Twisted Sister's 35 Years of Rocking: A Critical Assessment

Thirty-five years since the release of their debut album, Twisted Sister is still rocking and shaking things up with their heavy guitar riffs and hard-hitting vocal performances. They've had plenty of controversy along the way – most often in the form of 'slap across the face' lyrics and headbanging anthems. But, at heart, they have created some fantastic music that has stood the test of time; something both critics and fans can appreciate alike. In this blog post we take a look at some of their best bits - critically assessing what went right as well as what could maybe have gone better!

Twisted Sister is one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of the 80s. With their outrageous stage antics and anthemic songs, they quickly became a household name and amassed a loyal fanbase. But what made them stand out was their willingness to push boundaries, both musically and lyrically. Thirty-five years since the release of their debut album, let's take a critical look at some of Twisted Sister's best bits, dissecting what worked and what didn't.

1. The Early Years: Twisted Sister's debut album, Under The Blade, was a commercial and critical success, thanks in no small part to its catchy hooks and powerful vocals. The band's uncompromising approach to their music was evident in songs like Shoot 'Em Down and Tear It Loose, which showcased their signature blend of hard rock and heavy metal. However, the album's controversial artwork and lyrics drew criticism from religious groups who accused the band of promoting violence and Satanism.

2. The Big Breakthrough: Twisted Sister's biggest commercial success came with their third album, Stay Hungry, which featured the hit singles We're Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock. The album's message of rebellion and anti-authoritarianism struck a chord with audiences, cementing the band's status as icons of the glam metal era. However, some critics accused the band of pandering to the mainstream market, sacrificing their edge for commercial success.

3. The Decline: By the late 80s, Twisted Sister's popularity began to wane with each subsequent album failing to replicate the success of Stay Hungry. The band's sound became increasingly formulaic, relying on generic power ballads and uninspired riffs. Their image also became stale, with Dee Snider's signature makeup and costumes losing their shock value. Critics panned their music as being a parody of itself, with the band becoming a caricature of the glam metal era.

4. The Legacy: Despite their decline in popularity in the late 80s, Twisted Sister's impact on heavy metal cannot be underestimated. Their energy and attitude influenced a new generation of bands such as Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue, who took the genre to new heights. Their music also continues to resonate with fans and new listeners, with songs like We're Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock becoming timeless anthems of rebellion.

5. The Final Word: Twisted Sister may have had their fair share of controversies, but their legacy as one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time is undeniable. Their uncompromising approach to their music and willingness to push boundaries paved the way for future generations of rockers. While their later albums may not have lived up to the standards set by their early work, their impact on the genre will be felt for generations to come.

Twisted Sister's 35-year career has been a journey of ups and downs. While their debut album, Under The Blade, showcased their raw and energetic sound, their breakthrough album, Stay Hungry, brought them mainstream success and commercial appeal. However, their later albums failed to live up to expectations, with their sound becoming stale and predictable. Regardless of their missteps, Twisted Sister's influence on heavy metal cannot be denied, and their music and attitude continue to inspire new generations of rockers today. As Dee Snider once famously said, We're not gonna take it, and neither should we as listeners.