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Pyromania

by Def Leppard

Released: January 20, 1983

Glam metal, hard rock, heavy metal

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

"Pyromania" is the third studio album by English rock band Def Leppard, released on 20th January 1983. It marked a significant departure from the band's previous two albums, which leaned towards traditional heavy metal, as "Pyromania" featured more layered and polished production, and a more mainstream rock sound. It includes some of the band’s best-known songs, like “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin'.” The overall theme of the album, as suggested by the title, Pyromania, revolves around the fixation on fire.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who helped Def Leppard evolve their sound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

At its release, Pyromania was a massive success

At its release, Pyromania was a massive success.

This album helped Def Leppard to be recognised…

This album helped Def Leppard to be recognised as one of the leading bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal period.

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Essential Tracks

Photograph

It includes some of the band’s best-known songs, like “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin'.” The overall theme of the album, as suggested by the title, Pyromania, revolves around the fixation on fire.

Foolin'

Rock Of Ages

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Explore the Album

Def Leppard - Pyromania

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Then

Reception

It reached No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 18 on the UK Albums Chart. Despite not reaching number one, it spent 92 weeks in the Top 10 of Billboard 200. It became the first album to reach Diamond certification (10 million sold) by the RIAA.

Now

Legacy

"Pyromania" is seen as a landmark album in the development of hard rock and hair metal, and it has had a profound influence on a wide array of genres.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who helped Def Leppard evolve their sound. It includes some of the band’s best-known songs, like “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin'.” The overall theme of the album, as suggested by the title, Pyromania, revolves around the fixation on fire.

At its release, Pyromania was a massive success. It reached No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 18 on the UK Albums Chart. Despite not reaching number one, it spent 92 weeks in the Top 10 of Billboard 200. It became the first album to reach Diamond certification (10 million sold) by the RIAA.

"Pyromania" is seen as a landmark album in the development of hard rock and hair metal, and it has had a profound influence on a wide array of genres. This album helped Def Leppard to be recognised as one of the leading bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal period.