New Wave Of British Heavy Metal NWOBHM Album Cover Artwork Gallery and Descriptions

 

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The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, revitalizing heavy metal with faster tempos, raw energy, and a DIY spirit. Bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard combined the aggression of punk with the technical prowess of classic metal. Characterized by powerful riffs, melodic solos, and high-pitched vocals, NWOBHM laid the groundwork for thrash, power, and speed metal. Though rooted in working-class England, its impact was global, inspiring countless metal bands. The movement was fueled by independent labels, fanzines, and passionate fans, making it a grassroots revolution in metal history.


Latest Updated: NWOBHM Vinyl Records – Rare Album Covers & Artwork Gallery with Descriptions


GRIM REAPER - Rock You to Hell album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
GRIM REAPER - Rock You to Hell

RCA PL86250 (Germany), 1987 • RCA Victor 6250-1-R (USA), 1987

“Rock You To Hell”, the band’s third and final studio blast, hit in 1987 when heavy metal was exploding worldwide. Grim Reaper pushed their NWOBHM power with searing falsetto vocals, razor-bright riffs, and big arena choruses. Released in Germany via RCA and in the USA through RCA Victor, this album marked their most international moment, carrying their Droitwich steel across both sides of the Atlantic.

 IRON MAIDEN - The Clairvoyant Cut To Shape Shaped Picture Disc
IRON MAIDEN - The Clairvoyant Cut To Shape Shaped Picture Disc

A bizarre slice of Maiden history: a single pressed into the silhouette of a furious, three-eyed Eddie. The music hits with that late-80s melodic fire—Bruce soaring, Harris driving the engine—and the format just screams “collector bait.” It’s loud, weird, and gloriously unnecessary, which is exactly why it belongs in your shelf.

IRON MAIDEN - Somewhere In Time Collection: Worldwide Vinyl Editions album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
IRON MAIDEN - Somewhere In Time Collection: Worldwide Vinyl Editions

Travel through time with Iron Maiden’s legendary 1986 album Somewhere in Time. This collection brings together worldwide vinyl releases, each with its own unique characteristics—from the German DMM press to the French SACEM edition and the iconic UK & US releases. Featuring classics like "Wasted Years" and "Stranger in a Strange Land," this is a must-have for Maiden collectors!

Thumbnail of DEF LEPPARD - Hysteria album front cover
DEF LEPPARD - Hysteria

“Hysteria” is a 12-track masterclass in pop-metal precision — lush harmonies, neon-bright riffs, and choruses that sound like they were built to echo off stadium roofs. Phil Collen’s guitar tone slices through the mix with surgical clarity, while the hooks linger long after the needle lifts. It’s 1987 bottled and electrified.

Thumbnail of VENOM - Warhead album front cover
VENOM - Warhead 12" Maxi Single

Venom’s “Warhead” detonates the line between heavy metal and pure sonic warfare. Released in 1983, this brutal 12" maxi single captured Cronos at his most feral and Mantas carving riffs like shrapnel. Its unfiltered chaos helped forge the foundations of thrash and black metal, an underground anthem that still scorches the speakers four decades later.

Thumbnail of VENOM - Calm Before The Storm  album front cover
VENOM - Calm Before The Storm

Venom's "Calm Before The Storm" represents a significant departure from the band's earlier work, offering a more polished, melodic sound while still retaining their trademark aggression and intensity. The album may not be as well-known as some of their earlier releases, but it still holds an important place in the history of the metal genre.

IRON MAIDEN - Flight of Icarus Collection: Rare Vinyl Editions album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
IRON MAIDEN - Flight of Icarus Collection: Rare Vinyl Editions

Experience the soaring power of Iron Maiden's Flight of Icarus across rare and collectible vinyl editions. From the classic 7" French single to the visually stunning 12" picture disc and maxi single, these releases capture the legendary track in unique formats for dedicated Maiden fans.

