The best New Wave of British Heavy Metal albums
of the 1980s.
Where to start with 1980–1989 new wave of British heavy metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1980s — new wave of British heavy metal
Top picks from 1980–1989, ranked by where we would start.
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
A relentless onslaught of galloping rhythms, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar harmonies that define the heavy metal soundscape.
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Iron Maiden
The Number of the Beast
Explosive riffs and theatrical storytelling converge in a heavy metal odyssey steeped in dark themes and relentless energy.
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Tygers of Pan Tang
Crazy Nights
Melodic hooks intertwine with electrifying guitar riffs, embodying the essence of early 80s heavy metal nostalgia.
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Tygers of Pan Tang
Burning in the Shade
A vibrant collision of melodic hooks and heavy riffs that captures the spirit of late '80s British metal.
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Raven
Nothing Exceeds Like Excess
A frenetic blend of speed metal and British heavy metal, dripping with irreverence and sharp guitar riffs.
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Raven
Rock Until You Drop
A frenetic blend of speed metal and heavy riffs that embodies the raw energy of early 80s British rock.
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Angel Witch
Screamin' 'n' Bleedin'
A turbulent blend of heavy metal riffs and haunting melodies, encapsulating the raw energy of the mid-'80s British metal scene.
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Angel Witch
Angel Witch
A fierce blend of occult themes and melodic heavy metal that helped define the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.
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Girlschool
Play Dirty
A high-energy blend of heavy metal riffs and catchy hooks, embodying the fierce spirit of the early '80s rock scene.
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Girlschool
Hit and Run
A fierce blend of heavy metal and punk energy, driven by powerful riffs and unapologetic lyrics.
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Tank
Honour & Blood
Thunderous riffs and aggressive vocals merge with lyrical themes of conflict, embodying the spirit of 80s heavy metal.
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Tank
Filth Hounds of Hades
Raucous riffs and aggressive vocals collide in a raw display of heavy metal fury that defines the early '80s sound.
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Holocaust
The Nightcomers
A gritty blend of heavy metal riffs and punk energy that captures the essence of early '80s British rock.
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