismissal, and more, the band had a mountain to climb to achieve this. However, on September 2, 2022, after years of creation, The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! was finally ready to be unveiled, six years after their last release.
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The album placed the band among the very best as it ranked third on the Billboard 200. Additionally, it finished first on four other weekly charts. This record was vintage Megadeth, showcasing the best qualities of the band. The 12 tracks take listeners on an up-and-down journey through varying-length songs, providing perfect transitions.
6 Sting In The Tail (2010)
Scorpions
When the Scorpions released their 17th studio album in 2010, it was thought to be the band's final record, even though it turned out not to be. Nonetheless, they put everything they had into it. They proved that even as an act that had been around since 1965, they could still perform with the best of them, even as seasoned veterans of the industry.
The album reached the 23rd spot on the Billboard 200, which was 40 spots higher than their previous release. The great closing track on the record, "The Best Is Yet to Come," turned out to be true as they have released two more albums since then. Their continued success was aided by this record, which had sounds reminiscent of their '80s releases with a twist.
5 Killing The Dragon (2002)
Dio
When Ronnie James Dio formed his own band, he wanted to make an impact, which he certainly did. There was a lot of significance to Dio's 2002 release, "Killing the Dragon." Not only was it the band's ninth studio album, but it was the second to last one they would release. Although it didn't receive as much appreciation on the charts as it should have, it still cracked the Billboard 200.
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This placed the band among a litany of legendary and up-and-coming artists at the time. One of the coolest things that the band did to help promote the album was having Tenacious D appear in the video for their song "Push." It was the blending of two generations and was a perfect example of how cross-promoting can be used to benefit both parties.
4 A Matter Of Life And Death (2006)
Iron Maiden
Given the success of Iron Maiden and all the legendary tracks they have created over the years, it was surprising to see that they hadn't cracked the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 in the United States by 2005. However, that all changed in 2006 when they released A Matter of Life and Death. This would finally break through and reach the ninth spot on the chart.
Instead of just releasing the record, they also produced a DVD to capture their recording.
Over the years, there has been a lot of information from the band that was public knowledge, but they gave their fans yet another peek behind the curtain. Instead of just releasing the record, they also produced a DVD to capture their recording. This featured not only a half-hour documentary but also photos and various videos.
3 72 Seasons (2023)
Metallica
There is not much that Metallica has done that hasn't become a major sensation, which is why they have become one of the biggest bands of all time. Over 40 years into their career, they returned with their 11th studio album in 2023. 72 Seasons was their first album since 2016, but they put everything they had into it, which was appreciated by most.
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The vocals and the lyrics were highly praised, but some were quick to point out the album's length. While it is over 77 minutes long, it is totally worth it for any Metallica fan. The band takes listeners on a true journey, displaying all the qualities that made them great in the first place. This album reached as high as number 2 on the Billboard 200, along with multiple first-place finishes on other charts.
2 Aftershock (2013)
Motörhead
The 2013 days of Motörhead would sadly be some of the last years of the band before the death of lead singer Lemmy Kilmister in December 2015. However, their 21st studio album, Aftershock, is one of the best final releases they could have ever done. For many, this was the greatest album from the band in the last 20 years.
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The 14-track record lasted nearly 47 minutes, and it was the band at their finest. Along with their signature sound, they brought an energy, and Lemmy shined as only he could. It marked a big achievement for them, cracking the Top 25 on the Billboard 200, while also having as high as a third-place finish on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart.
1 13 (2013)
Black Sabbath
For the first time since 1978, Ozzy Osbourne was back to record a studio album with Black Sabbath. Although this had been teased for many years, side projects and Osbourne's solo career continued to get in the way. Thankfully, it finally happened in 2013 when Black Sabbath would release their 19th and final record, 13.
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The album became a sensation around the world, especially in the United States, where it ranked as the number one album on the Billboard 200, along with other charts. They won multiple awards for Record of the Year, and one of the tracks even won a Grammy Award. All the praise and accolades reminded everybody once more of just how legendary Black Sabbath is.