New Wave of British Heavy Metal

Originating Location: Britain

Originating Era: 1970s

Genre Description
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (often abbreviated as NWOBHM or N.W.O.B.H.M.) is a movement that began during the late 1970s in Britain. Following early heavy metal groups like Black Sabbath, the era developed the sound into a more hardcore less blues tone, often with a faster tempo and sometimes clear punk influences. Hard rock also seemed to be of similar style too. NWOBHM became an influence to later heavy metal groups like Metallica in developing their own style. The image of NWOBHM bands was characterised as long hair, denim jackets, leather and chains, later becoming the predominate image of heavy metal as a whole.

Key Artists

 * Iron Maiden
 * Saxon
 * Motörhead
 * Def Leppard
 * Tygers of Pan Tang
 * Blitzkrieg
 * Avenger
 * Diamond Head

Key Albums

 * Saxon - Crusader
 * Iron Maiden - Killers
 * Def Leppard - Hysteria
 * Motörhead - Overkill