A Time of Change

Late 1970s — the United Kingdom was a nation in transition, grappling with profound economic and social challenges. This period marked a significant shift in the cultural and musical landscape, giving rise to two pivotal movements: the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and punk. As the socio-economic turmoil deepened, with high unemployment rates and widespread disillusionment, these musical genres emerged as powerful forms of expression for the youth, reflecting their rebellion against the status quo and their search for identity in a changing world.

The economic downturn of the era, underscored by the OPEC oil crisis and consequent nation-wide strikes, led to a palpable sense of despair and a three-day working week, drastically affecting daily life and the national mood. Amidst this backdrop of economic instability and social unrest, the music scene began to transform. The decline of major heavy metal bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple created a musical vacuum that cried out for a new direction.

In a time of social and economic upheaval, music became a beacon of hope and defiance.

As NWOBHM and punk emerged, they filled this void, offering fresh sounds and new perspectives. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Motörhead, with their faster tempos and more aggressive guitar work, revitalized the heavy metal genre. Simultaneously, punk music, with its raw energy and anti-establishment messages, articulated the frustrations and aspirations of a generation keen on challenging authority and societal norms. These movements not only captured the spirit of the times but also paved the way for future musical innovations, influencing countless artists and fans worldwide.

This was a time of significant transformation, both for the music industry and for British society at large. The late 1970s may have been marked by economic strife and social divisions, but they also witnessed the birth of musical movements that would leave an lasting mark on the cultural landscape. The sounds of NWOBHM and punk not only reflected the challenges of the era but also offered a sense of hope and unity, proving that even in the darkest times, music has the power to inspire and bring people together.

A New Wave Defined

The term “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” (NWOBHM) was coined by journalist Geoff Barton in the May 1979 issue of the British music newspaper Sounds. This term was not just a label; it was a declaration of the arrival of a new era in heavy metal.

Geoff Barton, through his review of a concert featuring Iron Maiden, Samson, and Angel Witch on May 8, 1979, captured the essence of a movement that was about to take the world by storm. This concert, vibrant with energy and raw talent, showcased the leading edge of what was to become the NWOBHM. It was a night that epitomized the vitality and innovation of these emerging bands, marking a departure from the heavy metal of the past.

The concept of NWOBHM, however, originated not from Barton himself but from the magazine’s editor, Alan Lewis. Lewis conceptualized the term to describe the emergence of new heavy metal bands in the UK during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period when the genre was undergoing significant transformation and revitalization. This was a time when heavy metal was finding a new voice and a new direction, stepping away from the shadows of its predecessors to forge a path that was all its own.

The NWOBHM was more than just a musical genre; it was a movement that redefined heavy metal for a new generation.

This new wave of bands, characterized by their energetic performances, intricate guitar work, and thematic diversity, breathed life into a genre that many believed was on the decline. Bands like Iron Maiden and Samson were at the forefront of this movement, pushing the boundaries of heavy metal music and setting the stage for what would become a global phenomenon.

The coining of the term NWOBHM was not just an attempt to categorize a burgeoning musical trend; it was an acknowledgment of the power of music to evolve, to inspire, and to create a sense of identity and community among those who felt disconnected from the mainstream. As this new wave of heavy metal surged forward, it carried with it the hopes, dreams, and rebellious spirit of a generation ready to make their mark on the world.

The Bands of NWOBHM

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was not just a moment in music history; it was a vibrant revolution that brought forth a legion of bands, each contributing to the genre’s rich tapestry. These bands, through their unique sounds and thematic innovations, influenced not only the metal genre but also the broader landscape of rock music.

Iron Maiden stood at the forefront of this movement, captivating audiences with their elaborate live shows and complex compositions. Their albums, benchmarks in the heavy metal genre, showcased the band’s exceptional talent and creativity.

Judas Priest, though predating the NWOBHM era, evolved during this transformative period. Their twin guitar attack and Rob Halford’s powerful vocals became a significant influence on the movement, cementing their status as one of the greatest metal bands of all time.

Motörhead blurred the lines between punk and heavy metal with their fast-paced, loud music, playing a significant role in shaping the speed metal and thrash genres. Lemmy Kilmister’s distinctive voice and bass playing contributed to the band’s iconic status and wide-reaching influence.

Saxon emerged as one of the movement’s flagbearers with their anthemic songs and relentless touring. They epitomized the NWOBHM sound and ethos, inspiring countless bands to follow in their footsteps.

Venom, with their extreme sound and dark imagery, was instrumental in the development of thrash metal and black metal. Their seminal albums “Welcome to Hell” and “Black Metal” became cornerstones of these subgenres.

Diamond Head, despite struggles with label support, left a lasting legacy on thrash metal, influencing major acts like Metallica. Their masterpiece, “Lightning to the Nations,” is celebrated for its groundbreaking sound and influence.

Angel Witch captured the imagination of fans with their self-titled debut album, blending heavy metal with occult and fantasy themes, a blend that would inspire a multitude of bands in the genre.

Blitzkrieg‘s influence on thrash metal was cemented when Metallica covered their self-titled song, showcasing the band’s impact with their aggressive guitar work and fast tempos.

Witchfinder General contributed significantly to the doom metal subgenre, a style defined by its slow tempos and sense of dread, drawing from the legacy of Black Sabbath.

Cloven Hoof stood out with their thematic and conceptual albums, delving into fantasy and science fiction. Celebrated for their musicianship and complex song structures, they added depth and variety to the NWOBHM movement.

These bands, among others, crafted a new chapter in the story of heavy metal, each playing a significant role in the development and legacy of the NWOBHM. Their collective efforts not only revitalized a genre but also paved the way for the future of metal music.

Bursting into the Mainstream

Following the passionate surge of creativity and innovation that defined the early stages of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a pivotal moment arrived that would catapult the movement into the broader public consciousness. In February 1980, the release of the “Metal for Muthas” compilations marked a significant milestone in the journey of NWOBHM. These compilations, featuring early recordings by Iron Maiden among other artists, played a crucial role in showcasing the burgeoning talent within the scene.

The first “Metal for Muthas” compilation achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 12 on the British LP charts, proof of the growing appeal of the NWOBHM sound. This success was not just a numerical achievement but a cultural one, highlighting the movement’s significant impact. The compilation’s popularity led to a tour, further amplifying its influence and bringing the raw energy of NWOBHM to audiences across the UK.

While the NWOBHM was surging in the underground, “Metal for Muthas” catapulted it into mainstream consciousness.

While the second volume, “Metal for Muthas Volume II,” featured less notable artists, it maintained the DIY ethic that was emblematic of the era, showcasing the depth and diversity of the movement. The series was later revived in the early 1990s with “Metal for Muthas ’92,” focusing on unsigned British hard rock acts, underlining the lasting legacy of the original compilations.

Complementing the impact of the “Metal for Muthas” series was the extensive media coverage and the inaugural Donington Monsters of Rock Festival in summer 1980. This festival, featuring a mix of old guard and new wave groups, played a significant role in cementing the movement’s popularity and influence. It was a moment that brought together the past, present, and future of heavy metal, showcasing the genre’s evolution and its vibrant new direction.

The buzz around NWOBHM led to major-label signings, with bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard securing significant deals with EMI and Mercury, respectively. These deals were instrumental in bringing the music of these bands to a wider audience, facilitating their rise to superstardom. The involvement of major record labels marked a new phase in the movement’s evolution, signifying its acceptance into the mainstream music industry.

Independent record labels also flourished during this period, playing a vital role in the NWOBHM by introducing a plethora of bands to the scene. Labels such as Neat Records, known for mining a rich vein of talent in Northern England, introduced bands like Venom and Raven to the world. These independent labels were crucial in maintaining the movement’s diversity and DIY spirit, even as some of its leading lights moved to larger platforms.

