Best NWOBHM Albums: A Guide To British Metal

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was more than just a musical genre; it was a cultural reset. Emerging in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it injected a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the rock scene, which had grown somewhat stagnant. Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon spearheaded this movement, creating a sound that was raw, energetic, and undeniably British. But beyond the household names, a plethora of other bands contributed to this vibrant scene, releasing albums that, while perhaps not achieving mainstream success, are now considered classics by aficionados. So, let’s crank up the volume and delve into some of the best NWOBHM albums that you absolutely need to hear.

What is NWOBHM?

Before we dive into specific albums, let's briefly define what constitutes NWOBHM. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was characterized by its high-energy performances, aggressive guitar riffs, and a DIY ethic. Bands often self-financed their recordings and relied heavily on touring and word-of-mouth to build a following. This contrasted sharply with the established rock acts of the time, many of whom had become bloated and detached from their fan base. NWOBHM bands were hungry, and their music reflected that hunger.

Lyrically, NWOBHM bands often drew inspiration from mythology, history, and fantasy, as well as contemporary social issues. Musically, they blended the raw energy of punk with the technical proficiency of progressive rock, creating a sound that was both accessible and challenging. The result was a vibrant and diverse scene that laid the groundwork for the thrash, speed, and extreme metal genres that would emerge later in the 1980s. The impact of NWOBHM cannot be overstated; it revitalized heavy metal and inspired countless musicians around the world.

Iron Maiden – "Iron Maiden" (1980)

No discussion of NWOBHM is complete without mentioning Iron Maiden’s self-titled debut album. Released in 1980, "Iron Maiden" is a raw, energetic, and utterly essential piece of British metal history. From the opening strains of "Prowler" to the anthemic closer "Iron Maiden," the album is a relentless assault on the senses. Paul Di’Anno’s snarling vocals perfectly complement the band’s aggressive instrumental attack, and tracks like "Running Free" and "Phantom of the Opera" have become timeless classics. This album captures the energy and excitement of the NWOBHM scene perfectly, and it remains a firm favorite among metal fans worldwide. The importance of "Iron Maiden" extends beyond its musical merits; it also established Iron Maiden as a major force in the metal world, paving the way for their subsequent success.

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

While Def Leppard would later achieve massive commercial success with their more polished, pop-oriented sound, their debut album, "On Through the Night," is a quintessential NWOBHM record. Released in 1980, the album showcases the band’s raw talent and youthful energy, with tracks like "Rock Brigade" and "Hello America" becoming instant anthems. Joe Elliott’s vocals are powerful and melodic, and the twin-guitar attack of Steve Clark and Pete Willis is both precise and aggressive. Although the album may lack the sophistication of their later work, it more than makes up for it in sheer enthusiasm. "On Through the Night" captures the spirit of the NWOBHM scene perfectly, and it remains a beloved album among fans of the genre. It's a testament to the band's roots and a reminder of the vibrant energy that defined the NWOBHM movement.

Saxon – "Wheels of Steel" (1980)

Saxon’s "Wheels of Steel" is another cornerstone of the NWOBHM sound. Released in 1980, the album is a relentless barrage of riffs, hooks, and anthemic choruses. From the opening track, "Motorcycle Man," to the closing title track, "Wheels of Steel," the album is a non-stop party from start to finish. Biff Byford’s vocals are powerful and charismatic, and the band’s tight, energetic performance is infectious. "Wheels of Steel" is a celebration of all things metal, and it remains one of the most popular and influential albums of the NWOBHM era. The album's success helped to solidify Saxon's position as one of the leading bands of the NWOBHM movement, and it continues to inspire metal musicians to this day. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple, yet effective, formula: catchy songs, powerful performances, and a whole lot of energy.

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

Diamond Head’s "Lightning to the Nations" is a true hidden gem of the NWOBHM scene. Originally released in a plain white sleeve with no title, the album quickly gained a cult following thanks to its innovative songwriting and Brian Tatler’s incredible guitar work. Tracks like "Am I Evil?" and "The Prince" are now considered classics, and have been covered by Metallica, demonstrating the album’s lasting influence. "Lightning to the Nations" is a masterclass in heavy metal songwriting, and it remains a firm favorite among musicians and fans alike. The album's raw, unpolished sound only adds to its charm, and its innovative approach to songwriting set Diamond Head apart from many of their contemporaries. It's a testament to the band's creativity and a reminder that some of the best albums are often the ones that fly under the radar.

Angel Witch – "Angel Witch" (1980)

Angel Witch’s self-titled debut is a dark and atmospheric masterpiece. Released in 1980, the album showcases the band’s unique blend of heavy metal and doom, with tracks like "Angel Witch" and "Atlantis" creating a haunting and unforgettable atmosphere. Kevin Heybourne’s vocals are eerie and captivating, and his guitar work is both melodic and menacing. "Angel Witch" is a unique and influential album that stands apart from many of its NWOBHM contemporaries. The album's dark, mystical themes and its blend of heavy metal and doom set it apart from the more straightforward rock of many other NWOBHM bands. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere, and it remains a favorite among fans of both heavy metal and doom.

Other Notable NWOBHM Albums

While the albums listed above are essential listening for any fan of the NWOBHM, there are many other great records from this era that deserve your attention. Here are a few more notable NWOBHM albums:

• Tygers of Pan Tang – "Spellbound" (1981): Featuring soaring vocals and intricate guitar work, "Spellbound" is a melodic and sophisticated album that showcases the band’s impressive musicianship.
• Girlschool – "Demolition" (1980): Girlschool was one of the few all-female bands to emerge from the NWOBHM scene, and "Demolition" is a raw and energetic album that proves they could rock just as hard as the boys.
• Raven – "Rock Until You Drop" (1981): Raven’s "Rock Until You Drop" is a high-energy, over-the-top album that perfectly captures the band’s chaotic and unpredictable live shows.
• Venom – "Welcome to Hell" (1981): Venom’s "Welcome to Hell" is a dark and brutal album that helped to lay the groundwork for the black metal genre. Its raw, aggressive sound and Satanic imagery were shocking at the time, and it remains a controversial but influential record.

The Legacy of NWOBHM

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal may have been a relatively short-lived phenomenon, but its impact on the music world is undeniable. The NWOBHM helped to revitalize heavy metal, paving the way for the thrash, speed, and extreme metal genres that would emerge later in the 1980s. Many of the bands that emerged from the NWOBHM scene went on to achieve massive commercial success, while others remained cult favorites, inspiring generations of musicians with their raw energy and DIY ethic. Whether you’re a long-time metal fan or a newcomer to the genre, exploring the NWOBHM is an essential part of understanding the history of heavy metal. So, grab your denim jacket, crank up the volume, and get ready to rock!