Dig Me Out: 70s & 80s Metal

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...

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...

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,...

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 inspiration for this episode came from an unexpected source - none other than Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame. During a brief interview with Chip Midnight , 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 o...

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 a...

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 seasone...

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...

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...

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 secu...

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 al...

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...

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...