The combination of compilation releases, media coverage, landmark festivals, and record label interest created a perfect storm that propelled the New Wave of British Heavy Metal from an underground phenomenon to a major force in the music world. It was a time of transition and triumph, as the bands and fans of NWOBHM saw their passion and dedication rewarded with widespread recognition and success.

NWOBHM Influence Through Time

The NWOBHM had a profound impact on the development of various metal subgenres, inspiring a new generation of bands worldwide. This movement, characterized by its energy, innovation, and diversity, became a cornerstone for the evolution of heavy metal.

Bands like Diamond Head, Venom, and Raven, while they may not have achieved the commercial success of giants like Iron Maiden or Def Leppard, played a major role in shaping the extreme metal subgenres that emerged in the mid-to-late 1980s and 1990s. Their innovative approaches to metal significantly contributed to the birth of thrash, death, and black metal. These bands introduced a raw, energized complexity to their music.

The NWOBHM’s legacy is not just in its hits but in its influence on metal’s evolution, inspiring genres from thrash to black metal.

The influence of NWOBHM bands on thrash metal is undeniable. Bands such as Raven, Diamond Head, and Blitzkrieg were instrumental in laying the groundwork for what would become thrash metal, impacting bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. This influence extended to other subgenres like black metal, which drew heavily from the theatrical and occult themes of bands like Venom. The movement’s diversity and its DIY ethic, reflected in the broad array of bands and the independent record labels that emerged during this time, significantly contributed to the evolution of heavy metal.

This diversity facilitated the development of subgenres such as doom, power, and progressive metal, each owing a part of its sound to the innovations of NWOBHM bands. Despite the movement’s relatively short peak period, its effects are seen in the continued popularity and evolution of heavy metal music. NWOBHM revitalized heavy metal at a time when it was losing momentum due to the crisis of British heavy rock giants and the rise of punk and new wave. The movement’s emphasis on fast, loud, and uncompromising music, coupled with its rebellious spirit, breathed new life into the heavy metal genre and laid the groundwork for its future evolution.

A Shifting Tide

By 1982, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), which had once revitalized the heavy metal scene, began to experience a decline. This shift was not just a matter of changing tastes but a transformation in the music industry itself, influenced by emerging commercial genres like glam metal and the rise of MTV, which changed the landscape of music consumption and promotion.

The NWOBHM, with its raw energy and innovation, had brought a fresh perspective to heavy metal. However, as the decade progressed, many of its bands struggled to meet commercial expectations or maintain their initial momentum. The advent of MTV placed a new emphasis on the visual appeal of bands, a domain where some NWOBHM groups found themselves at a disadvantage. This emphasis on image over substance led to a decrease in visibility and influence for many NWOBHM bands in the mainstream music scene.

The rise of MTV and glam metal marked a turning point for the NWOBHM, shifting the focus from musical innovation to visual appeal.

The glam metal subgenre, emanating from Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, began to capture the imaginations of many British rock fans. Characterized by its polished aesthetic and themes of love and sex, glam metal’s rise overshadowed the raw and more aggressive style of NWOBHM bands, leading to a shift in the preferences of the audience.

Despite these challenges, the legacy of the NWOBHM endures. Its deep influence on the development of various metal subgenres and its inspiration to musicians and bands across the globe cannot be overstated. Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon, which were pivotal to the NWOBHM, not only achieved considerable success but also set the stage for world tours, bringing their music to fans around the world.

The NWOBHM’s influence is particularly evident in the rise of thrash, death, black, doom, power, and progressive metal, each owing a part of its sound to the innovations introduced by NWOBHM bands. The movement’s DIY ethic and its emphasis on fast, loud, and raw music have left a lasting mark on the heavy metal genre, ensuring its continued popularity and evolution through decades.