New Wave Of British Heavy Metal: The Complete Guide

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), guys, was a rock and roll tidal wave that revitalized heavy metal in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Emerging from the United Kingdom, this movement injected raw energy, DIY ethics, and a distinctly British flavor into the genre, setting the stage for the global metal explosion that followed. So, if you're ready to dive headfirst into the loud, proud, and utterly awesome world of NWOBHM, crank up the volume and let's get started!

The Genesis of a Revolution

To understand the rise of NWOBHM, we need to rewind a bit. By the mid-1970s, the initial wave of heavy metal pioneers like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin had reached varying stages of evolution or, in some cases, decline. Punk rock, with its aggressive simplicity and anti-establishment attitude, had exploded onto the scene, challenging the established rock order. Mainstream music was leaning towards disco and pop, leaving many young, aspiring musicians feeling alienated and eager for something new and exciting.

The economic climate in Britain at the time also played a significant role. High unemployment and social unrest created a breeding ground for rebellion and a desire for music that reflected the frustrations of the working class. These factors combined to create the perfect storm for a new generation of metal bands to emerge, bands that were hungry, ambitious, and determined to make their mark.

Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon, and Diamond Head spearheaded this movement. They drew inspiration from the earlier metal giants but infused their music with punk's energy and a DIY approach. They weren't content to wait for record labels to discover them; they booked their own gigs, recorded their own demos, and built their fan base from the ground up. This grassroots approach was crucial to the NWOBHM's success and helped create a strong sense of community among bands and fans.

These bands distinguished themselves with a raw, energetic sound, characterized by blistering guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and driving rhythms. Lyrically, they explored themes of fantasy, mythology, working-class struggles, and rebellion. This potent combination resonated with a generation of young people who were looking for music that was both powerful and relatable. The movement's impact was immediate and profound, injecting fresh blood into the veins of heavy metal and paving the way for its future evolution.

Key Characteristics of NWOBHM

So, what exactly defined the NWOBHM sound? While there was diversity within the movement, several key characteristics set it apart from its predecessors and contemporaries:

• Raw and Energetic Sound: NWOBHM bands generally favored a more stripped-down, raw sound compared to the polished production of some earlier metal bands. This rawness gave their music a sense of urgency and excitement.
• Emphasis on Guitar Riffs: Blistering guitar riffs were the cornerstone of the NWOBHM sound. Guitarists like Dave Murray and Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden, and Brian Tatler of Diamond Head, were known for their complex, melodic, and highly energetic riffs.
• Soaring Vocals: Many NWOBHM vocalists, such as Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and Biff Byford of Saxon, possessed powerful, soaring voices that became synonymous with the genre.
• Driving Rhythms: The rhythm sections in NWOBHM bands were tight and powerful, providing a solid foundation for the guitars and vocals. Drummers like Clive Burr of Iron Maiden and Pete Gill of Saxon laid down thunderous beats that drove the music forward.
• DIY Ethic: NWOBHM bands embraced a do-it-yourself approach to music. They often recorded their own demos, booked their own gigs, and promoted themselves through fanzines and word of mouth.
• British Identity: The NWOBHM sound had a distinctly British flavor, drawing on influences from British folklore, history, and working-class culture. This helped differentiate it from the American hard rock and metal scenes.

The Bands That Defined the Era

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal spawned a plethora of talented bands, many of whom went on to achieve international fame. Here are just a few of the key players:

• Iron Maiden: Arguably the most successful NWOBHM band, Iron Maiden's blend of intricate musicianship, epic songwriting, and theatrical stage shows propelled them to global superstardom. Albums like "The Number of the Beast" and "Piece of Mind" are considered classics of the genre.
• Def Leppard: Def Leppard achieved massive commercial success with their polished, melodic hard rock sound. While their later albums leaned more towards pop-metal, their early NWOBHM roots are undeniable.
• Saxon: Saxon were one of the most consistent and influential NWOBHM bands, known for their powerful, anthemic songs and relentless touring schedule. Albums like "Wheels of Steel" and "Denim and Leather" are considered essential listening.
• Diamond Head: Diamond Head's complex, progressive songwriting and Brian Tatler's innovative guitar work made them a highly influential band, despite their lack of major commercial success. Metallica famously covered their song "Am I Evil?"
• Motörhead: While technically predating the NWOBHM, Motörhead's raw, aggressive sound and punk-infused attitude made them a major influence on the movement. Lemmy Kilmister's iconic vocals and bass playing defined their unique style.
• Venom: Venom's dark, Satanic imagery and extreme sound paved the way for the development of black metal. Their album "Welcome to Hell" is considered a landmark release.

