HARD ROCK Released on Vinyl

 

large album front cover photo of: HARD ROCK

This web page is a visual and informative treasure trove for hard rock vinyl collectors and enthusiasts. Featuring a curated gallery of 12" LPs, it showcases iconic albums across decades—from the grit of Helix and Joan Jett to the live power of UFO and Thin Lizzy. Each entry offers sharp cover photos, background info, and direct links to explore further. The layout is clear and engaging, making it easy to browse and discover hidden gems. A must-visit for anyone passionate about the golden era of hard rock preserved on vinyl.

Latest Updated Hard Rock Vinyl Records


Thumbnail of DOKKEN - Beast from the East 12" LP album front cover
DOKKEN - Beast from the East

"Beast From The East" hits like a time capsule from Dokken’s 1988 Japan run, where the crowd energy basically tries to crawl out of the grooves. Don’s vocals cut sharp, and George Lynch shreds like he’s got something to prove every thirty seconds. It’s the band at full voltage, captured in a way that still feels gloriously oversized and unapologetically late-’80s.

HEART - Little Queen album front cover vinyl record
HEART - Little Queen

Heart’s “Little Queen” lands with the swagger only Ann and Nancy Wilson could conjure in ’77—raw attitude wrapped in velvet and folklore. From the ferocious bite of “Barracuda” to the dreamy shimmer of acoustic passages, the album stands like a defiant chapter of the band’s golden era. A must-spin for anyone chasing that perfect mix of fire and mystique.

AC/DC - High Voltage Genuine Australian Release album front cover vinyl record
AC/DC - High Voltage Genuine Australian Pressing

This Australian first pressing of “High Voltage” is pure rock DNA — loud, lean, and hungry. Every groove hums with rebellion, every solo screams like a streetlight exploding. Angus Young fires lightning from his fretboard while the band stomps through blues and sweat. It’s not refined; it’s alive — a debut that sounds like it’s daring the world to keep up.

WISHBONE ASH - Live Dates album front cover vinyl record
WISHBONE ASH - Live Dates

On “Live Dates,” Wishbone Ash stretch out like marathoners of melody — two guitars in perfect unison, balancing aggression with elegance. Captured during their 1973 tour, it’s a glowing snapshot of a band breathing as one organism. The long solos, audience energy, and wide-open soundstage make this double LP a must for anyone chasing the raw pulse of classic rock on vinyl.

AEROSMITH - Get Your Wings album front cover vinyl record
AEROSMITH - Get Your Wings

“Get Your Wings” (1974) is where Aerosmith stopped sounding like hopeful newcomers and started roaring like legends in the making. Steven Tyler’s sharp sneer and Joe Perry’s riffs collide like electricity over gasoline—wild, unapologetic, and heavy with blues-soaked swagger. It’s a record that smells of leather jackets, cigarette smoke, and youthful defiance pressed straight into vinyl.

THIN LIZZY - Live and Dangerous 2LP
THIN LIZZY - Live and Dangerous 2LP

“Live and Dangerous” is Thin Lizzy’s defining moment — a 2LP chronicle of sweat, swagger, and melodic firepower. Recorded on the road and forever on the edge, it captures the band at their most ferocious: Lynott’s bass driving, Gorham and Robertson locked in dueling harmony, Downey pounding time like a metronome possessed. This isn’t just live rock — it’s cinematic chaos with a heartbeat.

AC/DC - Back in Black (1980 Germany) album front cover vinyl record
AC/DC - Back in Black

AC/DC’s “Back in Black” (1980, Atlantic ATL 50735) roared out of tragedy into triumph, introducing Brian Johnson’s powerhouse vocals after Bon Scott’s passing. Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, this hard-rock landmark from Germany blends electrifying riffs, precision production, and iconic tracks like “Hells Bells” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.”

KISS - Dressed To Kill (Black & Red Vinyl Versions) album front cover vinyl record
KISS - Dressed To Kill (Black & Red Vinyl Versions)

A punchy, authentic 1975 pressing—no remaster gimmicks here. “Dressed to Kill” captures KISS before superstardom: loud, lean, and still hungry. The riffs are razor-sharp, the hooks unstoppable, and Ace Frehley’s solos sound like sparks off a subway rail. It’s New York rock swagger bottled in vinyl form, where attitude mattered more than polish and everything was played like it might be the last show on Earth.

KISS - Dressed to Kill KISS - Dressed To Kill (Red Vinyl)
RAINBOW - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow album front cover vinyl record
RAINBOW - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

The debut that started it all—hard rock with a streak of fantasy lightning. “Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow” (1975) isn’t just another solo project; it’s a declaration of independence wrapped in roaring guitars and Dio’s soaring voice. Each song glows like molten metal forged in the chaos of Deep Purple’s aftermath, a wild, elegant rebirth where melody and muscle finally shake hands.

SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (Spain) album front cover
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (France & Spain Releases)

Released in 1984, the SCORPIONS' "Gold Ballads" 12" Mini-LP Vinyl showcases the band's mastery in ballads. This Spanish release features five of their finest ballads, encapsulating the essence of their emotional and melodic prowess. A testament to the band's contribution to the music scene during that era.

Gold Ballads (France) 12" Mini-LP Gold Ballads (Spain) 12" Mini-LP
WHITESNAKE - Is This Love album front cover vinyl record
WHITESNAKE - Is This Love

Released in 1987 at the peak of hard rock’s glossy, arena-filling era, Whitesnake’s *“Is This Love”* 12-inch Maxi-Single captured the band’s perfect balance of passion and power. David Coverdale’s velvet roar met polished production from Mike Stone and Keith Olsen, creating a timeless anthem that turned heartbreak into cinematic, radio-ready perfection.

