Beyond the hits—exploring the albums, bands, and moments that shaped 80s metal
J, Chip, and Tim relive the 1980s sonic excess and untamed spirit. Whether you lived for Mötley Crüe’s decadence, cranked Guns N’ Roses’ street swagger, flipped...
Michael Schenker Group - Assault Attack | 80s Metal Revisited
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 spotlightDon’t Miss OutDig 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:👉 Subscribe at digmeoutpodcast.com👉 Join the Union and vote on future picks at dmounion.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe
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1:03:27
Def Leppard - High ‘N’ Dry | 80s Metal Revisited
High and Dry: Def Leppard’s Gateway from NWOBHM to Arena Rock KingsBefore 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 rock5:12 – The sound of young, hungry Def Leppard – Raw energy, Mutt Lange’s production, and how the band sharpened their hooks12:45 – Pete Willis & Steve Clark: The ultimate riff duo? – How their partnership shaped High and Dry’saggressive yet melodic sound18:49 – “You Got Me Running” – The underrated gem hiding in High and Dry’s deep cuts21:02 – “Switch 625” – Steve Clark’s defining instrumental moment and its lasting impact on rock guitarists23:44 – “On Through the Night” – The overlooked link between Def Leppard’s NWOBHM roots and their stadium-filling ambitions28:12 – “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 life35:10 – 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🔊 Join the Discussion & Support the Podcast!💬 What’s your take on High and Dry? Underrated classic or just a stepping stone? Let us know in the comments!📢 Subscribe & Review! Help us keep rediscovering lost rock gems by rating the show on your favorite podcast app.🤘 Support us & get exclusive content at digmeoutpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe
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1:07:06
Robin McAuley Talks MSG, Soulbound, and His Resurgence
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.🔗 Stay Connected: Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave us a review!🎧 More at digmeoutpodcast.com🚀 Join the DMO Union: dmounion.com📲 Follow us on social media for exclusive content and episode drops! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe
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1:07:32
Metal Albums of 1985 | Roundtable Discussion
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 WorkPaul Lefevre📖 Bang Your Head (Metal Writing) → bangyourhead.substack.com🎮 Go to 10 Retro (Gaming & Tech Nostalgia) → go-to-10-retro.comTom Beaujour📚 Pre-Order Lollapalooza: 1991-1997 → Buy Here🎸 Axelords Podcast (Guitars & Rock Culture) → YouTube Channel🌎 More from Tom → TomBeaujour.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe
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1:45:19
Vain - No Respect | 80s Metal Revisited
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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe
J, Chip, and Tim relive the 1980s sonic excess and untamed spirit. Whether you lived for Mötley Crüe’s decadence, cranked Guns N’ Roses’ street swagger, flipped endlessly through Metal Edge, or are just discovering the scene, this is your all-access pass to an electrifying time in music history.
Each episode dives deep into legendary albums, unsung heroes, and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped 80s metal. Let’s relive the magic, one album at a time. www.digmeoutpodcast.com
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