NWOBHM (1979-1984) by Repo

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Reality TV

I was never much into theater. That’s how I explain it. But, I’m ahead of myself. As usual. Let’s put the shadow back into the body shall we and dig deep into one of metal’s enduring debates: Dickinson vs. DiAnno.

Iron Maiden captured the world and became one of the two biggest metal bands on the planet once Dickinson stepped up to the mic after Di'Anno was unceremoniously dumped by Steve Harris for being an overall dirtbag. A smokin', beer drinkin', undependable lout. Dickinson was a far more technically gifted singer. And by all accounts a very likable guy. BUT, Bruce Bruce just couldn’t help himself. Restraint is not his forte. He's more than a bit theatrical if you know what I mean. And I personally happen to prefer my metal singers on the raw side. A bit more dangerous. Like they’re singing their real, unhinged inner thoughts. That’s what made Ozzy sooo amazing on his early solo LPs and with Black Sabbath. Likewise for Bon Scott of AC/DC and Lemmy of Motorhead. God know those three weren’t gifted singers. Shit. Lemmy’s voice was essentially an unfiltered cigarette hooked up to a mic and plugged in. (Let’s call him the very first e-cig! ) But they were believable. They could haunt your dreams. Make you believe that they regretted selling their souls to the Satan and now, had no choice but to hunt down YOURS. You could feel their breath at the back of your neck. And you half felt obliged to give it to them. Just because they were hurting so bad. You know what I mean?. That’s what Di’Anno had. He was the streets. The alleys. The low-lifes waiting behind the dumpster to snatch your purse. With Bruce Bruce, you always knew that it was just good fun. Brilliant fun. But, theater nonetheless. You weren’t going to lose any sleep over it. And wasn’t that half the point?
[First added to this chart: 06/25/2022]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,276
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Walking The Talk

Judas Priest do NOT like losing. After taking a dip in popularity with their last release Point Of Entry (as I discussed recently in The Repo Zone) and with young upstarts like Accept and Maiden nipping at their heels, Priest hunkered down, regrouped and just positively exploded with cut after cut of high energy, ass kicking Metal. Every single track rules and every single track feels unique & different. Melodic & catchy as hell YET still undeniably HEAVY, this album ruled the suburban high school air waves back in 1982 and rightly so. This is Priest’s high water mark for the entire 80s.

#1 Metal Album Of 1982! (That's right. Even better than Number of The Beast (which still will make my top 5!))
[First added to this chart: 06/25/2022]
Year of Release:
1982
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,558
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Quantum Leap

The Setting: They were ambitious right from the outset. Naming a song “Hello America” as the second track on your debut On Through The Night speaks volumes about your desire for world domination. But, it was a crowded field in the NWOBHM multiverse. Their songwriting just wasn’t there yet; oftentimes just sounding like generic rockers. At this point you wouldn't even think of mentioning them in the same breath as the NWOBHM royalty such as Saxon, Angel Witch, Diamond Head and of course Maiden. BUt, they showed promise. Especially on the track "Sorrow Is A Woman." If they could just pen a few more songs like that, I gave them a puncher’s chance.

The Listen: Well, We all know what happened. They landed more than just a few blows. They landed a full blown hay maker with their second album High N' Dry, knocking 80s Hard Rock in a whole different trajectory. For most of us metal heads, High N’ Dry is where it's at. The leap in quality from the debut in …. EVERYTHING (singing, songwriting, & production) is staggering. The songs were more expansive & creative but continued to pack a wallop. Joe Elliot's voice hit that perfect sweet spot of raw emotion and vulnerability while still being tough & with some bad boy danger to get you all nice & wet. And we all know what Mutt Lange can do behind the big board after AC/DD's Back In Black. They were 60% AC/DC to 40% Loverboy, and that golden ratio was just the trick for their sound. And their popularity. The girl’s wanted in and the boys wanted in on the girls. And arguably the best hard rock band of the entire 80s was about to say “Hello America” for reals.

