It is famous for "shedding light" on bands such as The Obsessed, Trouble, Overkill, Metal Church, Metallica, Slayer, Virgin Steele, Hellhammer, Voivod, Armored Saint, Lizzy Borden, Possessed and more.

Black 'n Blue's "Chains Around Heaven" replaced Steeler's "Cold Day in Hell", which was the first track on the original version of the compilation.

Version 2 with Dave Mustaine alone on lead guitar (and Ron McGovney on bass) is the same as that included in the No Life Til Leather demo (July 1982).

Ratt's "Tell the World" was omitted on subsequent pressings, starting with Metal Blade's 1984 re-issue.

The 40th anniversary reissue of the album includes "Cold Day in Hell", "Chains Around Heaven" and "Tell the World", along with version 2 of "Hit the Lights".