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

 

large album front cover photo of: New Wave Of British Heavy Metal NWOBHM Album Cover Artwork Gallery and Descriptions

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.


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

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

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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
Thumbnail of VENOM - Doomed to Hell album front cover
VENOM - Doomed to Hell

"Doomed to Hell" was not recorded during the "American Assault" tour, nor was it recorded in the Netherlands. In fact, "Doomed to Hell" is not an actual Venom live album, but rather a bootleg recording that was falsely attributed to the band. The recording is often mislabeled as being from a live show in 1984, although the exact location and date of the recording remain unknown. 

Doomed to Hell 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of DEF LEPPARD - Hysteria  album front cover
DEF LEPPARD - Hysteria

Def Leppard's "Hysteria" is a rock classic, released in 1987. The album showcases the band's talent for big hooks and anthemic choruses, featuring hits like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites". The production is polished and innovative, incorporating electronic elements and layered harmonies.

Hysteria (Holland) 12" LP
MAINEEAXE - Going For Gold album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
MAINEEAXE - Going For Gold

Released in 1985, Going for Gold is the final album by British NWOBHM band MainEEaxe. Showcasing their signature mix of melodic heavy metal and hard-driving riffs, the album captures the energy of the era. Produced by The Commander and recorded at Ric Rac Studios, it remains a cult favorite among collectors of classic 1980s heavy metal vinyl.

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TYGERS OF PAN TANG - Wild Cat album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
TYGERS OF PAN TANG - Wild Cat

Wild Cat is the explosive debut from Tygers of Pan Tang, packed with raw riffs, fierce vocals, and NWOBHM attitude. The rare promo edition features iconic artwork of a snarling tiger, reflecting the untamed sound within. From hard-driving anthems to melodic touches, this album is a powerful statement of heavy metal intent.

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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.

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BATTLEAXE - Power from The Universe album front cover vinyl record
BATTLEAXE - Power from The Universe

"Power From the Universe" was an unapologetic celebration of the NWOBHM ethos. From the opening salvo of "Heavy Metal Sanctuary" to the anthemic "Battleaxe," the album was a relentless onslaught of fist-pumping anthems that exuded a raw, unbridled energy.

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HOLOSADE – Hellhouse album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
HOLOSADE – Hellhouse

Hellhouse is the sole full-length release by UK thrashers Holosade, blending NWOBHM roots with fierce late-'80s thrash energy. Released in 1988 and produced by the mysterious “Unkle Bastard!”, the album delivers raw riffs, dark themes, and underground grit—earning it cult status among collectors and metal fans alike.

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SAMURAI - Sacred Blade album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
SAMURAI - Sacred Blade

Sacred Blade is the debut LP by Welsh NWOBHM band Samurai, delivering raw heavy metal energy and melodic hooks. With soaring vocals, blazing dual guitars, and pounding rhythms, the album captures the fierce spirit of early British metal. A must-have for collectors, its iconic artwork mirrors the band’s power and epic themes.

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Thumbnail of DEF LEPPARD - Animal Extended Play 12" EP album front cover
DEF LEPPARD - Animal Extended Play

The "Animal" EP features two remixes of the title track, as well as live versions of "Tear It Down" and "Women". The page also includes background information about the band and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.

Animal Extended Play 12" EP
DIAMOND HEAD Am I Evil  album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
DIAMOND HEAD Am I Evil

Am I Evil by Diamond Head is a cornerstone of NWOBHM, first released in 1987 by FM Revolver. Featuring powerful riffs, anthemic vocals, and raw energy, this LP showcases the band's legendary influence on heavy metal. Its iconic title track, later covered by Metallica, remains a defining moment in the genre's evolution.

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