New Wave Of British Heavy Metal

This musical genre, New Wave of British Heavy Metal, started in the late 1970’s, was the answer to the punk rock movement. Its origin began right before punk emerged. This new wave took what the bands that came before them Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, UFO, Yes, etc. and evolved it into a faster more aggressive direction. But with the advent of punk music, this movement was delayed. With the rise of the Sex Pistols and The Damned among others, they had to bide their time waiting for them be noticed and get a record deal. But in 1980, Iron Maiden jump started the movement with their self-titled debut album “Iron Maiden”. This release sparked the beginning of the movement now known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal or NWOBHM for short.

The bands with in this genre include the likes of: Iron Maiden, Saxon, Def Leppard, Motörhead, Judas Priest, and Diamond Head. While there are more bands that can be identified in this genre, the bands Def Leppard, Motörhead, and Judas Priest are the most controversial when it comes to whether they are a part of the genre. Leppard came around the same time as the others bands but had a different sound. They incorporated more melody into their music, and because of their song “Hello America” on their debut album, they were thought of as “sell outs” by their contemporaries. Motörhead and Judas Priest both debuted before the movement started, 1975 and 1970 respectively. Due to their influence and the rejuvenation of metal due to NWOBHM, both have released landmark records during this time. Motörhead brought into being speed metal and are the forefathers of the double bass drum. Judas priest is known for the S&M, leather and studs look to metal and made it look cool. As well as the duel guitar attack of guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton.

While I have stated that NWOBHM is the antithesis of Punk music, none is more true about the attire and live performance experience. Punks dressed with short or spiky hair, usually leather jackets, but otherwise a kind of DIY off the street look. Metalheads, on the other hand, had denim and leather, with patches of their favorite bands on their denim vests. In the live show, punk music had moshing. Metal on the other hand had the headbang.

This genre was instrumental in the look and sound of all future metal bands, and would go on to influence Thrash Metal, Power Metal, and Black Metal. The culture and music of these bands are still celebrated today.