Here are the best metal album-opening songs, ranked from No. 50 to No. 1.

Which song is selected to occupy the hallowed lead spot on any album is one of the biggest decisions a band (and their label and management) can make. Aside from singles that are released before a record (many of which tend to be the album opener), it's the first impression a fan is going to have when they set out to listen front to back.

Openers set the expectation for the rest of what lies ahead, and, as evidenced in this list below, that can be for better or for worse. There's some all-time songs that kick off some pretty average albums, but we should simply be thankful to have at least one incredible song if those other tracks don't live up to it.

READ MORE: The 100 Best Rock + Metal Albums of the 21st Century

In most instances, however, these iconic openers set the stage for brilliant albums, many of them regarded as pillars of heavy metal and the various subgenres represented by the recordings.

50 Best Metal Album Openers of the 1980s (Ranked)

The most undeniable tracks to open '80s metal albums!

Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita, Jordan Blum

Every Thrash Metal 'Big 4' Album Ranked

An incredibly diverse collection of albums, ranked from worst to best!

Follow Loudwire's 'Early Thrash: The Beginning & The '90s' playlist here.

Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff

PLAYLIST: Classic Metal Songs... LIVE!

Over 100 songs! Listen/follow here.

More From Banana 101.5