The Verdict: The platonic ideal of Hard Rock, NWOBHM and AOR. Arguably the best hair metal album of all time. Inarguably one of the best party albums of the early 80s. And Def Leppard's best!
[First added to this chart: 06/26/2022]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
608
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Behead The Gorgon

“The whole NWOBHM thing didn’t exist when I wrote Angel Witch,” he recalls. “We were called Lucifer at that point and we were just a heavy rock band. I was in love with Sabbath, you know? I didn’t like anything else I was hearing. I liked bands like Led Zep and Deep Purple, but I preferred the Sabs because it just made more sense to me, with everything that was happening around me. I thought, ‘Why is everyone writing love songs?’ I was into the fantasy thing and horror and I just felt that was more of the way to go.” – Kevin Heybourne, founder, guitarist & vocalist of Angel Witch

The Setting: Two bands really stood out from the pack on the Metal For Muthas compilation. The comp that we can succinctly say heralded the arrival of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). A comp so important I almost named this post after it. Iron Maiden, as I noted earlier in this diary, were the clear head of the class. We all know what happened to them. But what, if anything, did the salutatorians have to add?

The Listen: Demons. Lots & lots of demons. Angel Witches. White Witches. Sorceresses. And Gorgons. Clearly not the kind that hid under his bed. No, my friends. These were the kind of demons poor Kevin wanted in bed. It seems our protagonist had girls on the brain. He tried to will his way into their hearts, but “The more love I feel for you, the more you fade away” he lamented in the their classic title track "Angel Witch". Frustrated, confused, and probably more than a little horny, Kevin took to the dark arts of metal, and crafted one of the few genuine classics of the original NWOBHM movement.

The Verdict: NWOBHM was cut short. Born in 1979, it's growth was quickly stunted once thrash quickened everyone’s pulses in 1983. But, you know what? As of lover of early 80s metal, I’ve always secretly wished that thrash had waited just a few more years to get its ball sack hair. Luckily, Kevin and his Angel Witches gave us this consummate NWOBHM classic. If you love those first two Maiden albums as much as I do, well brother, what the fuck are you waiting for? Unlike Kevin's demons, this is the real deal.
[First added to this chart: 10/28/2020]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
135
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The gold standard of the NWOBHM. Take no substitutes! (Unless you're talking about Wheels Of Steel also released by Saxon in 1980! These boys were just killing it back in the early 80s.) [First added to this chart: 10/28/2020]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
238
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CROSSOVER (1981)
South of The Dial #4

We've all heard the story. How punk injected new life into staid hard rock in the late 70s giving birth to NWOBHM which gave birth to thrash which in turn gave birth to a gazillion metal subgenres that no-one can even keep track of. You know. That story.

But, it's still pretty easy to tell a NWOBHM album from an early 80s punk album, right? Turns out not so easy! (although still pretty easy! lol. Gotta have something to write about, guys!) Anyways, Holocaust were such a band. Reminding me at times of High Time- era MC5, Orange County surf punk legends Agent Orange, and Portlandia Gawds The Wipers (especially the production and the vocals).

BUT, the album it is most genetically linked to is Ace Frehley's solo Kiss album from 1978. Those in the know, realize that that is not a diss, but insanely high praise. In fact, if you want a tell tale sign of a kickass punk club, just check it's jukebox for a copy. It should be right there next to The Stooges. It's a highly esteemed cult classic, and probably my second favorite Kiss album (after their debut of course).

In fact, due to its intelligence, flat out fun and lo-fi punk feel, this may be my favorite album of the entire NWOBHM movement excluding Maiden's two albums with Di'anno!
[First added to this chart: 06/26/2022]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
78
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Comments:
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DOOM (1982)

