Best NWOBHM Albums: A Guide To British Heavy Metal
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was a musical movement that revitalized heavy metal in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Emerging from the United Kingdom, this genre injected raw energy and fresh ideas into the metal scene, offering a stark contrast to the more established progressive and hard rock acts of the era. For anyone looking to dive into the roots of modern metal, understanding the NWOBHM is essential. This article explores some of the best albums that define this iconic era.
What is NWOBHM?
Before we dive into specific albums, let's define what NWOBHM actually is. Originating in the UK during the late 1970s, NWOBHM was a reaction against the perceived excesses of established rock bands and the prevailing punk rock scene. Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon brought a rawer, more aggressive sound, characterized by fast tempos, powerful guitar riffs, and soaring vocals. The movement was crucial in setting the stage for the thrash, speed, and power metal genres that would follow. NWOBHM bands often embraced DIY ethics, self-releasing albums and building fan bases through relentless touring and word of mouth. This grassroots approach helped to create a loyal following and a sense of community around the music.
One of the defining characteristics of NWOBHM was its blend of influences. Bands drew inspiration from the hard rock of the 1970s, such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, but also incorporated elements of punk rock and early metal bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. This fusion resulted in a sound that was both familiar and fresh, appealing to a wide range of listeners. The guitar work in NWOBHM was particularly notable, with dual guitar harmonies and virtuosic solos becoming a signature element. Lyrically, the bands often explored themes of mythology, fantasy, and working-class life, resonating with the experiences of their audience. The NWOBHM movement also benefited from the support of influential figures in the music industry, such as DJ Neal Kay, who championed the bands on his radio show and at the legendary Bandwagon Heavy Metal Soundhouse in London. This exposure helped to propel many NWOBHM bands to national and international recognition, solidifying their place in the history of heavy metal.
Iron Maiden - "Iron Maiden" (1980)
No discussion of NWOBHM can begin without mentioning Iron Maiden's self-titled debut. This album is a quintessential example of the genre, showcasing the band's signature galloping rhythms, Steve Harris's intricate bass lines, and Paul Di'Anno's gritty vocals. Tracks like "Prowler," "Running Free," and "Iron Maiden" are classics that have stood the test of time, encapsulating the energy and spirit of the NWOBHM movement. The album's raw production and no-frills approach further enhance its appeal, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the genre. Iron Maiden established the band as a major force in the metal scene and paved the way for their future success.
The impact of Iron Maiden's debut album cannot be overstated. It not only defined the band's sound but also set a new standard for heavy metal. The combination of fast tempos, melodic guitar harmonies, and powerful vocals was groundbreaking at the time. The album's lyrical themes, which often drew from mythology and history, added depth and complexity to the music. "Iron Maiden" quickly gained a cult following and helped to solidify the NWOBHM movement as a legitimate force in the music industry. The album's success also led to increased attention from major record labels, paving the way for other NWOBHM bands to gain wider recognition. Iron Maiden's self-titled debut remains a seminal album in the history of heavy metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the genre for decades to come. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band's talent and the album's timeless appeal. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to heavy metal, "Iron Maiden" is an essential addition to your music collection.
Def Leppard - "On Through the Night" (1980)
Def Leppard's "On Through the Night" marked the arrival of a band poised for massive success. While later albums would see them embrace a more polished, pop-rock sound, this debut captures the raw energy of NWOBHM. Tracks like "Rock Brigade" and "Wasted" are high-octane anthems, showcasing the band's youthful exuberance and songwriting talent. The album's blend of catchy melodies and heavy riffs made it a commercial success, helping to propel Def Leppard to international stardom. "On Through the Night" remains a significant album in the NWOBHM canon, demonstrating the genre's ability to produce both raw, aggressive music and commercially viable hits.
"On Through the Night" showcased Def Leppard's ability to blend hard-hitting rock with catchy, accessible melodies, a formula that would later define their signature sound. The album's production, while polished compared to some of its NWOBHM contemporaries, still retained the raw energy and aggression that characterized the genre. Songs like "Hello America" and "Sorrow Is a Woman" demonstrated the band's songwriting prowess, while tracks like "It Could Be You" and "Satellite" showcased their instrumental skills. The album's success helped to elevate the NWOBHM movement to a wider audience, proving that heavy metal could be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Def Leppard's "On Through the Night" remains a testament to the band's talent and the enduring appeal of the NWOBHM sound. Its influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, solidifying its place in the history of rock music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Def Leppard, "On Through the Night" is an essential album for understanding the band's roots and the impact of the NWOBHM movement.
Saxon - "Wheels of Steel" (1980)
Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" is another cornerstone of the NWOBHM sound. This album is packed with anthemic tracks like the title track, "747 (Strangers in the Night)," and "Motorcycle Man." Biff Byford's powerful vocals and the band's driving rhythms create an irresistible force, making "Wheels of Steel" a definitive statement of the NWOBHM era. The album's commercial success helped to solidify Saxon's position as one of the leading bands of the movement. "Wheels of Steel" remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic heavy metal.
