Before grunge wiped off the makeup and mainstream critics dismissed theatrical metal as style over substance, Lizzy Borden dropped one of the most ambitious—and overlooked—albums of the 1980s. Released in 1989, Master of Disguiseblended glam metal, power ballads, orchestral flourishes, and horror-movie aesthetics into a concept record that was equal parts rock opera and emotional purge.

In this episode, we dig deep into how Master of Disguise pushed past genre expectations and created a space where the freaks, misfits, and dreamers could feel seen. From its reported inspiration from The Lost Boys to its cinematic flourishes (yes, there’s a harp solo), this is more than a metal album—it’s an outsider anthem dressed in velvet and menace.

We talk about the band’s theatrical evolution, the emotional undercurrents buried beneath the makeup, and how this album fits into the lineage of concept records by artists like Alice Cooper, Queensrÿche, and Iron Maiden. If you’re into Operation: Mindcrime, Welcome to My Nightmare, or The Crimson Idol, you’ll want to listen all the way through.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 – [Intro] – A dramatic beginning: setting the stage for Lizzy Borden’s forgotten epic• 5:12 – Theatrical Metal as Catharsis – What glam and concept albums gave us that grunge never could• 12:34 – “Be One of Us” – How this eerie anthem channels The Lost Boys and vampire glam mythology• 18:50 – Production & Personnel – Horns, strings, and harp: the unexpected elements that elevate the album• 25:47 – Lizzy’s Vocal Personas – The shapeshifting voice that channels Dickinson, Rose, and Bowie• 33:02 – “Waiting in the Wings” – Vulnerability behind the mask in one of the album’s emotional standouts• 39:15 – Legacy & Influence – Why Master of Disguise deserves a seat at the concept album table• 45:20 – Final Verdicts – Is this a cult classic, a theatrical misfire, or something more complex?

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Before “Close My Eyes Forever” lit up the charts, before Headbanger’s Ball turned her into a fixture, Lita Ford was already a rock warrior—grinding through the scene, guitar in hand, defying expectations. In this episode, we dig into Lita(1988), the album that wasn’t just a comeback—it was a recalibration of what a woman in hard rock could sound like, look like, and fight for.

We explore how Ford’s solo career almost stalled out before a four-year gap led to her biggest moment yet. With Ozzy Osbourne on the mic, Lemmy and Nikki Sixx in the writing credits, and Sharon Osbourne pulling the strings, Lita fused glam metal polish with raw attitude. From cassette-era mall culture to late-night studio accidents that became iconic power ballads, this record is equal parts glitter and grit.

If you love Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Vixen, or the hard-edged side of 80s metal, this episode will hit all the sweet spots.

🎙 Episode Highlights

• 0:00 – "Back to the Cave" – How the album’s opener signals Ford’s return and reinvention• 6:45 – Lita's four-year gap – What stalled her momentum and how Lita flipped the script• 13:20 – "Close My Eyes Forever" – From Ozzy jam session to iconic duet• 21:05 – Production polish vs. hard rock grit – The album’s sonic tension and pop-metal crossover• 30:10 – Nikki Sixx and the untapped pop side – A glimpse into the album that could’ve been• 37:55 – Legacy check – Why Lita still matters in the history of glam, metal, and MTV-era rock

Subscribe now and revisit the album that gave the glam metal boys a run for their Aquanet. 🎧

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What happens when a band ditches thrash just as it goes mainstream… and dives headfirst into French poetry, industrial noise, and orchestral arrangements? You get Into the Pandemonium by Celtic Frost, a boundary-shattering 1987 album that still divides, bewilders, and inspires.

In this episode, we dig deep into this genre-defying masterpiece that blurred the lines between black metal, gothic atmospheres, and avant-garde experimentation. Was it ahead of its time or just too weird to work? Either way, it’s unforgettable.