A downright magical amalgamation of early Black Sabbath and NWOBHM. They not only stole the riffs (which let’s face it everyone was about to do) but the emotion & tone of both Iommi’s guitar and Ozzy’s vocals. People forget that Sabbath were not just blundering riff dinosaurs. They were emotive. Dynamic. Capable of surprising pacing and pulse quickening time signature changes. They often played with restraint, unleashing pastoral passages and emotive, gut wrenching wails from the heart by the Oz man. That's why people loved him so. That's why he was treated almost like a prophet years before the self parody and reality tv m(s)adness. Witchfinder General remembered. And were able to evoke the many sides of early Sabbath on Death Penalty and in turn crafted (in a tie!) the first bonafide Doom album. (Although if anyone gave Witchfynde's Give 'Em Hell that honor, I wouldn't bat an eye.)
[First added to this chart: 06/25/2022]
Year of Release:
1982
Appears in:
Rank Score:
99
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Locked in. That’s what they were. Motorhead were so locked in at this point that they could have released a steaming pile of shit and somehow, someway it would still have tasted to the tongue like jailbait pussy. Supposedly Lemmy had gotten a bit lazy. Just mailing this one in. And cheap! Having his guitar guy "Fast" Eddie Clark produce the album just to save some coin and yada yada. Whatever. Didn't matter. Some bands are just chosen, my friends. And it’s just our job to lap it up!

Just madly consistent. I can listen to this forever. Just basic don n' dirty rock n' roll given a facelift.
[First added to this chart: 06/25/2022]
Year of Release:
1982
Appears in:
Rank Score:
198
Rank in 1982:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Tyger King (1980)
South of The Dial #5:

When metal history was being rewritten and rereleased in the early 2000s, Angel Witch & Diamond Head got kudos for being the progenitors of thrash. And well deserved! Both of their debuts from 1980 should be shortlisted by any mid 80s thrash head or NWOBHM enthusiast. Eventually I will craft a TOP TEN NWOBHM list, and I reckon both will end up pretty high up on the list. But somehow this Wild Cat got left out in the cold! And that just ain't right I tell ya. It rips loose and fast and free with riffs that were eventually lifted wholesale for Metallica’s epochal, game changing Kill ‘Em All. Just check out their track "Killers" if you don't believe me!

But, what I love most about this album is how it's the perfect transitional album from the old guard hard rock of the mid 70s to early 80s NWOBHM. It still has one foot planted in the party hardy, Dazed & Confused ethos of mid 70s hard rock bands such as Ted Nugent and Aerosmith. A time when Heavy music was just as much about being laid back and getting laid then being a faster & louder speed king. After all, it was the laid back kids who didn't give two shits who got the girls at the end of the night anyways.

One more thing! I like this better than the more lauded Spellbound that came out one year later. Spellbound's great, but Wild Cat has a rough, raw & gritty feel that gives it a devil may care energy that Spellbound just lacks by comparison.
[First added to this chart: 06/27/2022]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
79
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Let's expand our borders even more, shall we? Because something was brewing up way North in Sweden. Power Metal. It's not the best Power Metal album of 1982 (that will come soon enough). BUT, every single listen makes me love it more.

They LOVE what they are doing and that love, that PASSION, seeps all over this record. This is a true indie record. A record that they did for themselves. And it shows. The songwriting is stellar! Do NOT sleep on this. It cracked my top ten for a reason!

These are songs to get drunk to. So don't miss out. Head to your nearest castle. Storm the gates if you have to. And sing! Just fucking sing! I promise it will feel really good in the morning!


Wow! Just wow! Just a fantastic NWOBHM album that's from Sweden. Their major influence is clearly late 70s Priest (Think Killing Machine & British Steel) but they're hardly knock offs. The drum fills remind me of Maiden. I understand that they are LEGENDS in their home country and some claim that this along with Manowar is one of the first Power Metal albums. They are NOT as good as early Manowar, but they're pretty damn close. I'll certainly be delving further into their category that's for sure! Highly Recommended!
[First added to this chart: 10/28/2020]
Year of Release:
1982
Appears in:
Rank Score:
17
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Total albums: 59. Page 1 of 6

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NWOBHM (1979-1984) composition

Decade Albums %


1930s 0 0%
1940s 0 0%
1950s 0 0%
1960s 0 0%
1970s 5 8%
1980s 54 92%
1990s 0 0%
2000s 0 0%
2010s 0 0%
2020s 0 0%
Artist Albums %


