This short(ish) post seeks to explain a little background to “NWOBHM” for those not old enough to have been around at the time…………..or indeed are old enough but may have forgotten……!
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal music has both musical and visual characteristics. The musical style developed as a rebellion against the artificial, sugary pop tunes of the 1970s. It was only one of the many unique styles trying to make them known in the music world in the 1970s and early 1980s.
NWOBHM set itself apart from other styles of music at the time by revving up the speed, pumping up the volume, musicianship that far surpassed much of what was happening at the time. All of these characteristics lead to the hard core sound that defines the distincy style and sound.
Other characteristics included astounding guitar solos displayed the exceptional speed and skill of the axeman. Melody and power chords were combined. Themes from fantasy, science fiction, mythology or the occult were used in the lyrics and titles for many songs as some sort of running theme almost.
The tough, unpretentious style of the musical movement was a change that a devoted group of loyal devotees found refreshing and entertaining.
Here’s an example of the type of stuff this post is about – a reformed Angelwitch hammering out one of their classics – Angel of Death. Enjoy…….