Into The Fire

The song "Into The Fire" by Dokken, featured on their 1984 album Tooth And Nail, is a fiery anthem that captures the band’s signature blend of heavy metal grit and melodic allure. One intriguing piece of trivia is its inclusion in the 1987 horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, where it underscores a scene with Kristen Parker listening to the radio, adding a rebellious edge to the moment. Interestingly, the song was omitted from the VHS release but restored for DVD and subsequent releases, delighting fans who felt its absence keenly. In 2019, the National Wrestling Alliance adopted "Into The Fire" as the theme for their weekly show NWA Power and named a pay-per-view event after it, cementing its enduring cultural impact. Posts on X from fans, like one from @StarKoichi in 2023, highlight the song’s emotional pull, with its catchy chorus and sharp riffs making it a standout track for many, often cited as their first encounter with Dokken’s electrifying sound.

Behind the scenes, the creation of "Into The Fire" was fraught with tension. The Tooth And Nail recording sessions were marked by clashes between vocalist Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch, whose mutual animosity was so intense they couldn’t work in the studio simultaneously. This led to producer Tom Werman quitting, with Roy Thomas Baker and Michael Wagener stepping in to finish the album. Despite these challenges, the song’s raw energy resonated, peaking at number 21 on Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and enjoying moderate MTV airplay. A 2004 interview with Don Dokken revealed his resistance to being pigeonholed as glam metal, insisting Tooth And Nail bridged the heavier NWOBHM influences of their debut with the pop-metal wave that later defined the LA scene, with "Into The Fire" embodying that pivotal shift.

Dokken began in Los Angeles in 1978, sparked by Don Dokken’s vision to fuse hard rock’s aggression with melodic hooks. Initially a vocalist performing with local bands, Don caught the attention of producer Michael Wagener while recording demos in Germany. This led to early gigs and a deal with Carrere Records for their debut album, Breaking the Chains, released in 1983. Though it flopped in the US, it gained traction in Europe, particularly Germany, where Dokken built a loyal following. The classic lineup solidified with George Lynch on guitar, Mick Brown on drums, and Jeff Pilson on bass (replacing Juan Croucier, who left for Ratt) just before Tooth And Nail’s release. Their relentless touring, opening for giants like Judas Priest and Aerosmith, honed their stage presence and fueled their rise, with Tooth And Nail selling over a million copies worldwide.

Fans can connect with Dokken through their official website, which offers tour dates, music, and merchandise. Their Facebook page, with over 264,000 likes, keeps followers updated on shows and releases, while their Instagram shares nostalgic photos and concert clips. On X, the band engages with fans, often retweeting posts celebrating their legacy. For deeper fan interaction, the Dokken Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and memorabilia. Websites like Classic Rock Forums also host dedicated Dokken threads, where enthusiasts dissect albums and share trivia, keeping the band’s spirit alive for new and longtime listeners.