"Wheels of Steel" perfectly encapsulates the energy and spirit of the NWOBHM movement. From the opening riff of the title track to the final notes of "Machine Gun," the album is a relentless barrage of heavy metal fury. Biff Byford's vocals are at their peak, delivering powerful and emotive performances that perfectly complement the band's driving rhythms and soaring guitar harmonies. The album's production is raw and energetic, capturing the live sound of the band and adding to its overall intensity. "Wheels of Steel" was a commercial breakthrough for Saxon, reaching the top five in the UK album charts and solidifying their status as one of the leading bands of the NWOBHM era. The album's success helped to pave the way for other NWOBHM bands to gain wider recognition and further cemented the movement's place in the history of heavy metal. Whether you're a longtime fan of Saxon or new to the band, "Wheels of Steel" is an essential album for understanding their sound and the impact of the NWOBHM movement. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band's talent and the album's timeless appeal.
Diamond Head - "Lightning to the Nations" (1980)
Diamond Head's "Lightning to the Nations," often referred to as the "White Album" due to its initial plain white cover, is a hidden gem of the NWOBHM scene. Featuring Brian Tatler's innovative guitar work and Sean Harris's distinctive vocals, the album showcases a unique blend of melody and aggression. Metallica famously covered several tracks from this album, including "Am I Evil?" and "The Prince," bringing Diamond Head's music to a wider audience. "Lightning to the Nations" is a testament to the depth and diversity of the NWOBHM movement.
Diamond Head's "Lightning to the Nations" is a landmark album in the history of heavy metal, showcasing the band's unique blend of melody, aggression, and technical proficiency. Brian Tatler's guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with his innovative riffs and solos influencing countless guitarists in the years that followed. Sean Harris's vocals are equally distinctive, adding a layer of character and emotion to the music. The album's production is raw and unpolished, giving it a sense of immediacy and energy that perfectly captures the spirit of the NWOBHM movement. "Lightning to the Nations" was initially released on a small independent label with a plain white cover, earning it the nickname "The White Album." Despite its humble beginnings, the album quickly gained a cult following and became a highly influential work in the heavy metal community. Metallica's decision to cover several tracks from the album, including "Am I Evil?" and "The Prince," helped to bring Diamond Head's music to a wider audience and further cemented their place in the history of heavy metal. Whether you're a longtime fan of Diamond Head or new to the band, "Lightning to the Nations" is an essential album for understanding their sound and the impact of the NWOBHM movement. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band's talent and the album's timeless appeal.
Angel Witch - "Angel Witch" (1980)
Angel Witch's self-titled debut is a darker, more mystical entry in the NWOBHM catalog. With Kevin Heybourne's haunting vocals and atmospheric guitar work, the album creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere. Tracks like "Angel Witch" and "Atlantis" are classics of the genre, showcasing the band's ability to blend melody and darkness. "Angel Witch" remains a cult favorite, appreciated for its originality and its influence on later generations of metal bands.
Angel Witch's self-titled debut is a haunting and atmospheric masterpiece that stands apart from many of its NWOBHM contemporaries. Kevin Heybourne's distinctive vocals and intricate guitar work create a dark and mystical atmosphere that permeates the entire album. Tracks like "Angel Witch," "Sweet Danger," and "White Witch" are classics of the genre, showcasing the band's ability to blend melody, aggression, and a sense of unease. The album's production is raw and unpolished, adding to its overall sense of authenticity and immediacy. Angel Witch's self-titled debut was not a commercial success upon its initial release, but it quickly gained a cult following and became a highly influential work in the heavy metal community. The album's unique sound and dark atmosphere have influenced countless bands in the years that followed, solidifying its place in the history of heavy metal. Whether you're a longtime fan of Angel Witch or new to the band, their self-titled debut is an essential album for understanding their sound and the impact of the NWOBHM movement. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band's talent and the album's timeless appeal.
Conclusion
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal left an indelible mark on the music world, and these albums represent just a fraction of the incredible music that emerged from the movement. Exploring these albums is a great way to understand the roots of modern heavy metal and appreciate the energy and innovation of this groundbreaking era. So crank up the volume and dive into the world of NWOBHM!
NWOBHM's influence extends far beyond the early 1980s, shaping the sound and style of countless metal bands that followed. The movement's emphasis on raw energy, technical proficiency, and memorable songwriting continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike. By exploring the albums discussed in this article, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of heavy metal and discover some truly timeless music. Whether you're a seasoned metalhead or a newcomer to the genre, the NWOBHM offers a wealth of musical treasures waiting to be discovered. So, take the plunge, explore the sounds, and experience the energy of one of the most influential movements in heavy metal history.