Metal School

Everyone knows The Final Countdown, but how much do you know about the band who played the song? Find out how Swedish hard rock group, Europe, went from winning a televised rock band competition in Sweden to becoming one of the biggest hair metal bands in the world, just in time for grunge to take over. Discover what Joey Tempest did in the 90s and what made Europe get back together in 2003 plus lots more!

Skid Row showed up out of nowhere in the late 80s with electric anthem rock like "Youth Gone Wild" and soaring power ballads like "I Remember You". But where did they come from? And where did they go? Join me as I take a look at Skid Row's history from the band's first demo with Matt Fallon on vocals, to how they found Sebastian Bach and took the metal scene by storm.

Cinderella had two major hits in the late 80s with Nobody's Fool and Don't Know What You Got (Til it's Gone) but there's more to this Philadelphia metal band than just big hair and power ballads. Take a look at the beginnings of Cinderella and its frontman Tom Keifer, and find out why their second album, Long Cold Winter, is a perfect blend of metal and blues rock.

You can't discuss over-the-top macho power metal without including Manowar, THE over-the-top macho power metal band. Known for having some of the most loyal fans in metal (and staunchest detractors), Manowar is, if nothing else, unapologetically Manowar. Come along as we go from the meeting of Joey DeMaio and Ross the Boss all the way through Manowar's 11th album and everything in between on another episode of Metal School.

Pirate metal has become it's own subgenre with several bands falling into the category, but there was one band that was swashbuckling and plundering for booty before all others, even before 1987 when they released the first pirate themed metal album, Under Jolly Roger. So weigh anchor and hoist the sails, me buckos, as we take a look at the life and albums of the very first pirate metal band, Running Wild.

Whether you're just starting to explore obscure 80s heavy metal bands, or you're looking for something new to listen to, the best way to start is with some awesome bands that only released one album! Here are five of my personal favorites in no particular order (Crystal Knight/Fortuner/Allied Forces/Axe Victims/Adrian)

It's 1982 in Los Angeles, California and the LA heavy metal scene is about to explode. Major labels are signing all the hot local metal acts like Quiet Riot, Motley Crue, Dokken, and Sound Barrier. While other bands would become national superstars, Sound Barrier somehow got left behind despite excellent tracks with funk and r&b elements expertly mixed in. Grab your headphones and settle in as we check out this awesome LA metal band and take a look at their too short discography.

There were so many shred guitarists in the late-80s that some were bound to get overlooked. Today we look at Guy Mann-Dude, a master shredder with two albums, the fun and energetic Sleight of Hand (1989), and the more aggressive Mannic Distortion (1991). Check out Guy's music video for the thrash Rolling Stones cover 'Paint It Black', his connection to Wes Craven's Shocker with the metal supergroup Dudes of Wrath, and how he got a hit single in Czechoslovakia!

Underrated and often overlooked, Armored Saint is an LA metal band that deserves more attention than they get. After putting out a great self-titled EP on Metal Blade Records, the band signed with Chrysalis Records, a label that unfortunately didn't know how to market a metal band. Still, Armored Saint powered through and put out some great classic metal albums until they finally reunited with Metal Blade for their masterpiece Symbol of Salvation.

Despite a catalogue of great to excellent albums across the past four decades, Riot is a criminally underrated hard rock/metal band from New York that was truly ahead of its time. Guitarist Mark Reale led the group through a variety of lineups and phases but each one of them deserves much closer attention. From the 70s hard rock grooves of Guy Sparanza and bluesy growl of Rhett Forrester to the soaring operatic power metal stylings of Tony Moore, Mike DiMeo, and Todd Michael Hall, this is a band that every heavy metal and hard rock fan should dig into. Get your ears ready for Riot.

Generally considered to be the most successful all-female metal band of the 80s, Vixen is still a band that wasn't around long and isn't talked about much today. Still, they're a milestone for women in hard rock and despite dubious record labels, frequent skepticism of their musical skills, and a lawsuit over the band name, Vixen still managed to make an impact on the metal scene.

Formed in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1977, hard rock band Kix are best known for the power ballad "Don't Close Your Eyes" but they deserve way more attention than they get for their high-energy, high-tempo metal and rock songs of the mid- to late-80s. Mismanaged by Atlantic Records, Kix would run into financial problems as well as creative differences within the band before grunge would take over in the early 90s. Check it all out as we go through the life and times of a truly underrated band!

