darthspudius: Yeah that is a weird misconception because they were more successful in America. But believe it or not Def Leppard were the second biggest selling NWOBHM band next to Iron Maiden. The difference with between the two is that Def Leppard had more '70s rock influences like Mott The Hoople and Thin Lizzy and the style of writing is not exactly what most people know heavy metal for.
Didn't know about this, but I heard some of the older song from them. Not really my style, still - I like songs like "Let it Go" and "Mirror, Mirror" :)
darthspudius: But some people forget that heavy metal is not just super fast songs with lengthy guitar solos. They might not be the heaviest but the most certainly pack a punch or two live believe me.
I feel you. I myself prefer more hard rocky sounding heavy metal.