For almost two decades, the band has been churning out fist-pumping, anthemic rock with a dose of glam and AOR, easily conjuring up nostalgia for rock’s most notoriously hard-partying decade.
We’ll relive those glorious ’80s music videos in a moment, but first…
What You Need to Know About H.E.A.T.
From: Sweden
First Album: H.E.A.T. (2008)
New Album: Welcome to the Future
earMusic
Formed in 2007, H.E.A.T. initially came up amid a thriving Swedish scene that served as the hotbed for the new school of hair/glam metal and melodic hard rock. Now, with Welcome to the Future representing their eighth album, fans should look at the group as less of a new school band paying homage to the ’80s and more as established veterans who have reliably modernized the sound and style for new generations.
Most importantly, while the lyrical themes are recognizable as a throwback, they don’t sound dated or contrived. Instead, they’re presented with an air of authenticity and loads of fun, a difficult thing to achieve when bridging influences from 40-50 years ago to the present day.
If you love grin-inducing synth melodies, hard-charging riffs and loads of gang vocals, look no further than H.E.A.T.’s music video for the rip-roaring “Disaster” directly below.
H.E.A.T., “Disaster” Music Video
READ MORE: The 11 Best Hair Metal Albums of the Last 25 Years
Welcome to the Future is out on April 25 on earMusic and can be purchased at the band’s website. Follow H.E.A.T. on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
See H.E.A.T.’s picks for five ’80s music video that were the ultimate party below!
5 ’80s Music Videos That Were the Ultimate Party, Chosen by H.E.A.T.
Marcel Karlsson
1. Winger ”Can’t Get Enough”
Dave Dalone (guitar):
A cultural masterpiece in its own sense. The spirit of ’80s American flexing, layered with erotic top notes and captured in four minutes of illegal bass thumping.
Best scene: (0:25) The guy climbing fence.
2. Poison, “Nothin’ But a Good Time”
Don Crash (drums):
The title says it all — this song is a party.
The video starts with a guy working a crappy job before Poison smash through the wall to rescue him with rock ‘n’ roll. It’s an anthem for escaping the daily grind and going all in on the party.
Best scene: (2:08) Bret Michaels throwing a drink into the air while dancing onstage, fully embodying the rockstar dream.
3. Alice Cooper, “Poison”
Jona Tee (keyboards):
The ultimate ’80s hit sits right at the top for me with the video bringing the vibe. Chains, sex, leather and rock ‘n’ roll.
Best scene: (2:03) When the girl adds the poison pill to the glass.
4. Bon Jovi, “You Give Love a Bad Name”
Jimmy Jay (bass):
The video is pure arena rock glory—big hair, leather and a relentless performance that oozes attitude.
Best scene: (1:45) When Jon Bon Jovi points directly at the camera, delivering the line “You give love a bad name” with that signature smirk—pure rockstar charisma.
5. Van Halen, “Dreams”
Kenny Leckremo (vocals):
This is not a band music video per se, but this is one of the best interpretations of a song expressed in video format.
The movement, machinery, color, beauty, action and freedom present here really speaks volumes of what rock n’ roll music is all about.
The 11 Best Hair Metal Albums of the Last 25 Years
Most fans just think of the ’80s when it comes to hair metal, but these 11 albums prove that the 21st century has plenty to offer with new generations of glam bands!
Gallery Credit: Sydney Taylor
Crashdïet, Rest in Sleaze
Universal
Crashdïet, ‘Rest in Sleaze’ (2005)
Sweden’s Crashdïet came crashing (pun intended) onto the scene with their debut album, Rest In Sleaze, and it didn’t take long for them to prove they were a force to be reckoned with. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses – especially in terms of attitude – the album is an explosive blend of hard rock, glam, a little bit of sleaze and plain ol’ debauchery.
On “Riot in Everyone” and “Knokk ‘Em Dead,” the band channels the rebellious spirit of their influences while incorporating a modern, more accessible sound. It’s raw and unapologetic, capturing the nitty gritty feeling of a live show that’s been bottled up and delivered with full force.
Lyrically, Rest In Sleaze is a celebration of all the things that make rock and roll great – excess, rebellion and an unrelenting pursuit of freedom. The album highlights the band’s rather impressive musicianship and proves that hair metal’s spirit can still thrive, even in the 21st century, as Crashdïet continues to breathe new life into the genre.
LISTEN TO CRASHDÏET’S “KNOKK EM DOWN”
Steel Panther, Feel the Steel
Universal
Steel Panther, ‘Feel the Steel’ (2009)
Steel Panther’s debut album, Feel The Steel, is a love letter to the excess, glam and cheeky humor that strongly defined hair metal’s ’80s heyday. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Steel Panther effortlessly captures the fun, over-the-top and debaucherous spirit of the genre. The band isn’t just made up of fans of the genre they lovingly imitate; but instead lived it. Guitarist Satchel got his start in the industry back in the early 1990s, collaborating with some of the genre’s greats, including Rob Halford. Meanwhile, vocalist Michael Starr fronted Van Halen tribute band, the Atomic Punks.
The band originally formed under the name Metal Shop in the early 2000s and began playing the Sunset Strip circuit before changing their name to its final form and releasing their debut EP, 2003’s Hole Patrol.
Steel Panther’s Feel the Steel debut showcases all of the unique and raunchy reasons that Steel Panther reigns supreme in the world of hair metal nostalgia. “Death to All But Metal” and “Community Property” poke fun at the clichés of the era while delivering the familiar riffs, memorable choruses and playful sexual innuendos that fans have come to expect from hair metal. The group’s ability to blend parody with genuine musicianship creates a unique space in the modern rock scene, where both humor and skill are on equal footing.
Despite their comedic approach, Steel Panther aren’t just about laughs – they are talented and experienced musicians who know how to craft songs that stick with you long after you listen… even if the lyrics aren’t something you should be singing along to in public. The album’s production shines, bringing the raw energy of their live performances into the studio.
Feel the Steel is a masterclass in nostalgia with a modern twist–reminding us why hair metal remains so irresistible, even when served with a side of satire.
LISTEN TO STEEL PANTHER’S “DEATH TO ALL BUT METAL”
hardcore superstar split your lip album cover
Nuclear Blast
Hardcore Superstar, ‘Split Your Lip’ (2010)
Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, Hardcore Superstar formed in the late 1990s after vocalist Joakim Berg and bassist Martin Sandvik decided to shy away from grunge and head towards a more classic hard rock approach.
The pair succeeded, bringing in Vic Zino on guitar and Magnus “Adde” Andreasson on drums. Hardcore Superstar released a myriad of records since their formation, including one of their best–2010’s Split Your Lip. The record is a wondrous blend of sleaze, glam and hard rock grit.
The Swedish band has always had a knack for capturing the wild energy of hair metal, but with this album they found a perfect balance between the genre’s flamboyance and a more powerful bite.
The record combines catchy, anthemic choruses with the raw attitude of classic rock ‘n’ roll — the perfect vehicle for the songs’ unabashedly hedonistic lyrics that resonates with both new listeners and longtime fans of the genre.
The production on Split Your Lip is polished but still has some teeth, adding to the album’s aggressive energy while staying true to their glam metal roots. Hardcore Superstar knows how to craft a song that makes you want to crank up the volume and sing along and this album is packed with tracks that are equal parts infectious and rebellious.
…and if this isn’t proof enough that Hardcore Superstar has earned their stripes in the hair metal world, they’re also annual attendees on the Monsters of Rock Cruise; hair metal’s home on the high seas!
LISTEN TO HARDCORE SUPERSTAR’S “SPLIT YOUR LIP”
wig wam non stop rock n roll album cover
Frontier Records
Wig Wam, ‘Non Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’ (2010)
Wig Wam’s Non Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll is an album that boldly embraces the larger-than-life attitude of hair metal while also offering a modern twist. The Norwegian band’s third album is packed with with the usual trademarks (nothing wrong with that!) and a sense of excitement that mirrors the genre’s golden era. The band’s performance is tight, with each song feeling like a blast of adrenaline that demands to be played at full volume.
Lyrically, Non Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll taps into the carefree, rebellious attitude that made hair metal so iconic, with songs that celebrate the joy of living fast. The album’s production gives each track a glossy sheen, but there’s enough dirt thrown on it to remain true to the title.
Wig Wam manage to strike the perfect balance between paying homage to the past while pushing the genre forward, making Non Stop Rock’n Roll one of the most fun and enduring albums in the hair metal revival. One of their songs (“Do You Wanna Taste It”) found popularity as the theme for the TV show Peacemaker, featuring John Cena.
