The difference, by ear
The new wave of traditional heavy metal is a deliberate 2005-onward revival of exactly this sound, made by people who own the records.
Both are sung cleanly and move at much the same pace, around 140 to 190 bpm. To hear the difference, play Iron Maiden next to Enforcer. They share a root in heavy metal, and NWOBHM came first, by 26 years.
In figures
NWOBHM
Where it sits
In short
New Wave of British Heavy Metal: punk speed, twin guitar harmonies and self-releasing on a large scale. The textbook every thrash band studied.
How it sounds
- Twin guitars harmonised in thirds - the wave's technical signature.
- Faster tempos than the 1970s, with Steve Harris's galloping bass technique.
- Cheap, usually self-funded production and seven-inch singles on local labels.
Key acts
- Iron Maiden
- Saxon
- Diamond Head
- Angel Witch
Start here
The pickDiamond Head - Am I Evil? The riff that half of thrash was born from.
Full page →NWOTHM
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Traditional heavy metal › NWOTHM
In short
New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal: a new generation deliberately playing like it's 1982, down to the tape production.
How it sounds
- Deliberate reproduction of 1981-1984 production, often recorded to analogue tape.
- Riffs and harmonies straight in the NWOBHM tradition, with no modern elements.
- Hand-painted covers and cassette releases - it is all part of the package.
Key acts
- Enforcer
- Cauldron
- Haunt
Start here
The pickEnforcer - Diamonds. Sounds like 1983 and was recorded in 2010.
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