Cover image of Envy-Aint-Sin
ENVY - Ain't it a sin

Envy's Ain't It A Sin is a hard rock album released in 1987. The album features the band's signature sound of heavy guitars, driving rhythms, and Ronnie Stile's powerful vocals. The album's title track, "Ain't It A Sin," is a classic hard rock anthem that has become a fan favorite. Other notable tracks on the album include "I Believe In You," "Heartache," and "Lie Here Waiting." Ain't It A Sin is a solid hard rock album that is sure to please fans of the genre.

DAVID LEE ROTH - Crazy From The Heat album front cover vinyl record
DAVID LEE ROTH - Crazy From The Heat

“Crazy From The Heat” gleams like California chrome — slick, funny, and impossible to ignore. Roth dives headfirst into old-school covers, splashing through pop history with ego and sunshine. It’s 1985 bottled in Technicolor: brash, loud, a little ridiculous, and completely irresistible on a clean German pressing.

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DIRTY BLONDE - Passion (1989, USA)

"Dirty Blonde's 'Passion' on 12" LP Vinyl Album delivers an electrifying sonic journey. The musical prowess showcased in 'Passion' is nothing short of captivating, with each track on the album resonating with energy and emotion. Outpost Records has curated a masterpiece that seamlessly blends genres, creating an unforgettable listening experience. This LP stands as a testament to Dirty Blonde's artistry and the enduring power of passion in music."

BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (Swan Song & Island Records) .  album front cover vinyl record
BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter

In September of 1974, Bad Company embarked on a journey to create their sophomore album, "Straight Shooter". What makes this album even more intriguing is the location where it all came to life - Gloucestershire Castle.

- Straight Shooter (1975, Island Records) - Straight Shooter ( 1975, Swan Song Records)
TED NUGENT - Anthology album front cover vinyl record
TED NUGENT - Anthology 2LP

Ted Nugent’s Anthology roars through his wildest years, 1975–1980, with 22 tracks of pure guitar-driven chaos. Released by Castle Communications’ Raw Power label, this double LP captures the Motor City Madman in full flight — shredding through hits like Stranglehold and Cat Scratch Fever with unrelenting energy, swagger, and unapologetic rock fury.

UFO – Mechanix album front cover vinyl record
UFO – Mechanix

Mechanix (1982) delivers a punchy blend of melodic metal and arena rock energy. Phil Mogg’s soaring vocals and the band’s precision-driven sound bring tracks like “Let It Rain” and “We Belong to the Night” to life. A pure expression of UFO’s strength, it remains a defining moment in their early 80s catalog.

Thumbnail of NAZARETH - Hair of the Dog (German Release) album front cover
NAZARETH - Hair of the Dog (German & UK Release)

Hair of the Dog (1975) is where NAZARETH perfected their snarling mix of blues grit and hard-rock thunder. From the title track’s talkbox growl to the dark grooves of “Miss Misery,” it roars with confidence. Both German and UK editions remain prized for their sound quality and iconic Dave Roe artwork.

- Hair of the Dog German Release 12" Vinyl LP - Hair of the Dog Gt Britain Release 12" Vinyl LP
WHITESNAKE - Lovehunter album front cover vinyl record
WHITESNAKE - Lovehunter

"Lovehunter," released in 1979, is Whitesnake’s second studio album—a swaggering blend of hard rock grit and bluesy sensuality. Produced by Martin (P.C.) Birch, it features David Coverdale’s commanding vocals alongside searing guitar work from Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden. The record is as infamous for Chris Achilleos’ provocative artwork as for standout tracks like "Long Way from Home."

DEEP PURPLE -  Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) album front cover vinyl record
DEEP PURPLE - Deepest Purple (Gt Britain & French Release)

"Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple" is the compilation album by the British hard rock band Deep Purple, released in 1980. It features the original hits of Deep Purple before their 1984 reunion.

- Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) - Deepest Purple (French Release)
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TEAZE - ONE NIGHT STANDS (1979, USA)

TEAZE - One Night Stands (1979, USA) "Teaze: One Night Stands" lights up the stage in its USA Release 12" LP Vinyl Album, marking the band's fourth album and their breakthrough in the United States. With an electrifying mix of rock and glam, this album captures Teaze at their peak. "One Night Stand" not only solidifies Teaze's musical prowess but also introduces their infectious sound to American audiences, making it a pivotal release in the band's discography.

SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (UK) album front cover
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (International Releases)

The album cover of "Lovedrive" has often featured in 'worst album covers ever' lists, this bizarre sleeve was replaced in some countries with a more sensible black sleeve featuring a blue scorpion. The album's artwork was named "Best album sleeve of 1979″ by Playboy magazine.

Lovedrive (UK) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (Original Album Cover) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (FAME) 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail Of  AXE - Living on the Edge ( 12" LP ) album front cover
AXE - Living on the Edge ( 12" LP )

"Living on the Edge" is the second full length album by the American Hard Rock band "AXE". It is their last album recorded and released on MCA records.In addition this is the last album with the original Babyface, Alien, Axe, as this is the final album with Michael Turpin.

VIRGIN STEELE – Self-Titled album front cover vinyl record
VIRGIN STEELE – Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP

Virgin Steele's eponymous 1982 debut album, released on 12" Vinyl LP (MFN 1) via Music For Nations, captivates with a diverse sonic journey. From the electrifying "Danger Zone" to the anthemic "Dead End Kids" and the heartfelt ballad "Still In Love With You," the record showcases the band's raw power and musical versatility, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.