Thumbnail Of  IRON MAIDEN - Wasted Years 12" Maxi-Single  album front cover
IRON MAIDEN - Wasted Years 12" Maxi-Single

Irons, own a Maiden masterpiece! This 12" vinyl maxi-single blasts "Wasted Years" in all its glory, the only Iron Maiden song penned solely by Adrian Smith. Flip the disc for extended cuts and bonus tracks, taking you deeper into the melancholic yet powerful world of wasted time.

Honour and Blood ( RoadrunneR , Netherlands )
TANK - Honour and Blood (Netherlands & USA Releases )

- Honour and Blood ( RoadrunneR , Netherlands )

- Honour and Blood ( USA, CANADA )

The sonic intensity and precise production of "Honour and Blood" owe a great deal to the sound engineering talents of Alvin Clark and Peter Rackham. Working tirelessly to capture Tank's explosive energy, they ensured that every riff, vocal line, and drum beat reverberated with power and clarity.

Thumbnail Of  DEMON - Taking the World by Storm album front cover
DEMON - Taking the World by Storm

Taking the World by Storm captures Demon at their most dynamic, blending heavy metal power with theatrical flair. Packed with hard-hitting tracks and a few progressive twists, the album showcases the band’s musical evolution and stage energy, all wrapped in a striking gatefold presentation.

Visit: Taking by Storm 12" Vinyl LP Album
Thumbnail Of  TOKYO BLADE - Madame Guillotine album front cover
TOKYO BLADE - Madame Guillotine

Madame Guillotine is a fierce NWOBHM release by Tokyo Blade, blending power riffs, soaring vocals, and theatrical flair. With standout tracks like “Love Struck” and “Attack, Attack,” this EP showcases the band’s energetic sound and sharp edge. A rare pressing with alternate tracklisting, it’s a fan favorite among collectors.

Madame Guillotine 12" Vinyl EP
 IRON MAIDEN - Best of the Beast (4LP Collectors Box-Set)
IRON MAIDEN - Best of the Beast (4LP Collectors Box-Set)

Calling all Iron Maiden troopers! Unleash the ultimate collector's item: The "Best of the Beast" 4LP vinyl box set. This rare treasure trove features Maiden's greatest hits spread across four discs, a true testament to their reign in heavy metal. Box set glory awaits!

Best of the Beast 4x 12" Vinyl LP
IRON MAIDEN - Powerslave Collection: Worldwide Vinyl Editions album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
IRON MAIDEN - Powerslave Collection: Worldwide Vinyl Editions

Embark on a legendary journey through Iron Maiden’s epic 1984 album Powerslave with these rare and sought-after vinyl editions from across the world. From the majestic UK release to the Dutch, German, and EEC pressings, each version offers unique features, including inner sleeves, gatefold artwork, and stunning cover designs. A treasure trove for Maiden collectors!

Thumbnail Of  DEMON - Heart of Our Time album front cover
DEMON - Heart of Our Time

Demon’s 1985 album *Heart of Our Time* captures the essence of the NWOBHM era with melodic power and sharp production. Released on Clay Records, it features standout tracks like “Heart of Our Time” and “One Small Step.” The front cover’s striking cosmic illustration of a nude figure balancing on Earth while holding the moon adds a surreal, unforgettable visual to the music.

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Thumbnail Of  ANDY BOULTON'S TOKYO BLADE - Ain't Misbehavin' album front cover
ANDY BOULTON'S TOKYO BLADE - Ain't Misbehavin'

Released in Germany in 1987, Tokyo Blade’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” captures the raw energy of the fading NWOBHM wave. Fueled by Andy Boulton’s searing guitar riffs and Peter Zito’s commanding vocals, the album blends swagger, aggression, and reckless charm. With standout tracks like “Heartbreaker” and “Don’t Walk Away,” it delivers a fiery snapshot of heavy metal’s unpolished glory.