Formed in 1981 and releasing their first album in 1984, Stormwitch were at the forefront of German heavy metal, pairing blistering solos with extremely catchy melodies and the soaring vocals of Andy Aldrian. While they might not have made a huge impact on the US market, Stormwitch found their own fanbase with a look and sound that managed to blend classically inspired European power metal with catchy western pop. Known as the Masters of Black Romantic by their fans, Stormwitch have released 11 albums with the most recent, Bound to the Witch, out in 2018. I take a look at all of them and do my best to tell the Stormwitch story without any English language interview footage available. Much thanks to my German metal brother, Ingo, for all of his help with this one!

Between Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson, there was Lizzy Borden. Often mislabeled as glam metal, Lizzy Borden actually spent the 80s putting out consistently badass power metal albums with catchy melodic riffs. The band was fronted by the vocalist of the same name who, along with his brother and drummer, Joey Scott, would be the only mainstays across all 7 (so far) albums. Still, there's no denying the guitarists involved also deserve a ton of credit, especially Mike Davis on bass, and guitarists, Tony Matuzak, Gene Allen, and Alex Nelson. Settle in and check out the history of Lizzy Borden and find out why this LA-based heavy metal band deserves another listen.

Formed in the UK in 1979, Cloven Hoof is an often overlooked band with some tremendous albums. Despite frequently shifting members, contractual issues, and early recording problems, bassist Lee Payne has managed to keep Cloven Hoof together in some form with their most recent album, Age of Steel, released in April 2020. They've gone through some different sounds and some very different looks but this is a band worth checking out whether this is your first time hearing of Cloven Hoof or if you just haven't heard any of their newer material. I overanalyze it all here so check it out and let me know what you think of Cloven Hoof!

Aria have been around since 1985 and have become the biggest heavy metal band in Russia. Growing the foundation of their fanbase under the restrictions of the Soviet Union, and then developing it during the difficult economic times following the collapse of the USSR, Aria has managed to consistently put out outstanding power metal albums despite major hurdles. While they have been dubbed the Russian Iron Maiden, Aria's sound has many influences from Maiden and Judas Priest to Helloween and Black Sabbath but with a distinctive Russian flavor.

Not all great metal bands have twenty studio albums in their discography, and sometimes talented groups don't get the national attention they deserve. This time we're looking at '80s metal bands from across the United States with one official full-length album that still holds up today. If you're looking for some fun and heavy LPs you probably haven't heard before, join me as I go through a few personal favorites (Gargoyle/Assassin/Black Death/Cities/Commander).

Formed in 1982, Dutch metal band Martyr have been around for almost 40 years. After releasing a few demo tapes in the Netherlands, Martyr put out two back to back albums that are both pure metal. Aside from being catchy as hell, they stand out even more for their unique melodies, riffs and song structure for the time. The debut album, For the Universe, is still a classic, and the follow-up, Darkness at Time's Edge, is arguably even better. Martyr broke up in 1987 but have been back together since 2005 with an updated but still , creative sound. But you'll just have to check them out for yourself! Join me as I take a look at the history of the legendary Dutch metal band, Martyr!

As one of the big LA metal bands along with Quiet Riot and Motley Crue, Ratt had a run of four platinum albums in the '80s, before succumbing to pretty much every '80s metal cliche out there. But this video is mainly about the music, the albums, and the videos (as much as possible anyway) and taking a look at a band that is absolutely more than the sum of its parts. With the main lineup of Stephen Pearcy, Robbin Crosby, Warren DeMartini, Juan Croucier, and Bobby Blotzer, Ratt would reach international headliner status and crank out more great songs than you might expect or remember. Check it out and let me know what your favorite Ratt tracks are!

Started in 1981 in Osaka, Loudness has become one of the biggest heavy metal bands in Japan. In 1985, they became the first Japanese metal band signed to a major American label with Thunder in the East and the single Crazy Nights. But meddling record companies and concern over the bands image would lead to their success in America being all too brief. This has been the most requested band since I started this channel and even though there are a staggering 27 Loudness albums to go through, it was a blast discovering their music. I hope you have a blast discovering them too and the awesome guitar skills of Akira Takasaki.

