Band: Def Leppard

Along with Iron Maiden, Def Leppard were at the spearhead of the NWOBHM movement. The first album is excellent early 80's British metal with solos galore and fantastic songs; the follow-up wasn't bad but lacked the immediacy of the debut. 'Pyromania' is commercial US-style metal but still fairly heavy. The albums after that waiver between AOR and American radio rock and while good for what they are can't really be considered heavy metal. Leppard's early career success was also dogged with tragedy. Allen lost an arm in a car accident between the third and fourth albums and Clark died of respiratory failure linked to drug addiction on Janury 8, 1991.