For those who really need a large dose of ‘80s hair metal, Rhino's 3-disc Heavy Metal Thunder is the collection to get. Once spread over three volumes of the label's Heavy Metal Hits of the ‘80s, the 42 cuts here hit most of the highlights (Scorpions, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Dokken, Poison, Twisted Sister, et al), as well as a fair share of the lowlights (Dangerous Toys, Bullet Boys, Raging Slab, and Bang Tango anyone?). Good thing is that the majority of what's on offer, obscure or otherwise, is generally hit material, save for glaring omissions like Ratt's "Round and Round" and any Mötley Crüe cuts. Plus, there's Sam Kinison doing "Wild Thing," Motorhead bringing the punk on "Ace of Spades," and Accept delivering one of the all-time metal anthems, "Balls to the Wall." Whether you are a metal purist with a completist bent or just a fan of a certain ‘80s aberration that broke the bank, this spandex and hair-spray bundle will certainly make for an enjoyable night of head-banging nostalgia. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide