In the 1980s, glam metal took the rock world by storm with its explosive blend of blistering guitar solos, unapologetically catchy hooks, and an outrageously extravagant sense of style. Defined by teased hair, spandex pants, and sparkly stage outfits, glam (or “hair”) metal acts like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt were the musical embodiment of wild, neon-soaked decadence. Though the scene’s commercial peak faded in the early ‘90s, in 2024, glam metal is experiencing a fresh revival—driven by a new generation of musicians committed to keeping the genre’s spirit alive. Far from a nostalgia act, today’s glam metal bands fuse classic ‘80s aesthetics with modern production, ensuring that the music remains relevant and fun for both die-hard fans and new listeners alike.
Below is a roundup of some of the most noteworthy modern glam metal bands active in 2024. These artists carry the torch for big riffs and even bigger hair, all while injecting fresh energy into a timeless genre.
Crashdïet
Formed in the early 2000s, Crashdïet quickly became a spearhead for the 21st-century glam metal resurgence. Their signature sound—a fusion of classic sleaze rock and modern, polished production—has earned them a dedicated international fan base. Fresh off their 2022 album Automaton, the band has teased new singles and is rumored to be working on another hard-hitting record for late 2024. With hooks reminiscent of ‘80s Sunset Strip legends but an updated edge, Crashdïet has firmly established itself as a staple in modern glam.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz shot onto the scene in the early 2010s, brandishing a rebellious spirit and a knack for melodic hooks that evoked the glory days of Skid Row and Guns N’ Roses. Despite lineup changes and industry ups-and-downs, Santa Cruz showcased their resilience with 2022’s The Return of the Kings. In 2024, they continue to tour globally, weaving soaring vocals and jaw-dropping guitar solos into an electrifying stage show that reaffirms glam metal’s relevance.
Crazy Lixx
Sweden has proven a hotbed for glam’s new wave, and Crazy Lixx are at the forefront. Their polished brand of melodic rock, tight choruses, and athletic guitar work harks back to Def Leppard’s prime. After their 2021 release Street Lethal, Crazy Lixx toured extensively and entered the studio in 2023 for another round of pop-metal magic. Expect anthemic choruses, massive arena-ready drums, and plenty of neon-hued attitude on their forthcoming album slated for 2024.
Reckless Love
Led by the charismatic frontman Olli Herman, Reckless Love channel Van Halen’s party-ready spirit and Poison’s sugary sing-alongs. Their 2022 album Turborider dipped into synthwave influences, showing the band’s willingness to expand glam metal’s sonic palette. Even so, the group remains faithful to glitzy riffs and catchy choruses. Fans can look forward to more high-octane, hook-laden tunes from Reckless Love as they continue to experiment with new twists on classic glam.
The Cruel Intentions
Formed by former Vains of Jenna frontman Lizzy DeVine and members hailing from notable Scandinavian rock acts, The Cruel Intentions wasted no time making a name for themselves with their ferocious and gritty take on glam metal. Their 2022 album Venomous Anonymous melded raw punk energy with glammed-up guitar leads—a testament to the band’s rebellious spirit. With driving beats and sneering vocals, The Cruel Intentions embody the heavier side of glam metal, proving that the style can still be edgy and dangerous.
Kissin’ Dynamite
Germany’s Kissin’ Dynamite arrived on the scene in 2007, injecting a heavier, power metal-tinged flavor into glam. Over the years, they’ve refined their sound, embracing bombastic riffs, dramatic choruses, and flamboyant stage antics worthy of the ‘80s heyday. Their latest material, including their 2022 album Not the End of the Road, shows a band unafraid to blend epic melodies with classic hair metal tropes. In 2024, Kissin’ Dynamite remain unstoppable, balancing tongue-in-cheek fun with serious musicianship.
Steel Panther
Though Steel Panther formed at the tail end of the ‘90s under various names, they exploded into public consciousness in the 2000s with their comedic (but musically spot-on) glam metal parody. Armed with razor-sharp riffs, shrieking vocals, and over-the-top humor, the quartet continues to release new music, such as 2023’s On the Prowl. In a scene that often treads a fine line between sincerity and camp, Steel Panther lean into the theatrics while maintaining genuine respect for the genre’s roots.
Turbo Tiger
With a self titled debut album and a follow up album, 12 seconds of heaven, Turbo Tiger has given some more hope in the revival of the glam metal scene in modern times. With shredding guitar licks and catchy synth, it perfectly captures the glam metal sound that we fell in love with in the 1980s. With new music on the way in 2025, Turbo Tiger is a glam metal band to keep an ear out for in 2025.
The Defiants
Comprised of former Danger Danger members, The Defiants seamlessly blend classic glam influences with modern rock production. Their harmonized guitar leads and sing-along choruses are reminiscent of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, yet they feel fresh for contemporary ears. Fans of melodic hard rock and hair metal find The Defiants a welcome bridge between generations, with new music continuing to arrive as recently as 2023—and more rumored to be on the way.
Tokyo Motor Fist
Featuring Ted Poley (Danger Danger) and Steve Brown (Trixter), Tokyo Motor Fist is a supergroup that celebrates feel-good, radio-ready glam metal anthems. Their chemistry on albums like Lions (2020) and subsequent singles has ignited interest among both longtime fans of the members’ original bands and newcomers looking for high-octane, sunshine-infused melodic rock. Given many of us long for a repeat of those early Danger Danger albums with Ted on vocals, Tokyo Motor Fist is the closest you are gonna get to it.
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