In the summer of 1987, the music scene was shifting: the larger-than-life sounds of glam rock and heavy metal were at their peak, and the neon-drenched days of the MTV era were in full swing. Hair metal dominated, with bands like Def Leppard, Whitesnake, and Bon Jovi ruling the charts and radio. Rock fans were riding high on guitar solos, power ballads, and the theatrical spectacle of live shows. Amidst this, a familiar name from a different era, Ace Frehley, the original “Spaceman” of Kiss,...

October 1985: hair was big, riffs were bigger, and rock was veering toward an electrified blend of glam, grit, and decadence. Metalheads and rock fans everywhere were tuning in to MTV, where every week, a new video was promised to capture their attention. This era was when albums weren’t just records; they were statements dripping with attitude and energy. Bands like Quiet Riot, Ratt, and Mötley Crüe were heating the charts, and fans were hungry for high-energy anthems to keep the adrenaline...

April 1989: The world was a strange mix of excess and transition. On one side, the neon-drenched MTV era was still riding high, with hair metal bands like Poison, Motley Crüe, and Def Leppard dominating the charts with their polished, radio-friendly anthems. Power ballads and arena rock were inescapable, and rock fans were tuned in to Bon Jovi and Guns N’ Roses. Yet, beneath the surface, change was brewing. Bands like Jane’s Addiction and Soundgarden were slowly carving out a new, grittier...

In this episode, we dive into the unconventional journey of Riot and their 1990 album The Privilege of Power. As the 80s faded, Riot defied metal norms by blending their power metal roots with jazz horns, progressive influences, and politically charged themes. We explore the band’s turbulent history of lineup changes, bad luck, and the struggle for recognition despite their groundbreaking sound. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the band, this episode unpacks the complex layers of an...

We explore the pivotal 1986 release by Canada’s iconic rock trio, Triumph, as they navigated the evolving landscape of 80s music. Blending their signature guitar-driven sound with radio-friendly synths and melodic hooks, the album reflects the band’s attempt to balance commercial success with their hard rock roots. Dive into the musical experimentation, industry pressures, and how this era-defining record both captivated new listeners and challenged long-time fans.Subscribe to the Podcast...

As the curtain began to fall on the extravagant 80s, the dawn of the 90s brought an undercurrent of change to the music world. In 1990, the air was thick with anticipation—grunge was still bubbling under the surface, and glam metal was clinging to its throne, not yet ready to relinquish its crown. This was a time when bands like Tigertailz were still riding high on the wave of excess and flamboyance that defined the previous decade. Against this backdrop, Tigertailz released Bezerk, a bold...

1990 was a year on the cusp of change. The world was watching as the Berlin Wall fell, signaling the end of an era. In pop culture, we were transitioning from the neon glow of the ’80s into the more grounded and grunge-tinged ’90s. But in the heart of New York City, a different kind of sound was brewing—a sound that captured the raw, untamed energy of the streets. Spread Eagle’s self-titled debut album dropped in 1990, right before the tidal wave of grunge would alter the rock landscape...

Remember the late ’80s when thrash metal was still underground? Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax were solidifying their places as the big four of thrash and “The Black Album” hadn’t propelled the genre to the mainstream yet. Amidst these giants, bands like Paradox were also carving their unique paths with blistering riffs and complex compositions. If you’re the type of metalhead who loves to dig through the crates at your local record store, hoping to stumble upon something you might...

In 1982, the metal scene was rapidly evolving, marked by the raw energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and the nascent thrash movement that would soon explode onto the scene. Within this context, the band Accept from Solingen, West Germany, released their groundbreaking fourth studio album, “Restless and Wild.” This album solidified their place in metal history and bridged the gap between traditional heavy metal and the faster, more aggressive sounds that would come to define...

In the mid-1980s, heavy metal was undergoing a transformative era. The genre, already known for its rebellious spirit and loud, aggressive sound, was embracing a new level of theatricality and spectacle. Bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest had set high bars for both musical prowess and stage performance. Amidst this vibrant scene, a band emerged from the chaos and cacophony of the Los Angeles metal scene, destined to leave a lasting impact: W.A.S.P. 🤘 Stoked we dug up this album? Say...

Let’s rewind to 1988. Metal underwent a massive transformation, with flashy glam metal and its catchy hooks coexisting alongside darker, more intense sounds on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. Enter Glenn Danzig, fresh from his work with Misfits and Samhain, who was about to turn the metal world on its head with his new project. This shift was catalyzed by the involvement of legendary producer Rick Rubin, who signed Danzig to his label, Def American Recordings. Rubin, known for his work with diverse...

