poison

The genre was more than hits and filler.

They were defined by their tireless work ethic and defiant attitude.

The label originated as a pejorative, but the subgenre still has its undisputed tentpole bands.

Many of the scene's biggest bands caught lightning in a bottle on their first try.

Breaking down the most collected albums from Metallica, Judas Priest, Def Leppard and other big metal acts from the 1980s.

The band's negative experience would later have a silver lining.

There's way more substance here than haters would lead you to believe.

The genre's best bands had a penchant for reinvention — making this list especially difficult.

Band will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of their debut album.

Big hair. Bigger hooks.

The subgenre packed a harder punch than its detractors were willing to admit.

Drummer Rikki Rockett recalls what the band did in response.