41. Mercyful Fate - Don't Break the Oath
One has to wonder what proper metal compendium would lack this album and this band. Hailing from Denmark, this band's brand of heavy metal not only had an atmosphere rooted in the occult but had the musical substance to back it up. Whether it be the infectious rhythms from bassist Timi Hansen and drummer Kim Ruzz, the dramatically sinister melodies and epic solos conjured by guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner or the monumentally spectral voice of King Diamond himself, this album has something that every fan of heavy metal will love. The superb composition and immersive atmosphere of Don't Break the Oath goes on to influence bands to this very day and makes it totally worthy of this list.