What makes NWOBHM by Darkthrone notable?

This album is significant for its embrace of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal ethos, showcasing Darkthrone's ability to evolve while paying tribute to their influences. It received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, affirming its place within both their discography and the broader metal genre. By the time 'NWOBHM' was released in 2007, Darkthrone had already established themselves as a leading band in the black metal scene, following their acclaimed 2006 album 'The Cult Is Alive.' This EP marked a shift towards a more diverse sound, embracing elements of traditional heavy metal while maintaining their signature dark aesthetic.

How many songs are on NWOBHM?

NWOBHM has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

NWOBHM

Darkthrone · 2007

15 min · 4 tracks · black metal

A raw, aggressive homage to heavy metal's roots, merging black metal ferocity with classic rock influences.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Wisdom of the Dead (alternate version) — This track exemplifies the EP's blend of raw energy and melodic sensibilities, making it a standout representation of Darkthrone's evolving style.
→
Canadian Metal (alternate vocal mix) — With its playful nod to heavy metal clichés, this track captures a sense of humor that contrasts with typical black metal themes, showcasing Darkthrone's versatility.
→
Hedninger fra helvete — This song features driving riffs and intense vocals that highlight the band's ability to merge aggression with melody, serving as a defining moment on the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

This EP effectively blends black metal with classic heavy metal influences, showcasing strong songwriting and a raw production style.

What we noticed

The EP opens with a mid-tempo track that features a prominent guitar riff, followed by faster-paced songs that incorporate classic heavy metal elements.
The production is intentionally raw, emphasizing the gritty sound of the instruments and vocals, which aligns with the black metal aesthetic.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — This EP showcases a departure by embracing classic heavy metal influences.
Career context: By the time 'NWOBHM' was released in 2007, Darkthrone had already established themselves as a leading band in the black metal scene, following their acclaimed 2006 album 'The Cult Is Alive.' This EP marked a shift towards a more diverse sound, embracing elements of traditional heavy metal while maintaining their signature dark aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors: Burzum· Mayhem· Immortal