'80s Metal History (September 15th)

Released in Europe in 1981 on French label Carrere Records as Don Dokken "Breakin' The Chains" with the frontman on the cover, Dokken's debut album was re-issued as Dokken "Breakin' The Chains" with a different cover in May 1982. The LP would be remixed, partially re-recorded and renamed "Breaking The Chains" before being issued again by Elektra in North America in September 1983. Bassist Juan Croucier played on the album before joining RATT. The original Dokken had "drummer Gary Holland (who would later play with Great White from 1982-85) and guitarist Greg Leon, but they were replaced when Don Dokken picked up George Lynch because he wanted a hit and Lynch had 'Paris Is Burning' in his catalogue. Lynch demanded that Mick Brown be the drummer and the rest is history." -Kerrang!

Dokken "Breakin' The Chains" release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - May 20, 1982; [US] R&R radio trade publication 'New & Active' debut - September 2, 1983.

September 15, 1986: With new singer Mark Boals, Yngwie Malmsteen released his third studio album "Trilogy" in North America (November 3rd in the UK) featuring single "You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget" and epic instrumental "Trilogy Suite Op: 5".

Yngwie Malmsteen "Trilogy" release date source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - August 29, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! ad - October 30, 1986.

September 15, 1986: Saxon released their eighth studio album "Rock The Nations" in the UK (late September in North America), their first without original bassist Steve Dawson. Singer Biff Byford recorded all the bass parts on this LP.

Saxon "Rock The Nations" release date source: [UK] Kerrang! - August 7, 1986; Music Week - September 13, 1986; [US] Billboard ad - October 4, 1986.

September 1975: Written by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Ronnie James Dio, Rainbow released "Man On The Silver Mountain" as a single from their debut album. One review at the time noted "although the song's lyrics are essentially meaningless, the way that Dio sings them 'sounds awesome.'"

September 1998: Former (at the time) Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson released his fifth solo album "The Chemical Wedding" with former (at the time) Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith. Both would rejoin Iron Maiden the following year. Release information source: [UK] Debuted Official album chart on September 26, 1998.

September 15, 2009: Megadeth released their 12th studio album "Endgame" in North America, produced by Dave Mustaine and Judas Priest touring guitarist Andy Sneap, and featuring single "Head Crusher". Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - July 23, 2009.

Seattle metal band Fifth Angel released their gothic sounding debut album in 1986. The UK's Kerrang! tagged them as the next big heavy act out of the Emerald City, running a feature on the band in the November 27th issue. After signing with Epic, the LP would be remixed and re-released two years later.

Kansas City power metal band Banshee released their debut album "Race Against Time" in 1989 featuring single "Shoot Down The Night" with music video that first aired on MTV Headbangers Ball in October that year.

September 15, 1984: This full page ad ran on page 2 of Billboard Magazine in the US promoting the latest album from Krokus. "The Blitz" was moving up the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and first single "Midnite Maniac" was a smash at rock radio and MTV.

September 15, 1992: Originally scheduled for August 5th, but postponed when Axl Rose was diagnosed with severe damage to his vocal chords, Guns N' Roses and Metallica brought their co-headlining tour to Minneapolis.

September 15, 1985: After playing dates in California and Texas, Mötley Crüe and the "Theatre Of Pain" tour with special guests Loudness, returned to the Midwestern US for a show in Detroit. The "Theatre Of Pain" album, as well as Crue's previous LP, "Shout At The Devil", had just reached double-platinum in sales (US).

September 1987: Wondering whatever happened to former Def Leppard guitarist Pete Willis? After the Gogmagog project with former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno, Kerrang! reported Pete was putting together a new band in Sheffield. That band may have been Roadhouse, who released one album in 1991 and toured with Ian Gillan. As of 2002, Pete was running a property management company.