Dokken are an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1978. They are widely regarded as one of the most successful melodic metal and hard rock acts of the 1980s, known for their combination of soaring vocals, polished production, and virtuosic guitar work.
Fronted by vocalist Don Dokken and featuring guitarist George Lynch during their classic era, the band became a defining force in the melodic metal scene.
Dokken’s sound is defined by powerful vocal melodies, harmonised guitar leads, and a blend of hard rock aggression with polished 1980s production. George Lynch’s guitar work became especially influential for its technical precision and expressive phrasing.
The band became a staple of MTV-era metal, balancing commercial appeal with strong musicianship.
Breaking the Chains (1983) – debut album introducing their melodic hard rock and metal hybrid sound.
Tooth and Nail (1984) – breakthrough release featuring tighter songwriting and a heavier, more focused style.
Under Lock and Key (1985) – classic lineup album often considered their creative peak, featuring polished production and strong hooks.
Back for the Attack (1987) – commercially successful release showcasing technical guitar work and arena-scale songwriting.
Dysfunctional (1995) – reunion-era album marking a return to a heavier, more grounded sound.
Broken Bones (2012) – modern-era release continuing their melodic heavy metal approach.
Dokken are considered one of the key melodic metal bands of the 1980s, influencing both glam metal and later traditional heavy metal acts.
Fans of artists such as Motley Crue, Scorpions, and W.A.S.P. are likely to appreciate Dokken’s blend of melody, technical guitar work, and polished hard rock energy.
All Dokken releases we carry are official physical formats only, focusing on vinyl and CD editions sourced from authorised labels and distributors.
Dokken are part of the Heavy Metal scene, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our HEAVY METAL CATEGORY. You might also like to read our blog on the different subgenres of Metal \m/
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