LISTEN TO WIG WAM’S “DO YOU WANNA TASTE IT”
Reckless Love, Animal Attraction
Spinefarm
Reckless Love, ‘Animal Attraction’ (2011)
Finland’s Reckless Love made waves with their sophomore release, Animal Attraction, and for good reason – it’s a gleeful, high-octane celebration of all things hair metal. With a sound that draws clear inspiration from the likes of early Mötley Crüe and Poison, the album is an infectious mix of sleazy riffs and melodic choruses that are hard to ignore.
What makes Animal Attraction so successful is its unapologetic embrace of glam metal’s kitschier elements. The band’s exuberant performances and catchy melodies make it clear that they’re in it for the pure love of rock ‘n’ roll, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in their energy. Whether you’re a lifelong hair metal fan or new to the genre, Animal Attraction is an album that reminds us just how much fun glam rock can be.
LISTEN TO RECKLESS LOVE’S “ANIMAL ATTRACTION”
H.E.A.T., Address the Nation
Gain / Sony Music
H.E.A.T., ‘Address the Nation’ (2012)
As we continue to travel further down this list, it’s obvious that some of the greatest hair metal bands of the last quarter century hail from Europe; specifically Sweden.
The band H.E.A.T are no exception. H.E.A.T are one of the most consistently impressive bands in the modern glam metal scene and their record, Address The Nation without a doubt stands as one of their finest works.
From the high-octane opener “Breaking the Silence” to the anthemic “Living on the Run,” H.E.A.T’s music is packed with unforgettable hooks, dominant vocals and contagious energy.
Vocalist Erik Grönwall (who has since left the band and enjoyed a brief stint fronting Skid Row) is a major highlight, delivering his lines with precision, elevating the album’s already strong material.
Each song feels like a testament to H.E.A.T’s dedication to their craft, and the production on Address The Nation brings the band’s vibrant sound to life in a way that’s both polished and powerful.
LISTEN TO H.E.A.T.’S “LIVING ON THE RUN”
love razer border city rebels album cover
independent
Love Razer, ‘Border City Rebels’ (2018)
Border City Rebels is a fast-paced, exhilarating celebration of all things sleaze and glam. The Canadian band embraces the raw energy and infectious hooks that made hair metal so appealing back in the 1980s, delivering tracks that are as catchy as they are rebellious. “Venom” and “Outlaw” showcase the attitude and glam-ridden swagger that fans of the genre crave, while the band’s tight musicianship affords fans the opportunity to dig deeper with repeat listens.
Löve Razër’s sound on Border City Rebels is unapologetically retro, yet vibrant and fresh. There’s a sense of fun and youthful exuberance in every song that mirrors the best moments of ’80s hair metal, while the band’s ability to write memorable, sing-along choruses that will connect with old school fans and newer generations alike.
LISTEN TO LÖVE RAZËR’S “VENOM”
shiraz lane carnival days album cover
Frontiers Music SRL
Shiraz Lane, ‘Carnival Days’ (2018)
Shiraz Lane’s Carnival Days is an album that blends the sound of classic glam and hair metal with a more modern sensibility. A product of Finland and formed in the 2010s, the band offers a fresh take on the genre, delivering high-energy tracks that balance euphonious hooks with hard-hitting riffs.
Taking inspiration from some of rock ‘n’ roll’s greats, along the likes of GN’R and even Aerosmith, Shiraz Lane have managed to garner attention from rock fans internationally; especially from their Finnish predecessors like The 69 Eyes and Children of Bodom.
Their sophomore full length release, Carnival Days, solidifies the band’s standing in modern hair metal. The album’s title track alone combines the stadium-worthy choruses of ‘80s hair metal with the darker, more introspective tones that give the album as a whole a unique flavor. The band is also signed to the Italian label, Frontiers Music, who seems to specialize in the glam metal genre ranging from its origins to more modern offerings.
Carnival Days standout quality is its ability to blend the fun of the scene and reflection. “Harder to Breathe” demands you sing along, while other parts of the record feel more personal and introspective.
Shiraz Lane’s dynamic songwriting and impressive musicianship ensure that Carnival Days is an album that appeals to both fans of classic hair metal and those looking for something a little more nuanced.