Saxon 4 7%
Samson 4 7%
Iron Maiden 4 7%
Riot 3 5%
Tygers Of Pan Tang 3 5%
Witchfynde 3 5%
Demon (UK) 2 3%
Show all
Country Albums %


United Kingdom 52 88%
United States 3 5%
Sweden 2 3%
Jersey 1 2%
Finland 1 2%

NWOBHM (1979-1984) chart changes

NWOBHM (1979-1984) similarity to your chart(s)


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1991: Even More Gems by Repo (2023)
1992: Even More Gems by Repo (2023)
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2017 Tourney by Repo (2018)
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1980: Punk by Repo (2023)
1987: Metal by Repo (2024)
1992: Metal by Repo (2024)
1991: Metal by Repo (2023)
1990: Metal by Repo (2024)
1988: Metal by Repo (2023)
1981: Metal by Repo (2024)
1993: Even More Gems! by Repo (2024)
1993: Metal by Repo (2024)
1989: Metal by Repo (2023)
1985: Metal by Repo (2023)
1971: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
1973: Metal by Repo (2023)
1984: Metal by Repo (2023)
1983: Metal by Repo (2023)
1982: Metal by Repo (2024)
1986: Punk by Repo (2023)
1981: Punk by Repo (2023)
1986: Metal by Repo (2024)
1983: Punk by Repo (2023)
1984: Punk by Repo (2023)
1982: Punk by Repo (2022)
1979: Punk by Repo (2023)
1989: Punk by Repo (2023)
1991: Punk by Repo (2023)
1990: Punk by Repo (2023)
1978: Metal by Repo (2024)
1974: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1968: Heavy Shit! (Psych/Prog/Blues & Rock) by Repo (2024)
2010: Metal by Repo (2021)
1970: Punk by Repo (2021)
1980: Even More Gems! by Repo (2022)
2019: Metal by Repo (2023)
2018: Metal by Repo (2022)
2017: Metal by Repo (2023)
1987: Punk by Repo (2022)
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1978: Punk by Repo (2024)
1979: Metal by Repo (2023)
1977: Punk by Repo (2024)
1973: Punk by Repo (2023)
1977: Metal by Repo (2024)
1971: Punk by Repo (2021)
1993: Punk by Repo (2024)
2015: Metal by Repo (2022)
2003: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1997: Metal by Repo (2024)
2001: Metal by Repo (2023)
1995: Metal by Repo (2024)
1992: Punk by Repo (2023)
1994: Punk by Repo (2022)
80s_thrsh by Repo (2022)
1966: Heavy Shit!!! by Repo (2023)
1975: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1972: Metal by Repo (2023)
2021: Metal by Repo (2023)
1988: Punk by Repo (2022)
1985: Punk by Repo (2023)
1994: Metal by Repo (2024)
1995: Punk by Repo (2023)
1970: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2002: Metal by Repo (2023)
2000: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2006: Metal by Repo (2023)
2005: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
1999: Metal (+ Hard/Prog Rock) by Repo (2024)
1996: Punk by Repo (2023)
2022: Metal by Repo (2023)
2020: Metal by Repo (2024)
1969: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2011: Metal by Repo (2022)
2002: Punk by Repo (2022)
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1964: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1967: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
Riot Fest '22 by Repo (2022)
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2013: Metal by Repo (2023)
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1976: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
1997: Punk by Repo (2022)
1998: Punk by Repo (2022)
2001: Punk by Repo (2022)
1999: Punk + Post-Rock by Repo (2024)
LA Punk by Repo (2022)
1993: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1992: Hip Hop by Repo (2022)
1990: Hip Hop by Repo (2022)
1989: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1990: Country by Repo (2022)
The Meditation Zone by Repo (2022)
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Rank 'Em: Black Sabbath by Repo (2023)
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Riot Fest '23 by Repo (2023)
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1994: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1991: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1995: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
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2004: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
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1989: MORE GEMS by Repo (2024)
2023: Even More Gems by Repo (2024)
2009: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)

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86/100 (from 1 vote)
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01/11/2021 17:34 svk4ever  Ratings distributionRatings distribution 1483/100

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From 01/11/2021 17:34
Fine selection... :-)
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