We explore the album’s fascinating backstory—from label resistance and chart failure to its underground cult status and lasting influence on extreme music. Along the way, we unpack everything from Baudelaire lyrics and Bosch album art to dive-bomb guitar solos and operatic vocals. If you’re into the darker corners of 80s metal or love when bands break all the rules, this one’s for you.

If you’re a fan of Ministry, Bauhaus, Slayer, or the experimental side of Metallica, hit play.

🔍 Episode Highlights

• 0:00 – Intro music – Why Into the Pandemonium is unlike any metal album from the 1980s• 5:57 – From Zurich to the underground – Celtic Frost’s chaotic path to cult legend status• 10:06 – Label friction – How Noise Records hated the record and refused to promote it• 14:36 – “Mexican Radio” – The controversial cover that opens the album on a strange note• 16:15 – Strings, chanting & French vocals – The bold sonic turns that confused fans• 20:01 – Thrash roots meet goth experimentation – Influences from Slayer to Baudelaire• 26:30 – What’s working: track highlights, including “Babylon Fell” and “I Won’t Dance”• 35:00 – What didn’t work: sequencing issues, divisive vocals, and industrial missteps• 44:00 – Legacy check – Why Celtic Frost influenced everyone from Napalm Death to Dave Grohl• 50:33 – Final verdicts: Is it a better EP, a classic album, or just a chaotic curiosity?

📢 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode if you love uncovering the strange, daring, and totally unforgettable corners of rock and metal history.

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What if one of punk rock’s most essential records wasn’t born in London or New York—but in a repressive corner of 1970s Australia? In this episode, we dive into I’m Stranded, the ferocious, lo-fi debut from Brisbane’s own The Saints—a band that burned bright before punk even knew what it was supposed to sound like.

Recorded in just two days with cranked amps, no overdubs, and a heavy dose of youth rebellion, I’m Stranded delivers raw power with surprising musical depth. The Saints weren’t copying anyone—they couldn’t. Isolated from punk’s UK and US scenes, they built something unique: a mix of garage rock swing, proto-punk energy, and rock 'n' roll heart that would go on to influence everyone from Kurt Cobain to Mark Lanegan.

This episode unpacks the album’s explosive origins, its unexpected impact overseas, and how the band’s refusal to conform—musically or stylistically—helped set a new standard for underground music. We also explore its enduring influence on punk, garage, grunge, and beyond.

If you dig bands like The Stooges, The Damned, Radio Birdman, Nirvana, or The Hives, you’ll want to hear this one.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 – Intro track – Setting the scene: Brisbane in the 1970s and the birth of I’m Stranded• 2:30 – Police vans, DIY labels, and “Pig City” – The political tension that fueled The Saints' sound• 6:18 – The Saints vs. punk fashion – Why the band rejected industry makeovers and stayed true to themselves• 10:44 – "(I’m) Stranded" – Dissecting the title track's sneer, groove, and timeless rage• 15:00 – “Messin’ with the Kid” – Stones vibes meet Aussie grit in a proto-grunge ballad• 20:35 – Covers and deep cuts – From Elvis to New Zealand garage rock: the Saints' unlikely influences• 25:50 – Ahead of their time – How this 1977 album sounds like it could’ve dropped in 1998• 30:45 – The Saints’ legacy – From Bob Geldof’s praise to their influence on Nirvana and Seattle’s scene

Crank it up and join us as we rediscover I’m Stranded—a chaotic, soulful, and essential artifact in punk rock history.

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Don’t forget to rate and review—your support helps us keep digging up the lost classics that deserve your ears.

Before glam exploded and metal ruled MTV, one album tried to bridge the shred-heavy brilliance of Europe with the big-hook ambitions of American rock radio—only to be lost in the chaos of lineup changes and flashing lights. Literally.

In this episode, we rediscover Assault Attack by the Michael Schenker Group—a cult classic released in 1982 that had everything going for it: a legendary guitarist, a powerhouse vocalist, and production by Martin Birch. So why didn’t it break through?

