Ratt

The genre's best bands had a penchant for reinvention — making this list especially difficult.

Sometimes, the rockers could play nice.

Find out which rock stars will be blowing out the birthday candles in April.

The subgenre packed a harder punch than its detractors were willing to admit.

They'll take the stage together for the first time in seven years in May.

Some were in pretty successful hair metal bands, but don't get mentioned often enough in discussions about metal's best guitarists.

It's only fitting that we share with you the best rock songs of 1985 the way we did it back then .... with a mixtape.

Well that's rad. These 31 rock and metal albums have hit the four decade mark. How many of these 1985 records have you listened to?

"I don't care if you put us third, fourth, whatever — our motto was, 'Go out there and beat your ass, anyway.'"

They were starting in their various forms in 1984. Some had Rock Hall careers, others were hot for a moment.