The albums that define
new wave of british heavy metal.
Our picks for where to start with new wave of british heavy metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top new wave of British heavy metal artists
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The new wave of british heavy metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Iron Maiden
The Soundhouse Tapes
Raw energy and aggressive guitar riffs define this foundational heavy metal EP, showcasing the early sound of Iron Maiden.
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Iron Maiden
Senjutsu
Epic storytelling unfolds over intricate melodies and thunderous riffs, capturing the essence of classic heavy metal.
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Tygers of Pan Tang
The Cage
A vibrant blend of heavy metal and new wave, marked by melodic hooks and anthemic choruses.
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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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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 of Light
A blend of haunting melodies and crushing riffs that intertwine the darkness of heavy metal with a sense of ethereal beauty.
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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
Everything Louder
A relentless barrage of speed metal riffs entwined with anthemic choruses and raw, energetic vocals defining a bold return.
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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
Running Wild
A fierce blend of heavy metal riffs and catchy melodies underscored by powerful vocals, embodying the spirit of 80s rock.
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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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Avenger
Blood Sports
Raucous guitar riffs and anthemic choruses collide with a gritty punk attitude, embodying the raw energy of the NWOBHM movement.
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Holocaust
Primal
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Quartz
Stand Up and Fight
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where new wave of British heavy metal landed in each era.