Episode 240: The New Wave of British Heavy Metal

A throwback to the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. From around 1977 to 1985 dozens and dozens of bands released hard music in the UK.

It all began with Editor Alan Lewis, when he coined the term NWOBHM for an article by Geoff Barton in a May 1979 issue of the British music newspaper Sounds to describe the emergence of new punk influenced metal bands. 

Metal for Muthas followed, a compilation album that features Iron Maiden, Angel Witch and other highly influential groups. Some are still active today while most are a fond memory of a distant past. 

Diamond Head, begins this week’s episode with anthem Am I Evil, struck heavy metal lightning when Metallica covered the song and made the band some serious money.

The amount of NWOBHM bands with the word WITCH in their group’s name was astounding. We check out three of them, the aforementioned Angel Witch, Witchfynde and last but certainly not least, Witchfinder General. Escapist fare ruled the day and lyrics were often about getting wasted in one way or another. 

Another interesting aspect of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was the proliferation of all girl heavy metal bands. We feature two, Girlschool and Rock Goddess. They rocked as hard as the boys and they can prove it! Girlschool just toured with Saxon, another long running outfit that takes pride in their humble beginnings as metal maniacs. 

VHF-240 (NWOBHM) can’t possibly have all the great groups within this genre but it’s an excellent entry point to the wider world of metal. Blast it loud, the guitars should crank and the vocals should scream!