We dig into the story behind the album’s creation, from the fallout after One Night at Budokan to the last-minute firing of Graham Bonnet before the band could tour. Along the way, we explore what makes Assault Attack stand out musically—from Schenker’s melodic riffing to the underrated grooves laid down by bassist Chris Glen and drummer Ted McKenna.

This episode is for fans of underappreciated hard rock, for those who love when bands sound like bands (not just guitar showcases), and for anyone who’s ever found a hidden gem in the cassette bin and wondered how it got there. If you’re into Rainbow, UFO, or even Iron Maiden’s deeper cuts, this one’s got something for you.

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 – [Intro: “Assault Attack”] – The mystery of a great album no one saw live• 5:12 – [Band History] – How MSG went from Budokan to Bonnet• 12:45 – [Album Overview] – Birch’s production magic and the shift in sound• 21:30 – [“Desert Song”] – A haunting riff and vocal synergy• 29:00 – [“Broken Promises”] – The secret star: Chris Glen’s bass lines• 34:20 – [“Dancer”] – Big hooks, goofy lyrics, and Bonnet’s vocal drama• 42:00 – [Legacy & What-Ifs] – What could’ve been with Coverdale or a proper tour• 48:10 – [Community Pick] – How one vote brought this album into the spotlight

Don’t Miss Out

Dig deeper into forgotten albums and the stories that shaped them. Listen to the full episode now, and if you want to have a say in what we cover next:

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High and Dry: Def Leppard’s Gateway from NWOBHM to Arena Rock Kings

Before Hysteria took over MTV and Pyromania lit up the charts, Def Leppard were loud, raw, and hungry. Their 1981 album, High and Dry, was the crucial turning point—bridging the grit of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) with the polished, hook-laden sound that would dominate ‘80s rock radio. But does it get the recognition it deserves?

This week, we go deep into Def Leppard’s unsung classic—breaking down the ferocious dual-guitar attack, the emergence of the power ballad, and why this album is the missing link between underground metal and stadium rock dominance.

If you love AC/DC, Scorpions, Van Halen, or Judas Priest, this episode is for you.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

0:00 – “Lady Strange” (Intro) – Setting the stage: High and Dry as the transition between NWOBHM and mainstream rock

5:12 – The sound of young, hungry Def Leppard – Raw energy, Mutt Lange’s production, and how the band sharpened their hooks

12:45 – Pete Willis & Steve Clark: The ultimate riff duo? – How their partnership shaped High and Dry’saggressive yet melodic sound

18:49 – “You Got Me Running” – The underrated gem hiding in High and Dry’s deep cuts

21:02 – “Switch 625” – Steve Clark’s defining instrumental moment and its lasting impact on rock guitarists

23:44 – “On Through the Night” – The overlooked link between Def Leppard’s NWOBHM roots and their stadium-filling ambitions

28:12 – “Bringing on the Heartbreak” – The song that rewrote the rules of hard rock ballads (and set the stage for ‘80s power ballads)

29:58 – “High ‘N’ Dry (Saturday Night)” – Def Leppard’s most unapologetic party anthem—was this their Highway to Hell moment?

32:17 – “Bringing on the Heartbreak” (Mariah Carey Cover) – From Sheffield to pop royalty: How this song found an unexpected second life

35:10 – The High and Dry legacy – Where does this album rank among Def Leppard’s best? Did it get overshadowed by Pyromania and Hysteria?

Outro – “Let It Go” – Closing thoughts: Why this album still deserves a front-row seat in hard rock history

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💬 What’s your take on High and Dry? Underrated classic or just a stepping stone? Let us know in the comments!

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From Grand Prix to McAuley Schenker Group (MSG), Survivor, and the hard-hitting supergroup Black Swan, Robin McAuley has spent decades proving why he’s one of the most underrated vocalists in rock. Now, at 72 years old, he’s not slowing down—in fact, he’s getting heavier.

