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THE A-Z OF NWOBHM

This is the A-Z of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), One topic per letter.

A: ANGEL WITCH

As one of the purest distillations of NWOBHM, Angel Witch’s 1980 debut became a cult classic whose dark melodies and occult themes influenced everything from US power metal to early doom.

B: BLITZKRIEG

Their legendary 1981 single "Buried Alive / Blitzkrieg" became a thing in the underground but they got some world recognition when Metallica covered the title track. Blitzkrieg released their debut LP at the tail end of the NWOBHM movement entitled 'A Time of Changes' in 1985.

C: CLOVEN HOOF

Their 1984 debut self-titled Cloven Hoof was a legendary debut within the NWOBHM. The band later become a cult favorite among power‑metal fans.

D: DIAMOND HEAD

Despite inconsistent management, Diamond Head’s Lightning to the Nations became one of the most influential metal albums ever, shaping the sound of Metallica, Megadeth, and the entire thrash movement.

E: ELIXIR

Elixir’s The Son of Odin is one of the most respected deeper‑cut NWOBHM albums — melodic, mystical, and fiercely British.

F: FRIDAY ROCK SHOW

Tommy Vance’s Friday Rock Show gave national exposure to dozens of NWOBHM bands, premiering demos, live sessions, and early singles long before they had label support.

G: GRIM REAPER

Grim Reaper's 'See You in Hell' album became a surprise international hit thanks to Steve Grimmett’s soaring vocals. 'Fear No Evil' and 'Rock You To Hell' furthered the bands success. Rest in Peace Steve.

H: HOLOCAUST

Metallica introduced Holocaust and 'The Small Hours' to a new generation of fans when they decided to cover them. Metallica's influence or not 'The Nightcomers' remains a raw NWOBHM essential.

I: IRON MAIDEN

Yes, they became global superstars, but in 1979–1981 they were the hungry street‑level leaders of the movement, playing pubs, clubs, and releasing iconic early singles on their own label. R.I.P. Paul Di'Anno.

J: JAGUAR

Jaguar's Power Games album is one of the fastest, speed metal sounding records of the entire NWOBHM era.

K: KERRANG!

Kerrang! launched in 1981 because NWOBHM was exploding, becoming the first magazine dedicated entirely to heavy metal. At least back then.

L: LEGEND

They took the Jersey underground by storm. Legend’s Death in the Nursery is one of the most atmospheric and haunting records associated with the NWOBHM era.

M: METAL FOR MUTHAS

Metal for Muthas was a two‑volume compilation series released in 1980 on EMI, curated by Neal Kay, the DJ behind London’s legendary Bandwagon Soundhouse. The epicenter of early NWOBHM fandom.

N: NEAT RECORDS

Neat Records was the beating heart of NWOBHM’s heavier side, releasing Venom, Raven, Blitzkrieg, Fist, and dozens of cult classics.

O: OVERDRIVE

Another band whose early singles, especially "On the Run" captured the raw, melodic, street‑level energy that defined the movement’s DIY spirit.

P: PRAYING MANTIS

Possessing a more melodic, almost AOR‑tinged sound, Praying Mantis showed the softer, more sophisticated side of NWOBHM without losing it's edge. They should obviously be included on the metal-archives which they at the moment aren't. 

Q: QUARTZ

Being older than most NWOBHM bands didn’t stop Quartz from becoming part of the movement. Their 1980s output fit perfectly alongside the bands of the new wave.

R: RAVEN

Raven's "athletic rock" style helped shape early speed metal and inspired bands across the Atlantic..From Canadian speed metal bands to the big four of thrash.

S: SATAN

Not the beast but the band. Satan represented the technical, razor‑sharp side of NWOBHM better than any other band. "Court in the Act" remains one of the most respected albums of the entire era.

T: TYGERS OF PAN TANG

Tested by lineup changes and label pressure, the Tygers still delivered classics like "Wild Cat" and "Spellbound", blending melody with street‑level grit.

U: URCHIN

Urchin was Adrian Smith’s pre‑Maiden band, capturing the late‑70s heavy‑rock DNA that fed directly into NWOBHM.

V: VARDIS

Once one of the most unique bands in the movement, Vardis fused boogie, speed, and punk energy. 100 M.P.H. remains one of the great live albums of the era.

 

W: WITCHFINDER GENERAL

Witchfinder General were pioneers of the doom‑leaning branch of the movement, influencing everything from Cathedral to Candlemass. "Death Penalty" and "Friends of Hell" remains as landmarks within the NWOBHM.

X: XERO

London based band Xero released a single in 1983 called 'Oh Baby' and an EP in 1983 entitled "Cutting Loose".

Y: Y DIAWLED

Y Diawled brought some welsh flair to the NWOBHM. They released a couple of 7" singles in 82-83. A cult favorite among collectors.

Z: Z?

There's no Z that I could think of including in this NWOBHM A-Z but there was actually a NWOBHM band called A-II-Z So I think we can include them here on the letter Z. They released the "The Witch of Berkley" live album in 1980.

By/Ruthless