Formed in Sarasota, Florida, Crimson Glory put out two outstanding progressive metal albums in the mid-'80s that are a must hear for any metalhead. During a time when metal bands were everywhere, Crimson Glory stood out with the unique idea of wearing full face masks. But what really grabbed fans was the combination of outstanding guitar work and the amazing voice of lead vocalist, Midnight. Join me as I take a look at the history of this often overlooked band, including all four of their albums, and also the band's talented but troubled frontman.

Originally formed in 1979 as Schoolboys, the Arizona metal group eventually known as Icon isn't one that comes up a lot in conversation. Even though they have two highly regarded '80s albums, they still get overlooked in part because of touring and promotion. An untimely departure of singer Stephen Clifford would also lead to their second album, Night of the Crime, losing traction before it even got started. However, with much of the original lineup playing together again (including Stephen), it seemed like a good time to take another look at this awesome band. This is a short one but I think you'll like what you hear. Come check it out!

French metal band Sortilege was originally formed in 1980. They wouldn't be together very long overall but would release two albums in the mid-80s that showcase some excellent French metal. The awesome musicianship and outstanding vocals apparently couldn't help Sortilege break into the US, despite recording English versions of their albums. Sortilege broke up in 1986 but vocalist Christian "Zouille" Augustine has put together a new lineup as of 2020, with new material on the way!

Doro Pesch is known by her fans as the Metal Queen and it's hard to think of anyone more deserving of the title. She started out as the lead singer of German metal band Warlock in 1982 and is now closing in on 40 years as a rock icon. Resilient and passionate about heavy metal, Doro refused to give up even after losing the rights to the name Warlock. Continuing on as simply Doro, she has continued to build a fanbase around the world with heavy anthems and soulful ballads. Join me as I take a look through Doro's history with Warlock, her solo career and all of her albums (yes, even the '90s ones). Spoiler: She's still awesome and might have more cool tracks than you think. Kick back, put on some headphones, and take a listen to the one and only Doro.

Tragically underrated, this Tampa-based power metal band has outstanding 80s power metal albums before heading into a more theatrical style. And they also became Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Originally from Newcastle, England, and formed in 1974, Raven has been jumping around on stage since before it was cool. Widely considered to be an early influence on thrash metal, Raven took that energy and speed and combined it with catchy hooks, compelling songwriting, and creative guitar solos. While their early albums are absolutely required listening for anyone into fast melodic metal, Raven is still putting out heavy, catchy albums today. If you're unfamiliar with these often overlooked NWOBHM legends, buckle in and get ready to rock until you drop as we delve into their history and awesome albums.

Warrant, from Hollywood, California, may have made it big on the glam metal stage at the worst possible time: the tail end. Even mega-hits like "Heaven" and "Cherry Pie" couldn't stop the oncoming grunge scene, and the early '90s swept Warrant under the rug. However, singer and songwriter Jani Lane, guitarists Erik Turner and Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon, and drummer Steven Sweet continued to make music and attempted to maintain a foothold in the changing musical landscape. Come along as we explore the albums and history of Warrant and as well as the band's rocky relationship with Jani. If you're like me, you may just discover some great Warrant tracks you never knew about. And if nothing else, we'll at least have fun checking out some music videos. So put on your headphones and let's listen to some Warrant!

An overview and retrospective of both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. Formed in 1981 from the ashes of Danish hard rock band Brats, Mercyful Fate caught widespread attention with catchy riffs and dark occult imagery. Musical differences would soon cause the band to split again, this time forming King Diamond. Put on some headphones and kick back as we take a deep dive into the history, the albums, and the music of two bands with one of the most recognized frontmen in metal, King Diamond.

Join me as I take a look at the albums, videos and music (and multiple bands!) of Ron Keel. This was a really fun one. Thanks to all who have been asking for Keel!

The history of W.A.S.P. and its magnetically enigmatic founder and frontman, Blackie Lawless.

A look at highly influential yet often overlooked NWOBHM band, Angel Witch.