This is just a small sampling of the many great bands that emerged from the NWOBHM scene. Other notable acts include Angel Witch, Tygers of Pan Tang, Girlschool, and Raven.

The Lasting Legacy

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal had a profound and lasting impact on the world of heavy metal. It revitalized the genre, injecting it with fresh energy and new ideas. It also helped pave the way for the thrash metal, death metal, and black metal movements of the 1980s.

Many of the bands that emerged from the NWOBHM went on to achieve international success, influencing countless musicians and shaping the sound of heavy metal for decades to come. The DIY ethic of the NWOBHM also had a significant impact, empowering aspiring musicians to take control of their careers and build their own fan base.

The NWOBHM spirit continues to live on today, inspiring new generations of metal bands to embrace their roots and create music that is both powerful and authentic. The movement serves as a reminder that with passion, determination, and a whole lot of loud guitars, anything is possible.

Digging Deeper: Exploring the Subgenres and Offshoots

While NWOBHM was a distinct movement, it wasn't a monolithic entity. Different bands brought different influences and approaches to the table, resulting in a variety of subgenres and offshoots. Let's explore some of these:

• Speed Metal: Bands like Motörhead and Venom pushed the boundaries of speed and aggression, laying the groundwork for speed metal. This subgenre emphasized fast tempos, blistering guitar solos, and aggressive vocals.
• Proto-Thrash: Some NWOBHM bands, like Diamond Head and Raven, incorporated elements of thrash metal into their sound, anticipating the emergence of the genre in the early 1980s. Their fast, aggressive riffs and complex song structures paved the way for bands like Metallica and Slayer.
• Early Black Metal: Venom's dark, Satanic imagery and extreme sound were a major influence on the development of black metal. Their album "Welcome to Hell" is considered a seminal release in the genre.
• Glam Metal Influences: While NWOBHM was generally a more raw and gritty movement, some bands, like Def Leppard, incorporated elements of glam metal into their sound, such as catchy melodies and polished production. This helped them achieve mainstream success.

By exploring these subgenres and offshoots, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and influence of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Where to Start: Essential NWOBHM Albums

If you're new to the NWOBHM, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Here's a list of essential albums that will give you a good overview of the movement:

• Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast (1982): This album is a cornerstone of heavy metal and showcases Iron Maiden's signature blend of intricate musicianship and epic songwriting.
• Def Leppard - On Through the Night (1980): Def Leppard's debut album is a raw and energetic slice of NWOBHM, showcasing their early potential.
• Saxon - Wheels of Steel (1980): This album is a classic of the NWOBHM, featuring powerful anthems and blistering guitar riffs.
• Diamond Head - Lightning to the Nations (1980): This album is a highly influential release, showcasing Diamond Head's complex songwriting and Brian Tatler's innovative guitar work.
• Motörhead - Ace of Spades (1980): This album is a raw and aggressive masterpiece, showcasing Motörhead's unique blend of heavy metal and punk rock.
• Venom - Welcome to Hell (1981): This album is a dark and extreme release that paved the way for the development of black metal.

These albums are just a starting point, but they will give you a good foundation for exploring the vast and exciting world of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of NWOBHM

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was more than just a musical movement; it was a cultural phenomenon that revitalized heavy metal and inspired a generation of musicians. Its raw energy, DIY ethic, and distinctly British flavor set it apart from its predecessors and contemporaries, paving the way for the global metal explosion that followed.

Whether you're a longtime metalhead or a curious newcomer, the NWOBHM has something to offer everyone. So, crank up the volume, raise your fist in the air, and let the power of NWOBHM wash over you!

The legacy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal continues to resonate in the metal scene today, reminding us of the power of passion, innovation, and a whole lot of loud guitars.