Dokken

A band whose albums I can listen to non-stop is Dokken. I like their 'Back for the Attack' album loaded with catchy rockers and some blazing melodramatic chords from guitarist George Lynch.
'Back for the Attack' is my choice for one of the best metal albums.

I feel George Lynch was the one who made fans flocking to a Dokken concert. Check this George Lynch video and see how great a guitarist he is. Lynch left Dokken in 1988 due to differences with lead vocalist Don Dokken and formed his own band 'Lynch Mob'. In 1993, Lynch released his first solo album, Sacred Groove, and rejoined Don Dokken in 11 and left again.

Dokken's current line-up is Don Dokken – Vocals Jon Levin – Guitar (ex-Warlock) Barry Sparks – Bass (ex-Ted Nugent and Yngwie Malmsteen) Mick Brown – Drums (ex-Xciter) .

Explode with Yngwie Malmsteen

Malmsteen's (born Lars Johann Yngve Lannerbäck Malmsteen, June 30, 1963) albums are packed with explosions of guitar driven creativy. He has that amazing speed, classical style riffs and chords. His website says "The day Jimi Hendrix died, the guitar-playing Yngwie was born".

Biggest influence was 19th-century violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini alon with other guitar gods. VH1 says his style is Baroque, gothic and lightning-fast arpeggiated solos. Just listen to 'Rising Force' album to feel the true force of this most accomplished guitarist of our times.

Malmsteen, who was brought to USA by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, had a brief stint with Steeler and Alcatrazz that culminated in his own band 'The Rising Force'. This album featured his long time friend Jens Johansson on the keyboards.

Malmsteen's current line-up has Doogie White - Vocals, Derek Sherinian - Keyboards, Mick Cervino - Bass, Patrik Johansson - Drums.

Rock with DIO

Every metal fan must have Dio in their collection. Without DIO, the history of heavy metal will be incomplete and ridiculous.

DIO created classic metal albums with thundering vocals, blazing guitars by Vivian Campbell (I don't know why he is sticking with Def Leppard). From the all time classic 'Holy Diver' to the latest DIO is just DIO.


DIO currently is Ronnie James Dio - vocals
Craig Goldy - guitars (Ex-Giuffria)
Rudy Sarzo - bass
Scott Warren - keyboards
Simon Wright - drums

DIO debuted with Holy Diver and the line up was
Ronnie James Dio
Vivian Campbell (ex-Sweet Savage)
Jimmy Bain (ex-Black Sabbath)
Vinny Appice (Brother of Carmine Appice)

Saxon

Saxon is British heavy metal band, often compared to Iron Maiden. They were the quintessential five-piece metal band and leaders of New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). I must concede that those who have not yet heard Saxon’s albums have not heard metal at all. All their albums were classic stuff with great vocals and classic guitar work. You will not find such consistent bands in today’s two-album wonders. Saxon still tours regularly and you will unfortunately miss them in today’s music channels meant for hyping eye candy music. Saxon was that popular in the USA market, but every metal fan knows what Saxon is.

Saxon’s first album featured this line-up
Peter ‘Biff’ Byford – Vocals
Paul Quinn - Guitars
Graham Oliver - Guitars
Steve Dawson - Bass
Pete Gill – Drums

Gill was replaced by Nigel Glockler in 1981. Dawson came in for Paul Johnson, who left in 1986. Nibbs carter replaced Johnson in 1988 and Oliver departed in 1995. Replaced by Doug Scarratt. When Glockler's departed, German Fritz Randow replaced him till 2004. Ex-Stratovarius member Jörg Michael replaced Randow.

Saxon still rocks!