Let’s set the stage. It’s 1988. The airwaves are buzzing with the high-octane sounds of Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses, and Bon Jovi. MTV is our go-to for the latest music videos, and hip-hop is making serious waves with N.W.A. and Public Enemy dropping game-changing albums. We’re quoting Die Hard, laughing at Beetlejuice, and tearing up at Rain Man. TV’s got us hooked on Roseanne and The Wonder Years. The Berlin Wall is still up, and the Cold War is real, but there’s a rebellious buzz in the...

The inspiration for this episode came from an unexpected source - none other than Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame. During a brief interview with , Sebastian shared a gem with us, recommending that we explore Malice's debut album. Sebastian is a genuine fan of rock and metal, so we were all excited for a deep dive exploration of a band that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Skid Row and the 80s metal scene. The year was 1985. Metal was at a crossroads, evolving from its British...

In the late 1980s, when hair metal was all the rage and grunge was just a whisper, King's X dropped "Gretchen Goes to Nebraska." Despite not hitting the mainstream heights of some of their peers, they seriously shook up our latest listener poll with this album. Today's episode of Dig Me Out dives into King's X's unique groove, which carved out a niche that straddled the worlds of their metal and alternative contemporaries. Dig Me Out is listener-powered. Suggest an album → We explore how...

In the twilight of the 1980s, a year that marked the end of an era and the dawn of another, a band emerged that would encapsulate the raw energy and spirit of rock's golden years. This band was Badlands, a powerhouse ensemble formed by none other than Jake E. Lee, known for his explosive guitar solos with Ozzy Osbourne. As Lee parted ways with the Prince of Darkness, he gathered a group of seasoned musicians: Ray Gillen, whose commanding vocals could rival the legends; Eric Singer, a drummer...

Faster Pussycat emerged from the wild Sunset Strip scene of the 80s, which gave birth to legendary bands such as Quiet Riot, Van Halen, and Ratt. The band introduced a more intense dose of glam and sleaze, which helped them secure a major label deal alongside their peers Guns N’ Roses and L.A. Guns. Taime Downe, a Seattle native, fronted the band, and their debut album showcased a bluesy, pop-glam sound similar to The Rolling Stones and Hanoi Rocks. This post is public so feel free to share...

This isn't just another record; it's a wild ride through punk's grit and glam rock's glitter, all mashed up in a way only Hanoi Rocks could pull off. Imagine punk's raw energy slamming into glam's flamboyance—that's "Oriental Beat" for you, a genre-bending explosion that set the stage for hair metal to strut its stuff. Dig Me Out is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Diving into "Oriental Beat," you're...

Dig into the captivating yet tumultuous story of Salty Dog, a band that carved out a niche in the 80s metal scene with a sound that defied easy categorization. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles in the late 1980s, Salty Dog was an act that managed to blend the raw energy of hard rock, the soulful depth of blues, and a hint of the emerging grunge movement into their music. Despite securing a deal with the prestigious Geffen Records and releasing their sole album, Every Dog Has Its...

In our latest foray into the electrified terrain of 80s metal, "Dig Me Out" turns the spotlight on an album that encapsulates the era's tumultuous shift from the glitzy heights of hair metal to the gritty dawn of grunge: Bang Tango's "Psycho Cafe." This episode isn't just a deep dive; it's a time machine back to an age where rock music teetered on the edge of a revolution, and Bang Tango danced along that razor's edge with a blend of hard rock, funk, and a hint of goth. "Psycho Cafe" stands...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the revolutionary album "Trilogy" with a discussion about the guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen and his groundbreaking contribution to the neoclassical metal genre. We explore how his unique blend of classical music influences and unparalleled guitar skills reshaped the metal landscape, setting a new standard for guitarists everywhere. During the discussion, we get into the creation of "Trilogy," its standout tracks like "You Don't Remember, I'll Never...

The 80s was a golden age for metal music, defined by its diversity and outrageous spirit. Tesla's 1986 debut, "Mechanical Resonance," stands out as an album encapsulating the era's essence. In this decade, MTV reigned supreme, catapulting metal into the global spotlight. Icons from Iron Maiden to Poison rode this wave, gaining immense popularity through the channel's 24-hour influence. Yet, amidst the glitz and glam that defined the era, Tesla emerged with a distinct blue-collar ethos. The...