I mean I think I know it when I hear it... BIG guitars, choruses, great lead guitar work, attitude, fun, leads guitar work, melodic, bangin... and oh yeah--did I mention good lead guitar work??? ...but a lot of that could sort of apply to a lot of genres of rock and metal...

So, if you had to define "80s metal" in a couple lines.... how would you do it?

AND... of the following bands...which ones ARE or ARE NOT good examples of 80s metal...

Van Halen
Iron Maiden
Kiss
Judas Priest
Stryper
AC/DC
Metalica
Others?????

LET THE OPINIONS FLY!!!!!!!

First of all, 80's metal was melodic. There weren't many progressive bands back then, and when people think of the term "80's Metal"; they're thinking of melodic metal.

Second, a hook. 80's Metal had hooks and bands today trying for that style all know that a hook is essential. The bands where a lead singer sang a chorus solo, with no BGV's, were few and far between. Meanwhile, bands with BGV's, such as Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, and even Guns & Roses ruled the scene with great hooks.

Lastly, Brad, you're right on...the lead guitar solo and preferably, solo fills. When I consider a Christian example of 80's Metal - Whitecross - their music was full of solos from Rex, but also solo fills. The best example of this ever, Christian or secular, would be Dokken's Back For The Attack.

To me, its all about the music. I couldn't care less for the attitude, lifestyle, etc. That's all meaningless. 80's Metal is defined by being melodic, having hooks (the bigger the better) and lead guitar solos (the more the better).

Amen!!!! Well stated FOJ:!:


THE MORE GUITAR SOLOS/FILLS THE BETTER

It is metal made in the 80's

And IMO, all those bands you listed qualify, with the possible exception of AC/DC. I remember having a discussion with a friend back in the 80's on whether AC/DC was metal or hard rock.

Yeh, ya know, when I listed AC/DC I thought... hmmm, this one could go either way... I think they probably think of themselves a "rock band"... and that's probably right... but no metal fan would complain if they were on the bill with any other "metal" band!

One other thing about 80's metal...FOR ME, it always included BIG DRUMS! You know, those way over-produced MONSTERS on albums like Whitecross' s/t, Shout's two 80's albums, Def Leppard's albums, etc.

I know a lot of people are turned off by those drums, but they also epitomize 80's metal for me.

Yep... BOOM! BOOM! BIG DRUMS... like, "I love it loud" (Kiss) ... cool stuff!