Ain't Misbehavin' 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail Of  IRON MAIDEN - Man On The Edge 12" Picture Disc  album front cover
IRON MAIDEN - Man On The Edge 12" Picture Disc

Iron Maiden soar on vinyl and paper! This limited edition package features "Man on the Edge" on a 12" picture disc, showcasing Eddie in electrifying artwork. Unfold the massive poster and witness the band and Eddie in all their glory. A true collector's piece for Maiden fans

View the poster incl. this album
IRON MAIDEN - The Number of the Beast Collection: Worldwide Vinyl Editions album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
IRON MAIDEN - The Number of the Beast Collection: Worldwide Vinyl Editions

Unleash the Beast with this legendary collection of Iron Maiden's 1982 masterpiece The Number of the Beast. Featuring rare and sought-after vinyl editions from across the world, including German, French, Canadian, and European releases, as well as the coveted red vinyl 7" single.

WARFARE - Two Tribes
WARFARE - Two Tribes

'Two Tribes' (1984) blends punk urgency with metal power in a unique 12" vinyl EP. With gritty guitar work and driving rhythms, the release showcases Warfare’s confrontational style and DIY ethos, capturing the spirit of the era’s underground rebellion.

Two Tribes 12" Vinyl EP
SAXON - Denim and Leather  album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Denim and Leather

In the early 1980s, amidst a burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, Saxon released their iconic album "Denim and Leather" on 12" vinyl LP. This album solidified their standing in the genre and became an anthem for the burgeoning heavy metal community.

Denim and Leather 12" Vinyl LP
E.F. BAND - One Night Stand album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl
E.F. BAND - One Night Stand

E.F. Band’s One Night Stand 12” Vinyl LP, a 1985 gem of the NWOBHM, bridges Swedish and UK heavy metal brilliance. Featuring Andy LaRocque, later famed with King Diamond, the album radiates raw energy and skill. Its striking Skull cover art cements its place as a must-have for fans of the era’s power and virtuosity.

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BLACK ROSE - Walk It How You Talk It album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
BLACK ROSE - Walk It How You Talk It

Walk It How You Talk It is the second full-length album by British NWOBHM band Black Rose, released in 1987 on NEAT Records. Bursting with fierce guitar riffs, gritty vocals, and rebellious spirit, it captures the raw energy of the UK metal underground. This cult classic is a must-have for vinyl collectors and fans of authentic '80s heavy metal.

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JUDAS PRIEST - Ram it Down album front cover vinyl record
JUDAS PRIEST - Ram it Down

Released in 1988, Judas Priest's "Ram It Down" marked a pivotal shift for guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, introducing the sweep-picking technique and high-speed soloing. Produced by Tom Allom, alongside Tipton, Halford, and Downing, the album showcased technical virtuosity. Its cohesive sound, blending precise guitar work with Halford's vocals, contributed to its impact, solidifying the band's standing in the evolving heavy metal landscape of the late 1980s.

Ram it Down 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Back on the Streets album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Back on the Streets

In the mid-1980s, British heavy metal band Saxon released an extended 12" vinyl maxi-single featuring two tracks, "Back on the Streets (Extended Version)" and "Live Fast Die Young". This release aimed to capitalize on the success of their album "Innocence Is No Excuse" and further solidify their position

Back on the Streets 12" Vinyl Maxi
Thumbnail of ROGUE MALE - First Visit ( UK Release ) NWOBHM  front cover
ROGUE MALE - First Visit UK Release

"First Visit," Rogue Male's 1985 debut, encapsulates the essence of NWOBHM. Produced by Steve James, the UK pressing 12" vinyl LP is a collector's gem, featuring iconic cover art and a sonic journey through powerful vocals, blistering guitar riffs, and pounding drums. Tracks like "All Over You" and "On the Line" define an era, solidifying Rogue Male's influential role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal.

First Visit ( UK Release ) 12" Vinyl LP Album