Definition
A subgenre of heavy metal music prominent in the 1980s, characterized by high-volume amplification, power ballads, and a visual aesthetic emphasizing big hair, flashy clothing, and theatrical presentation. Bands often combined metal riffs with pop sensibilities.
Example Usage
Mötley Crüe and Poison were quintessential hair metal bands, dominating MTV and arenas throughout the '80s.
Origin
Emerged in the late 1970s and peaked in the 1980s, combining the technical aspects of heavy metal with the commercial appeal of pop music and glam rock.
Fun Fact
Hair metal went from massive commercial success to cultural punchline almost overnight; grunge's rise in the early 1990s largely killed the genre's mainstream credibility.
Related Terms
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