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This genre characterizes the use of thumping fast basslines, fast, but less heavy riffs, extended lead guitar solos, high pitched vocals and anthemic choruses. Often, this is the earliest form of real metal (ie after Roots Of Metal artistes like Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple) Artistes include Iron Maiden, Saxon, Dokken, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot, Europe and others. It shouldn't be confused with Roots Of Metal genre. This genre boomed in the early to mid 80s, when NWOBHM fizzled out, till when Hair metal came in.
Although, it lasted only for a short time, Classic Metal bands enjoyed a lot of commercial success all over the world. The figures say it all. Iron Maiden sold in excess of 58 million albums during the 80s, Dokken sold more than 16 million in US alone. Europe's landmark album 'The Final Countdown' sold over 7 million copies in the States, while Scorpions and Judas Priest sold out big arenas around the world.
Classic Metal influenced a lot of later Metal genres, including Hair Metal, Thrash, Power Metal and others. Although these bands were less heavier than Thrash and Death Metal bands like Metallica, Anthrax, Morbid Angel etc., the sheer classicicity and melody put in makes them stand out. Many times referred to as the purest form of Metal, the combination of melody and agression was amazing.
Important Artists
Important Albums
Definitive Classic Metal Anthems
Related Genres
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