A look back at Kick Axe, a melodic metal band from Canada that managed to make a dent in the American market, but still never got the recognition they deserved. Kick back as we take a look at the albums, videos, and history of Kick Axe, a fun, yet often overlooked band.

Manilla Road is one of the most influential yet overlooked American heavy metal bands. Even with hard-hitting tracks like Flaming Metal Systems and iconic albums like Crystal Logic, you almost never hear about them. So kick back with some headphones and let's dig into one of my all-time favorite metal bands and epic metal pioneers, Manilla Road.

A look at the history, albums, and music videos of NWOBHM band Grim Reaper. Known for their hit song and music video See You in Hell, and the vocals of lead singer Steve Grimmett, Grim Reaper is definitely worth a revisit. Founding guitarist Nick Bowcott has some sweet solos and the three main Grim Reaper albums have more cool songs on 'em than you might think.

A look at the history, albums, and music videos of Christian heavy metal band, Stryper.

An overview and retrospective of Virgin Steele, a US power metal band that went under the radar while still delivering epic albums.

A look back at Jack Starr's Burning Starr, a New York-based metal band started by guitarist Jack Starr after leaving Virgin Steele in 1984. Join me as I take a look at their albums, music videos, and all the epic power metal tracks from the band over the past few decades, including some awesome recent material. Settle in with some headphones and check out the consistently heavy and melodic discography of Burning Starr, and the versatile solo stylings of Jack Starr.

A retrospective of southern-California based metal band Leatherwolf, formed in 1981. Known for featuring three lead guitarists, unusual for an American metal band at the time, Leatherwolf had all the ingredients for success. However, record labels and odd marketing decisions would get in the way. And with a sound somewhere between thrash and glam, Leatherwolf was caught in the middle. Join me as we review the albums, videos, and history of a tremendous band that is too often overlooked.

Join me as I take a look at five '80s heavy metal bands who only released one EP, plus one who only released a somewhat controversial single. Put on your headphones and study up as we take a deep dive into some obscure yet awesome EPs!

An overview of German power metal band Blind Guardian. Join me as we go from the Lucifer's Heritage demos all the way to their 2022 release, The God Machine, with all the videos and albums in between.

A look back at the tumultuous career of Swiss band, Krokus, including all 17 studio albums, music videos, and more! With multiple lineup changes and style changes, Krokus went through several different phases, including some awesome metal albums. Put on some headphones and join me as we dive into Switzerland's own, Krokus! NOTE - re-uploaded and edited video, episode number is using new release date.

A look back at one of the biggest metal bands to ever come out of Japan. Starting out as simply X, the power metal-thrash band led by drummer Yoshiki has had just as much tragedy as success, and despite their massive influence in their home country, they were never really able to crack the American market. So, let's take a look at their albums, their (many) music videos, and the crazy history of this amazing band.

A look back at Cirith Ungol, a criminally underrated band from Ventura, California. Emerging with a dark, doom-centric sound on their 1981 debut album, Frost & Fire, Cirith Ungol was perhaps a bit ahead of their time and had difficulty breaking in during their initial run. After disbanding in 1991, and being out of the music industry for 25 years, Cirith Ungol would reunite in 2016 and finally get some of their long overdue recognition. If you're unfamiliar with Cirith Ungol, now is the perfect time to get up to speed.

A retrospective on one of the biggest metal bands from Poland. Turbo started off with a more traditional heavy metal style before switching to power/thrash with a side of death metal. They went through a couple different sounds but they are very much worth checking out. So, I hope you kick back and relax as we look at a largely unknown band here in the West, Turbo!

A retrospective on west coast heavy metal band founded by Kurdt Vanderhoof, Metal Church, starting from their early days rocking in Aberdeen, Washington. Join me as I take a look at their entire discography, from their original vocalist David Wayne, through the Mike Howe era and Ronnie Monroe, all the way up to current day with their fourth vocalist, Marc Lopes. This one is a lot of fun. There are tons of interviews and videos and lots of clips of the band. So, throw on some headphones and start studying up on Metal Church!

I've picked out five awesome German heavy metal bands from the ’80s that unfortunately only managed to release one studio album. I can just about guarantee you haven't heard all five of these, so settle in and check 'em out! Believe me, you'll want to stick around through all five. There are some pretty amazing albums here that I'm dying to share with you all.