LISTEN TO SHIRAZ LANE’S “CARNIVAL DAYS”
black swan shake the world album cover
Frontiers Music SRL
Black Swan, ‘Shake the World’ (2020)
A supergroup formed by some of the most iconic musicians in the hard rock and glam metal scenes, Black Swan deliver exactly what the Shake the World titled promises – a collection of high-energy, hard-hitting rock anthems.
Featuring members from bands such as Dokken and Winger, the album oozes seasoned talent and a sense of urgency that proves these veterans still have something to prove. “Big Disaster” and “Immortal Souls” blend classic hard rock with melodic hooks, creating a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. The album delivers a healthy dose of nostalgia without falling into parody (sorry, Steel Panther), with each track showcasing the band’s ability to craft songs that feel powerful and relevant.
With Shake The World, Black Swan prove that the best parts of hair metal – big choruses, slick guitar solos and anthemic melodies – can still captivate listeners in the 21st century. The vocal performance of Robin McAuley is, as always, a major standout on this record, as he brings passion and vocal precision to every single track, complementing the soaring guitar work and tight rhythm section of Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson, and Matt Starr.
Black Swan’s sound may have roots in the ’80s, but Shake The World shows that the genre’s essence is alive and well and that the major players are still capable of delivering some of the best hard rock albums of the modern era.
LISTEN TO BLACK SWAN’S “BIG DISASTER”
dangerous curves summertime highs album cover
Independent
Dangerous Curves, ‘Summertime Highs’ (2021)
As Loudwire’s (dare I say) resident fan of niche hair/glam metal bands, I found myself scouring the internet (particularly Reddit) to find what newer, underground glam bands my fellow rockers were listening to. One band that popped up on everyone’s “must listen to” list was Australia’s Dangerous Curves.
Although the band got their start in 2015, some of the their best work is found on 2021’s Summertime Highs; a lively, full-throttle celebration of the party-ready, sun-soaked side of hair metal. In other words, it really is an ideal summer/warm weather record, perfect for driving with all the windows down and the sunroof open. Even better – you’re blasting this in a convertible, working on a tan.
What really sets Dangerous Curves and Summertime Highs is that this group from Down Under doesn’t simply imitate the sounds of Mötley Crüe, Poison, or Van Halen – they put their own stamp on the genre with unique melodies and a modern approach to songcraft which is the key to remaining relevant in today’s musical landscape. The result is an album that feels both nostalgic and original and makes listeners long for summer nights in Los Angeles on the Sunset Strip.
Summertime Highs is a high-spirited, feel-good collection of tracks that proves hair metal can still be a thrilling, exciting force in today’s music scene.
LISTEN TO DANGEROUS CURVES’ “GOOD AND THE BAD”
crazy lixx thrill of the bite
Frontiers Records Srl
Crazy Lixx, ‘Thrill of the Bite’ (2025)
Crazy Lixx’s Thrill of the Bite is a stellar example of how hair metal can evolve without losing its core identity, even in the year 2025. Founded by vocalist Danny Rexon and guitarist Vic Zino (who went on to replace original Hardcore Superstar guitarist Thomas Silver) in 2002, Crazy Lixx became one of the newest bands to revamp hair metal for the modern age and make glam “cool” again after a long decade of feeling taboo. The Swedish band embraces the glam metal ethos wholeheartedly, serving up the expected mix of soaring vocals, electrifying guitar solos and infectious melodies that, like so many of the bands listed here, transport listeners straight back to the glory days of the genre.
The album’s production is glossy and polished in true hair metal form, giving it a modern touch while staying true to the big, bombastic sound that fans are craving.
What sets this record apart is its ability to balance that bombast of hair metal with moments of depth and introspection. While songs such as “Who Said Rock N’ Roll Is Dead” – which is a full blown party-ready anthems that Crazy Lixx have become known for – while also being able to showcase a more mature side on tracks like “Hunt For Danger.”
Crazy Lixx’s ability to blend the old-school glam aesthetic with a more refined sound allows a record like Thrill of the Bite to stand out as one of the band’s most fun and well-crafted albums in their catalog.
Read More: 5 ’80s Music Videos That Were The Ultimate Party, By H.E.A.T. | https://loudwire.com/80s-music-video-party-heat/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
