I think that is debatable---Their were some excellent gems from the 80's: Sweet Child of Mine by Guns-N-Roses is just one of many masterpieces of the 80's era that comes up in my mind..8-]]
If It wasn't for the 80's metal there would be no new metal. You always have to remember who paved the way and pay homage to them. The 80's are my wheelhouse but, I have to remember that Black Sabbath, Budgie and, a few others were responsible for the metal sound.