In this episode, we sit down with Robin to discuss his brand-new solo album Soulbound (out Feb 28), his surprise detour into graphic design, and the odds of a Black Swan tour finally happening. We also take a deep dive into his MSG years, the pressure to write radio hits, and what it was like to have The Black Crowes open for him in 1990—before they blew up.

If you’re a fan of Foreigner, Scorpions, Whitesnake, or classic hard rock with killer vocals, this episode is for you.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

0:00 – Intro: “Gimme Your Love”

5:12 – Supergroup that works? – How Black Swan became more than just a label project.

9:51 – “Love Is Not a Game”

10:53 – Soulbound and the sound of 2024 – Why Robin’s newest album is his heaviest yet.

18:50 – The truth about vocal longevity – Robin’s strict regimen that keeps his voice in top shape.

23:05 – That Perfect Timing album cover… – Why Robin never wanted MSG’s name change.

29:18 – The Black Crowes opened for MSG?! – Robin’s reaction when he saw their future coming.

34:26 – The MSG Unplugged Tour – The risk of going acoustic in the early ‘90s.

39:20 – Will Black Swan ever tour? – Reb Beach’s future might hold the answer.

1:05:27 – “Soulbound” – The title track from Robin’s new solo album.

1:10:00 – Outro: “Anytime” – Closing the show with MSG’s biggest hit.

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Our panel of metal experts to break down 1985—the year before metal's big explosion. Was it a golden age or just a transition? Our hosts Tim and Jason are joined by special guests Paul Lefevre (Bang Your Head Substack) and Tom Beaujour (Nothing But a Good Time, Axe Lords Podcast) to explore the records that still rip, the ones that fizzled, and the underground sounds that changed metal forever.

💥 What made 1985 a turning point?💥 Which albums stood the test of time—and which ones haven’t?💥 Why did thrash explode while some hair metal flopped?💥 Who really owned 1985—Dokken, Anthrax, or W.A.S.P.?

🚨 Subscribe & Support the Podcast 🚨🔥 Join the Dig Me Out Union and help shape future episodes → digmeoutpodcast.com

🎧 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] 🎙 Intro & Setting the Stage

[05:00] 🤘 Meet the Guests

[10:30] ⚡ What Made 1985 a Weird Metal Year?

[15:45] 🔥 Albums That Stood the Test of Time

[30:20] 💀 The Albums That Haven’t Aged Well

[45:10] 🎭 The Strange Divide: Hair Metal vs. Thrash

[57:30] 🏴‍☠️ The Underground Awakens

[1:05:00] 🤯 Did 1985 Kill Classic Metal?

[1:15:00] 🤔 Final Picks: What Album Defines 1985?

[1:30:00] 🔗 Where to Find Our Guests & Closing Thoughts

📌 Follow Our Guests & Check Out Their Work

Paul Lefevre

📖 Bang Your Head (Metal Writing) → bangyourhead.substack.com🎮 Go to 10 Retro (Gaming & Tech Nostalgia) → go-to-10-retro.com

Tom Beaujour

📚 Pre-Order Lollapalooza: 1991-1997 → Buy Here🎸 Axelords Podcast (Guitars & Rock Culture) → YouTube Channel🌎 More from Tom → TomBeaujour.com

Ready to uncover a hidden treasure of late 80s metal? In this episode, we take a deep dive into Vain's debut album No Respect—an overlooked gem from the glam metal scene’s final years. Hear how the San Francisco band crafted a raw, dark take on glam with thrash and punk influences, setting them apart from the Sunset Strip's neon excess. We’ll explore the album’s dynamic guitar work, Davey Vain’s emotionally charged vocals, and the industry challenges that kept them under the radar. Discover why No Respect still holds up decades later. Don’t miss it—listen now, share with a friend, and subscribe for more stories from rock’s hidden history.

