This is a timeline documenting the events of heavy metal in the year 1985.

Newly formed bands

Albums & EPs

Disbandments

• Mercyful Fate (reformed in 1992)
• Van Halen (Roth quits band)

Events

• Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid cofounds the Black Rock Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the creative freedom and works of black musicians interested in playing rock music.
• Twisted Sister's Dee Snider testifies at The Parents Music Resource Center Senate hearings on rock censorship at Washington, D.C., on September 19, 1985.
• David Lee Roth releases his solo debut (EP) Crazy from the Heat in January 1985. With it comes the announcement he has permanently left Van Halen.
• Black Sabbath reunites at Live Aid with Ozzy Osbourne.
• Led Zeppelin reunites at Live Aid with Phil Collins replacing deceased drummer John Bonham.
• Kam Lee leaves Death and Chuck Schuldiner becomes the vocalist.
• Uriah Heep's former lead singer, David Byron dies on February 28, due to alcohol complications.
• Welcome to Venice compilation is released, featuring Suicidal Tendencies, Beowulf, and others, showing the growing crossover trend among the Venice Beach hardcore and metal scenes.