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

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SABBAT - Dreamweaver

"Dreamweaver" was released on 12" vinyl LP in 1989 by Noise International, a German record label specializing in heavy metal. The album features nine tracks, with a total running time of approximately 50 minutes. The cover art, created by famous German artist Andreas Marschall, depicts a surreal landscape f

PRAYING MANTIS Time Tells no Lies

Time Tells No Lies is the 1981 debut album by Praying Mantis and a melodic gem of the NWOBHM era. Blending soaring vocals, twin-guitar harmonies, and anthemic hooks, it stands out for its refined sound and strong songwriting. Tracks like “Cheated” and “Lovers to the Grave” showcase a band with both power and finesse—true pioneers of melodic metal.

RAVEN - Stay Hard

Released in 1985, Raven's "Stay Hard" marked a turning point, showcasing a more polished sound while maintaining their aggressive energy. Produced by Michael Wagener, this NWOBHM album features the anthemic title track, "On and On," and "Hard Ride," highlighting the band's evolution

TANK - Honour and Blood (Netherlands & USA Releases )

SAXON - Wheels of Steel (Multiple International Versions)

The release of "Wheels of Steel" by the British Heavy Metal band SAXON in 1980 marked a significant moment in the history of the genre. This iconic album, recorded at Ramport Studios in London, UK, and produced by Pete Hinton and Saxon themselves, became a cornerstone in the metal landscape.

ACE LANE - See You in Heaven

See You in Heaven is the first and only album by British NWOBHM band Ace Lane, released in 1983 on Expulsion Records. Packed with melodic hooks, gritty vocals, and dual-guitar power, the LP reflects the genre’s raw energy and diversity. Though short-lived, Ace Lane left behind a cult gem in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

WARFARE - Metal Anarchy

Released in 1985, Warfare's 'Metal Anarchy' captures the unfiltered energy of early thrash. With ferocious guitars, pounding drums, and a rebellious spirit, it delivers pure metal chaos. A cornerstone of the UK’s underground metal movement, this LP remains a raw classic.

CHASAR - Gypsy Roller

Gypsy Roller is the second and final album by Scottish NWOBHM band CHASAR, released in 1987 on Mausoleum Records. With powerful riffs and anthemic vocals, the LP blends raw metal energy with mystic flair. Though under the radar, it’s a cult favorite that showcases Scotland’s heavy metal legacy in the NWOBHM era.

FAST KUTZ Burnin'

Burnin' is the only album by British heavy metal band Fast Kutz, released in 1987 on Ebony Records. Emerging from Cleveland during the NWOBHM era, the band delivered raw power and fierce vocals across eight hard-hitting tracks. With striking cover art by Garry Sharpe, this cult LP remains a rare gem for metal collectors.