Jon Wiederhorn

On Sept. 28, 1978, Black Sabbath released 'Never Say Die!,' their final album with Ozzy Osbourne for three decades.

On Sept. 27, 1986, Metallica's Cliff Burton was killed in a bus crash.

A monster album.

On Sept. 17, 1991, Ozzy Osbourne reached a career turning point with his solo disc 'No More Tears.'

On Sept. 7, 1988, Metallica released '...And Justice For All,' their first album without Cliff Burton.

Just when it looked like Judas Priest had been dethroned, the defenders of metal lashed back with their 12th album, 'Painkiller.'

Mötley Crüe were unapologetically obsessed with crafting the kind of sticky, sleazy hard rock that defined MTV hair metal.

On Aug. 21, 1977, Motorhead began their career ascent with their self-titled album.

On Aug. 12, 1991, Metallica released their biggest selling disc, known as 'The Black Album' to fans.

One of the biggest albums ever.

How would Metallica follow up 'Kill 'Em All'? On July 27, 1984, we got 'Ride the Lightning.'

Read the story behind this revolutionary debut.