Dokken is an American metal band which was formed in 1978. The group became one of the classic metal bands from that era, joining contemporaries like Twisted Sister, Judas Priest, Quiet Riot and Iron Maiden. Dokken's music consists of traditional metal characterized by extravagant use of lead guitars and soaring vocals backed by a heavy thumping bass. Although their image was somewhat "glam," their music was traditionally heavy with technical expertise.
Dokken was comprised of founder Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on lead guitars, Jeff Pilson on bass and Mick Brown on drums. Currently the band consists of Don Dokken on vocals, Jon Levin on guitar, Barry Sparks on bass and Mick Brown on drums.
Their early albums like Tooth And Nail, Under Lock And Key, Back For The Attack and Beast From The East were highly successful, but after that, intra-band rifts and spats ensured that the band would eventually break up. Don Dokken went on to a successful solo career, while George Lynch formed the Lynch Mob and recorded several albums. Jeff Pilson too released his acclaimed War And Peace album. The band released a few albums in the late 90s and then Long Way Home in 2000, which met with some success due to attention from fans starved for traditional heavy metal. Recently, Dokken has released their latest album, Hell To Pay, which has gotten rave reviews in metal circles.
Dokken was born in the late 1970s when guitarist George Lynch and drummer Mick Brown from the group Xciter teamed up with Don Dokken on vocals and Peter Baltes as a temporary bassist to record Back in the Streets with Carerre Records.