The Forgotten Gems of Hair Metal: Bands That Should Have Gained More Fame
While hair metal is often remembered for its louder-than-life presence and larger-than-life lyrics, not all bands that fit this genre achieved the fame and popular recognition of the likes of Ratt or M?tley Crüe. This article explores some of the lesser-known hair metal bands that possessed the talent and compositions to rival the best in the genre but, for various reasons, never garnered the same level of fame. We'll showcase Extreme as a prime example, noting their equivalent level of fame to Ratt and their exceptional musical compositions. Additionally, we will provide a brief overview of other hair metal bands that deserve more recognition.
Extreme: The Equivalent Genius of Ratt
Extreme emerged in the mid-1980s and, like Ratt, had a unique blend of hard rock and metal that distinguished them from the typical hair metal act. They rejected the classic hair metal formula and focused more on creating sophisticated and complex tracks that were both catchy and commercially attractive. Their song More Than Words, released in 1989, is a testament to this unique approach. The track stands out for its intricate guitar work and soaring vocals, bringing a level of technical proficiency not often seen in the genre at the time.
Other Underrated Hair Metal Bands
While Extreme deserves recognition, there are several other hair metal bands that should also have garnered more attention. Here, we highlight a few notable acts that, while never achieving mainstream success, produced content of exceptional quality.
Alsophy
Alsophy originated from Los Angeles in 1988 and boasted a unique blend of melodic hair metal and heavier elements. Their music displayed a level of artistic depth and melody that sets them apart. The band's vocalist, Austin Blake Shepherd, has a distinctive and powerful voice that can be heard in their standout track Living Life. The song features a compelling mixture of balladry and electrifying choruses, making it a standout in the hair metal genre.
Machine Head
Machine Head emerged in the later part of the 1980s from San Jose, California. Despite their talent, Machine Head struggled to achieve mainstream success despite delivering some of the finest compositions in the genre. I Don't Know is a prime example of their artistry, featuring tight musicianship and bold lyrical themes that rarely saw the light of day in other hair metal acts. The song showcases a progressive approach while still maintaining an accessible edge, making it a point of fascination for both fans and critics.
Facelift
Facelift was a band that took a different approach to hair metal. Their music combined the energy and musicality of the genre with a far deeper, more mature sound. Albums like Face to Face offer a mix of catchy hard rock tracks and more intricate compositions that reveal the band's musical sophistication. Tracks such as Mad Men demonstrate Facelift's technical skill and emotional depth, setting them apart from the more superficial hair metal acts of the era.
Why Are These Bands Underrated?
The question remains: why did these bands not achieve the same level of recognition as Ratt or Extreme? Several factors contributed to their relative obscurity:
Marketing and Promotion
Marketing and promotion are crucial elements in the music industry, especially for new acts hoping to break through the barriers of mainstream success. Many hair metal bands, including Extreme, faced challenges in securing proper promotion and distribution. Without the backing of major record labels or effective marketing campaigns, their music struggled to reach a broader audience.
Genre Stereotypes
Hair metal, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, was often associated with a certain type of image and sound. While Extreme and many of the bands discussed here were talented, they didn't fully embrace the traditional hair metal aesthetic. This led to a disconnect with some fans and critics who were more interested in the glam and image of the bands rather than the musical composition.
The Legacy of Forgotten Hair Metal Bands
Despite failing to achieve the same level of commercial success, these bands continue to be celebrated by fans and critics who appreciate the musical depth and artistry they brought to the genre. The revival of hair metal in recent years has led to a re-examination of these acts, and there is a growing appreciation for their unique contributions to rock music.
Conclusion
The hair metal genre, while often criticized for its commercial and image-driven traits, has produced many bands with genuinely exceptional musical compositions. While some of these bands, like Ratt and Extreme, achieved mainstream success, others deserve recognition for their unique contributions to the genre. Alsophy, Machine Head, and Facelift are prime examples of bands that, with the right marketing and support, could have achieved greater fame and recognition. Their music continues to inspire and captivate fans, and their legacy serves as a reminder of the diverse and talented roster of acts within the hair metal genre.