Here is another Top 25 of 1988 list. This time from another main staff writer: Scott F.
Scott is a very gifted songwriter and melodic guitarist (hence the lean towards “guitar-centric” releases).
He is also 1/4 of the Indiana Metal band SLEEPY TRIP.
*We will post some of their demos later.
25. JUDAS PRIEST – Ram it Down
24. JASON BECKER – Perpetual Burn
23. ACID REIGN – Moshkinstein (EP)
22. DOOM – Killing Field (EP)
21. CHASTAIN – The Voice of the Cult
20. INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND – The Visitor
19. SACRED REICH – Surf Nicaragua (EP)
18. SANCTUARY – Refuge Denied
17. FATES WARNING – No Exit
16. TOXIK – World Circus
15. SLAYER – South of Heaven
14. DEATH ANGEL – Frolic Through the Park
13. OVER KILL – Under the Influence
12. OZZY OSBOURNE – No Rest for the Wicked
11. JANES ADDICTION – Nothings Shocking
10. JOE SATRIANI – Surfing With the Alien
09. VOIVOD – Dimension Hatross
08. FLOTSAM & JETSAM – No Place for Disgrace
07. CRUMBSUCKERS – Beast on My Back
06. TESTAMENT – The New Order
05. MEKONG DELTA – The Music of Erich Zann
04. QUEENSRYCHE – Operation: Mindcrime
03. MEGADETH – So Far, So Good, So What
02. KING DIAMOND – Them
01. METALLICA – …And Justice For All
*Check out Part Three list here from Mike Cervantes.
Demolish Magazine 
nice list there!
forgot about DOOM, they were a cool Japanese band.
I remember CHASTAIN as well and went to see him several times at Bogart’s in Cinci (Ohio)with C.J.S.S. and also with Leather on vox – she could wail!