In this special crossover episode, we’re spotlighting Buffalo’s 1973 Volcanic Rock—a raw, proto-metal gem that helped shape the sound of 80s Metal and 90s Rock. With primal riffs and fearless energy, Buffalo laid the groundwork for the heaviness embraced by bands like Metallica and Soundgarden.

Picture it: the airwaves dominated by Dark Side of the Moon, Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy, and Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Rock was entering its teenage years, shedding its innocence for something darker, more primal. Halfway around the world, Australia was a raw, untamed frontier where danger lurked in every shadow. Venomous creatures, desolate outback stretches, and a wild, unrelenting spirit shaped the people and their art. It was here, in this harsh and unpredictable landscape, that Buffalo unleashed their sophomore album, Volcanic Rock, on Vertigo Records. Like the searing sun, it scorched a path for heavy music, standing defiantly alongside its better-known contemporaries.

Buffalo was no Zeppelin or Sabbath knockoff. This Brisbane-to-Sydney transplant created their own blend of bluesy grit and proto-metal menace. Formed initially as “Head,” their pivot to Buffalo was guided by a manager who believed that bands starting with “B” (Beatles, Beach Boys) were bound for success. A dart on a map landed on Buffalo, and thus began a name and sound etched in volcanic fury.

Heavy as Hell, Raw as the Outback

Volcanic Rock lived up to its name—primitive, thunderous, and unpredictable. With Dave Tice’s raw vocal delivery leading the charge, and guitarist John Baxter’s primal riffage painting sonic landscapes, the album combined blues-rock roots with a proto-doom intensity that felt otherworldly. Songs like “Freedom” deliver nine-minute odysseys, meandering through psychedelic jam territory before crashing back into riff-laden crescendos.

Yet, the record wasn’t just music—it was spectacle. Its controversial cover art—a volcano shaped like a female torso spewing lava—reflected the wild creativity and raw edge of the band’s ethos. It was shocking then and remains iconic now, an image as bold as the sound within.

Misfits in a Golden Age

Despite their innovative sound, Buffalo never quite broke through. Opening for heavyweights like Black Sabbath and Rainbow, they faced the mischief of tour mates like Ritchie Blackmore, who infamously sabotaged their set. Still, they soldiered on, creating an album that influenced generations of grunge, stoner rock, and doom metal—long before the labels existed.

But Buffalo’s story is also one of commercial failure and creative frustration. Pushed by their label to pivot toward radio-friendly fare, they resisted, choosing instead to blaze their own trail. By the time their final album, Average Rock ’n’ Roller, hit shelves in 1977, the band was running on fumes. Yet, Volcanic Rock remains their defining statement, a timeless blueprint for heavy rock adventurers.

The Legacy: Why Volcanic Rock Still Matters

So why revisit Volcanic Rock in 2025? Because it’s an artifact of pure, unadulterated rock energy—a raw, imperfect gem that prefigures everything from Kyuss to Queens of the Stone Age. Its primal simplicity, coupled with its audacious ambition, captures the essence of a time when rock was still dangerous.

Want to know more? Dive into the latest episode of the Dig Me Out podcast, where we explore Buffalo’s story in greater detail. From the album’s creation to its lasting influence, it’s an in-depth discussion you won’t want to miss. Stream Volcanic Rock, then tune in to our episode to join the conversation and rediscover the molten core of 70s hard rock.

Songs in this Episode:

* Intro - Intro: Pound of Flesh

* 22:21 - The Prophet

* 28:28 - Freedom

* 32:01 - Shylock

* 52:44 - Sunrise (Come My Way) - Dave Tice's Buffalo Revisited

* Outro - 'Til My Death

Make Your Voice Heard!

In our quest to explore the depths of 80s metal we rely on you, our listeners. Your suggestions drive our show – be it an underrated classic or a forgotten gem. By joining our DMO Union on Patreon, you help us stay independent and ad-free and gain the power to vote on and choose the albums we dive into each year. Let's unearth the treasures of 80s Metal, one listener-powered episode at a time.

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