A Heavy Metal Thunder: The Explosive Early Years of the NWOBHM

Prelude to the Sonic Uprising

The nascent years of the 1970s bore witness to a seismic shift in the musical landscape. Rock had undergone a metamorphosis, morphing into a more grandiose and theatrical form dubbed "hard rock." Bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath pushed the boundaries of heavy music, captivating audiences with their thunderous riffs and bombastic stage presence.

Wheels Of Steel: The Explosive Early Years of NWOBHM

by Martin Popoff

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1326 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	258 pages
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However, as the decade progressed, a sense of stagnation began to creep into the world of heavy rock. The excesses and indulgences of the genre had become increasingly prevalent, and a growing number of fans yearned for a return to the raw, primal energy that had defined its genesis.

The Birth of a Revolution

The catalyst for this musical resurgence emerged from the heart of the United Kingdom. In 1975, Iron Maiden released their eponymous debut album, a blistering assault of heavy metal that sent shockwaves through the music industry. The band's twin guitar attack, galloping bass lines, and soaring vocals ignited a flame that would quickly spread across the nation.

Simultaneously, Judas Priest unleashed their seminal album "Sad Wings of Destiny," a groundbreaking masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of heavy metal with its complex arrangements and soaring melodies. The twin guitar assault of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton became synonymous with the NWOBHM, inspiring countless future bands.

The New Wave Takes Hold

Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were merely the tip of the iceberg. A plethora of bands emerged from the shadows, eager to claim their stake in the burgeoning heavy metal scene. Black Sabbath's influence loomed large, but these new bands infused their sound with a fresh, vibrant energy that would define the NWOBHM.

Def Leppard, Saxon, and Motörhead became household names, each bringing their unique flair to the movement. Def Leppard's melodic harmonies and anthemic choruses appealed to a broader audience, while Saxon's epic tales of battle and history resonated with fans of traditional heavy metal. Motörhead, led by the indomitable Lemmy Kilmister, embodied the raw, unadulterated spirit of rock and roll.

Diamond Head: The Unsung Pioneers

While Iron Maiden and Judas Priest often receive the lion's share of credit for sparking the NWOBHM, the true unsung heroes were Diamond Head. This Stourbridge band released their debut album "Lightning to the Nations" in 1980, a groundbreaking masterpiece that would inspire an entire generation of metal musicians.

Diamond Head's twin guitar attack and soaring melodic vocals laid the foundation for many of the NWOBHM's defining characteristics. Their influence on Metallica, a band that would later become one of the most successful heavy metal acts of all time, is particularly evident.

Venom: Taking Darkness to the Extreme

As the NWOBHM gained momentum, a new breed of bands emerged, pushing the boundaries of the genre even further. Venom, led by the enigmatic Cronos, emerged from Newcastle upon Tyne with a sinister and uncompromising sound that would redefine the concept of heavy metal.

Their debut album, "Welcome to Hell," was a raw and abrasive assault that delved into themes of blasphemy, Satanism, and the occult. Venom's influence on the nascent black metal scene cannot be overstated, laying the groundwork for bands like Bathory and Mayhem.

Saxon: The Power and the Glory

Saxon, hailing from Barnsley, Yorkshire, stood out from the NWOBHM crowd with their muscular sound and soaring anthems. Their album "Wheels of Steel" became a defining work of the movement, showcasing their twin guitar attack and aggressive vocals.

Saxon's songs, often inspired by historical events and epic battles, resonated with fans of traditional heavy metal. Their influence on bands like Manowar and Sabaton is undeniable.

The Legacy of the NWOBHM

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was a seismic event that reshaped the face of heavy music. It injected new energy and vitality into a genre that had begun to stagnate, inspiring a new generation of musicians and captivating audiences worldwide.

The NWOBHM's legacy continues to reverberate through the decades. Countless bands, from Metallica to Slayer and Cradle of Filth, can trace their roots to the explosive early years of this vibrant musical movement. And as long as there are fans who crave the thunderous pulse of heavy metal, the spirit of the NWOBHM will continue to live on.

Further Exploration

* [Iron Maiden: The History of a Heavy Metal Icon](https://www.loudersound.com/features/iron-maiden-the-history-of-a-heavy-metal-icon) * [Judas Priest: The Story of Heavy Metal's Original Defenders](https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/judas_priest_the_story_of_heavy_metals_original_defenders-66199) * [Diamond Head: The Unsung Heroes of the NWOBHM](https://www.metal-archives.com/band/band-page.php?id=274) * [Venom: The Pioneers of Black Metal](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/venom-mn0000293229/biography) * [Saxon: The Power and the Glory of the NWOBHM](https://www.loudersound.com/bands/saxon)

Wheels Of Steel: The Explosive Early Years of NWOBHM

by Martin Popoff

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1326 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE