NWOBHM: Essential Albums Of The British Heavy Metal Wave

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was a movement that revitalized heavy metal in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Emerging from the UK, it injected raw energy and a DIY ethic into the genre, influencing countless bands that followed. Instead of rehashing the same old rock and roll tropes, NWOBHM bands brought fresh energy to the forefront, cranking up the distortion, speeding up the tempos, and unleashing a torrent of new ideas that would shape the future of heavy metal. For metalheads, exploring NWOBHM is like unearthing a treasure trove of raw, authentic, and game-changing music. Let's dive into some essential albums that define this era.

Iron Maiden - "Iron Maiden" (1980)

Iron Maiden's self-titled debut is a cornerstone of the NWOBHM sound. This album captures the band's raw energy and ambition, setting the stage for their legendary career. From the blistering guitar riffs to Paul Di'Anno's gritty vocals, every track is a testament to the band's undeniable talent. The opening track, "Prowler," immediately grabs your attention with its relentless pace and catchy chorus. "Remember Tomorrow" showcases the band's ability to blend melody and aggression, while "Running Free" became an instant anthem with its rebellious spirit and sing-along chorus. The album's title track, "Iron Maiden," is a powerful instrumental piece that highlights the band's technical prowess and songwriting skills. Iron Maiden is not just an album; it's a statement of intent, a declaration that heavy metal was alive and well, and ready to conquer the world. Its impact on the genre is immeasurable, and it remains a must-listen for any metal fan.

This album not only cemented Iron Maiden’s place in the NWOBHM movement but also laid the foundation for their global success. The combination of Steve Harris's intricate basslines, Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton's dual guitar harmonies, and Paul Di'Anno's distinctive vocal style created a unique and powerful sound. Tracks like "Sanctuary" (originally released as a single but included on later pressings of the album) and "Phantom of the Opera" further demonstrated the band's songwriting versatility and instrumental prowess. The album's production, while raw and unpolished compared to later Iron Maiden albums, adds to its charm and captures the energy of the band's live performances. Iron Maiden is a quintessential NWOBHM album that continues to inspire and influence metal bands around the world.

Def Leppard - "On Through the Night" (1980)

Def Leppard's "On Through the Night" is a defining album of the NWOBHM era, showcasing the band's knack for blending hard rock with catchy melodies. While later albums saw them embrace a more polished, pop-oriented sound, this debut captures their raw, youthful energy. Tracks like "Rock Brigade" and "Hello America" are high-octane anthems with soaring vocals and infectious guitar riffs. "Wasted" is a standout track, a quintessential NWOBHM song with its driving rhythm and memorable chorus. The album's title track, "On Through the Night," is an epic rocker that encapsulates the band's ambition and potential. Though the album received mixed reviews upon release, it has since been recognized as a classic of the genre, marking the beginning of Def Leppard's journey to stardom.

The album's commercial success helped propel the NWOBHM movement into the mainstream, demonstrating that British heavy metal could compete with its American counterparts. The songwriting partnership between Joe Elliott, Pete Willis, and Steve Clark produced a collection of songs that were both heavy and accessible, appealing to a wide audience. The influence of bands like Queen and T. Rex is evident in the album's glam-infused sound, but Def Leppard's unique blend of hard rock and melody set them apart from their contemporaries. On Through the Night is a testament to the band's talent and ambition, capturing the excitement and energy of the NWOBHM scene.

Saxon - "Wheels of Steel" (1980)

Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" is a quintessential NWOBHM album that embodies the energy and spirit of the era. With its powerful riffs, anthemic choruses, and biker-themed lyrics, the album is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish. The title track, "Wheels of Steel," is an instant classic, a high-octane rocker that celebrates the freedom and excitement of the open road. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" is another standout track, with its driving rhythm and memorable melody. "Motorcycle Man" is a raw and aggressive anthem that perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of the NWOBHM movement. Wheels of Steel is not just an album; it's a statement of intent, a declaration that Saxon was a force to be reckoned with. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, and it remains a must-listen for any metal fan. The album's success helped establish Saxon as one of the leading bands of the NWOBHM era.

This album solidified Saxon's reputation as one of the most consistent and influential bands of the NWOBHM movement. Biff Byford's commanding vocals, Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver's dual guitar attack, and the band's tight rhythm section created a sound that was both powerful and melodic. The album's production, handled by Pete Hinton, captured the raw energy of the band's live performances. Tracks like "Suzie Hold On" and "Street Fighting Gang" further demonstrated the band's songwriting versatility and ability to craft catchy and memorable anthems. Wheels of Steel is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence metal bands around the world.

Diamond Head - "Lightning to the Nations" (1980)

Diamond Head's "Lightning to the Nations" is a highly influential album in the NWOBHM scene, known for its complex song structures and Brian Tatler's innovative guitar work. Often referred to as the "White Album" due to its plain, unadorned cover, the record's contents are anything but simple. "Am I Evil?" is arguably the band's most famous track, later covered by Metallica, showcasing the band's ability to blend melody with heavy riffs. "Lightning to the Nations" and "The Prince" are other standout tracks that highlight the band's songwriting prowess and instrumental skills. Despite its initial limited release, the album gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of the genre, influencing countless metal bands with its intricate compositions and powerful sound.

The album's impact on the NWOBHM movement is undeniable, with its unique blend of progressive rock and heavy metal setting it apart from its contemporaries. Sean Harris's distinctive vocals and the band's tight rhythm section further contributed to their unique sound. The album's production, while raw and unpolished, adds to its charm and captures the energy of the band's live performances. Tracks like "Helpless" and "Sucking My Love" further demonstrated the band's songwriting versatility and ability to craft complex and engaging compositions. Lightning to the Nations is a testament to Diamond Head's innovation and creativity, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of the NWOBHM era.

Angel Witch - "Angel Witch" (1980)

Angel Witch's self-titled debut is a dark and atmospheric album that stands out in the NWOBHM scene. With its occult themes, haunting melodies, and Tony Iommi-inspired riffs, the album creates a unique and captivating listening experience. The title track, "Angel Witch," is a classic of the genre, with its eerie atmosphere and unforgettable chorus. "Atlantis" is another standout track, showcasing the band's ability to blend melody with heavy riffs. "Gonna Break Your Heart Again" is a more straightforward rocker that demonstrates the band's versatility. Angel Witch is a cult classic that has influenced countless metal bands with its dark and atmospheric sound.

This album solidified Angel Witch's reputation as one of the most unique and influential bands of the NWOBHM movement. Kevin Heybourne's distinctive vocals and guitar work, along with the band's tight rhythm section, created a sound that was both heavy and atmospheric. The album's production, while raw and unpolished, adds to its charm and captures the energy of the band's live performances. Tracks like "White Witch" and "Confused" further demonstrated the band's songwriting versatility and ability to craft memorable and haunting melodies. Angel Witch is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence metal bands around the world, particularly those in the doom and black metal genres.

More NWOBHM Gems to Explore

Beyond these essential albums, the NWOBHM scene was brimming with talent. Here are a few more bands and albums worth checking out:

• Raven - Rock Until You Drop (1981)
• Tygers of Pan Tang - Spellbound (1981)
• Girlschool - Demolition (1980)
• Venom - Welcome to Hell (1981)

The NWOBHM movement was a pivotal moment in the history of heavy metal. These albums represent just a small fraction of the incredible music that came out of this era, but they offer a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the roots of the genre. So crank up the volume and get ready to experience the raw energy and excitement of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal!