Judas Priest are an English metal band from Birmingham. Between 1974 and 1990, they released twelve studio albums and scored rock radio hits with “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “Heading Out to the Highway,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” They spearheaded metal’s evolution from its blues-rock roots to the tightened Eighties approach embodied […]
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band that has been active since the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, the band were at the center of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, which popularized the music among younger hoards of concert goers and record buyers. During its 1980–88 heyday, the band […]
Motörhead was an English metal trio that released a 1977 self-titled album on Chiswick, followed by five studio albums and a live disc between 1979 and 1984 on Bronze. Ex-Hawkwind bassist Lemmy Kilmister fronted Motörhead through numerous iterations across four decades. The classic lineup with guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor […]
UFO was an English hard-rock band from Enfield, Middlesex, that released two albums on Beacon in 1970 and 1971, followed by a live album on Decca. Between 1974 and 1985, the band released ten studio albums and a live double-LP on Chrysalis. The early lineup featured vocalist Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, […]
Def Leppard are an English heavy metal band, best known for the Eighties FM/video staples “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak,” “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Love Bites.” Between 1980 and 1992, they released five albums and went multi-Platinum with their 1983 third, Pyromania. Members: Joe Elliott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass), Pete Willis (guitar, 1977-82), Tony Kenning […]
Gillan was an English hard-rock/metal band that released a self-titled album in Japan and Australasia on Eastworld/Interfusion in 1978, followed by the more widely released Mr. Universe, which appeared in the U.K. on Acrobat Records in 1979. Between 1980 and 1982, Gillan released three albums and a half-studio/half-live double-LP on Virgin. The band was formed […]
Tygers of Pan Tang were an English heavy metal band central to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They released four albums on MCA between 1980 and 1982—Wild Cat, Spellbound, Crazy Nights, and The Cage—highlighted by the twin-guitar interplay of Robb Weir and John Sykes, and signature tracks like “Hellbound,” “Gangland,” “Blackjack,” and “Running […]
Saxon are an English hard-rock/metal band that released six albums and a live disc between 1979 and 1984 on Carrere. As front-liners in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, they went Gold with their 1980/81 albums Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, and Denim and Leather, scoring UK hits with “747 (Strangers […]
Samson was an English heavy metal band, formed in 1977 by namesake guitarist Paul Samson. They cut two 1978 singles on small-press Lightning Records, followed by the 1979 album Survivors on Laser. Drummer Thunderstick (aka Barry Graham Purkis) functioned as the band’s leather-masked mascot in photos and live shows, where he performed inside a metal […]
Demon was an English hard-rock/metal band that released the 1981 Carrere album Night of the Demon and charted with their 1982 second, The Unexpected Guest. They followed with the epic 1983 release The Plague, their first of four Clay Records albums, followed by the 1989 Sonic title Taking the World by Storm. Members: Dave Hill […]
Ethel the Frog was an English heavy metal band that released a 1980 self-titled album on EMI. Members: Doug Sheppard (vocals, guitar), Paul Tognola (guitar), Terry Hopkinson (bass, vocals), Paul Conyers (drums) Background Ethel the Frog formed in 1976 in Kingston upon Hull, where singer–guitarist Doug Sheppard and guitarist Paul Tognola teamed with bassist Terry […]
Shiva was an English hard-rock band that released the 1982 album Firedance on Heavy Metal Records. They recorded songs for a second album that ultimately surfaced on a 2004 CD by archivists Majestic Rock. Members: John Hall (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Andy Skuse (bass, vocals, keyboards), Chris D’Avoigne (guitar, vocals, 1979-80), Simon “Jack” Carver (drums, percussion, […]
Legend was an English heavy metal band from Jersey island that released the 1981–82 albums Legend and Death in the Nursery and the EP Frontline on local-press Workshop. Members: Mike Lezala (vocals), Peter Haworth (guitar), Marco Morosino (guitar, 1980-82), Eggy Aubert (bass, 1980-82, 2003-present), David Whitley (drums, 1980-84), Neil Haworth (bass, guitar 1982-84, 2011-present) Formation […]
Saracen was an English hard-rock/metal band that made the 1981 Nucleus album Heroes, Saints & Fools, followed by the 1984 Roadrunner release Change of Heart. Members: Rob Bendelow (guitar), Danny Spencer (drums), Barry Yates (bass, 1976-82), Titch (drums, 1976), Richard Lowe (keyboards, vocals, 1976-2003), Steve Bettney (vocals, 1980-present), John Thorne (drums, 1980-83), Haydn Conway (guitar, […]
Gaskin was an English hard-rock/metal band that released the 1981/82 Rondelet albums End of the World and No Way Out. Members: Paul Gaskin (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Andy Soloman (guitar), Tony Ilkiw (bass), Dave Pick (drums), Dave Norman (drums), Bren Spencer (vocals), Mike Clark (vocals), Stef Prokopczuk (bass), Mark McKenzie (bass), Dave Gugelot (bass) Background Gaskin […]
Quartz was an English hard-rock/metal band from Birmingham that released a self-titled album on Jet Records in 1977, followed by Stand Up and Fight on MCA in 1980. The band’s intended third album, recorded circa 1981/82, was ultimately released more than three decades later as Too Hot to Handle. In 1983, the band released Against […]
Limelight was an English NWOBHM trio that released a 1980 self-titled album on Future Earth, followed by the 1982 single “Ashes to Ashes.” Members: Mike Scrimshaw (vocals, guitar, bass), Glenn Scrimshaw (guitar), Ian Beestin (drums), Clive Jackson (keyboards), John Dakin (bass), Trevor Wilson (bass), Jimmy Stephenson (drums), Pat Coleman (drums), John Brierly (vocals) Background Limelight […]
Girlschool is an English rock band that gained prominence as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. On Bronze Records (Uriah Heep‘s label), Girlschool charted with the 1980–82 albums Demolition, Hit and Run, and Screaming Blue Murder. They collaborated with Motörhead on the 1981 EP St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, a UK Top 5 […]
Angel Witch was an English heavy metal band tied to London’s NWOBHM movement. They released a self-titled 1980 album and the single “Loser” on Bronze Records. After stints in Deep Machine and Blind Fury, guitarist Kevin Heybourne resurrected Angel Witch for the 1985–86 Killerwatt albums Screamin’ n’ Bleedin’ and Frontal Assault. Members: Kevin Heybourne (vocals, […]
Tysondog were an English hard-rock/metal band from Newcastle upon Tyne that debuted with the single “Eat the Rich” on Neat Records in 1983, followed by the album Beware of the Dog in 1984. A four-song EP appeared on the label in 1985, followed by Crimes of Insanity in 1986, after which the nameplate was benched […]
Blind Fury were an English hard-rock/metal band from Newcastle-upon-Tyne that released the album Out of Reach on Roadrunner in 1985. Members: Lou Taylor (vocals), Steve Ramsey (guitar), Russ Tippins (guitar), Graeme English (bass), Sean Taylor (drums), Kevin Heybourne (guitar, 1983-84), Pete Gordelier (bass, 1983-84), Dave Hogg (drums, 1983-84) Discography: Out of Reach (1985)
Blackmayne were an English hard-rock/metal band from Maidstone, Kent, that released a self-titled album on NWOBHM small-press Criminal Response in 1985. Members: Tim Cooke (vocals), Phil McDermott (guitar), Richard Matthews (guitar), Julian “Sack” Sackett (bass), Andy Terry (drums) Discography: Blackmayne (1985)
More were an English hard-rock/metal band from London that released two albums on Atlantic in 1981 and 1982. Members: Kenny Cox (guitar), Paul Mario Day (vocals, 1980-81), Laurie Mansworth (guitar, 1980-81), Frank Darch (drums, 1980-81), Brian Day (bass, 1980-82), Andy John Burton (drums, 1981-82), Mick Stratton (vocals, 1982), Barry Nichols (bass, 1982, 1985), Mel Jones […]
Holocaust were a Scottish hard-rock/metal band from Edinburgh that released a pair of three-song singles in 1980, followed by the album The Nightcomers in 1981 and the extended-play Coming Through in 1982, all on self-press Phoenix Record and Filmworks. A second proper album appeared on the label in 1984, after which the band was quiet […]
Jaguar were an English hard-rock/metal band from Bristol that released a pair of shortplayers on the NWOBHM-specialty labels Heavy Metal and Neat circa 1981/82, followed by two albums on Roadrunner in 1983 and 1984. Members: Garry Pepperd (guitar), Jeff Cox (bass, vocals, 1979-85), Chris Lovell (drums, 1979-84), Rob Reiss (vocals, 1980-82), Paul Merrell (vocals, 1982-85), […]
Grim Reaper were an English hard-rock/metal band from Droitwich, Worcestershire, that self-released two demo cassettes circa 1981/82, followed by three albums on RCA between 1983 and 1987. Members: Nick Bowcott (guitar, 1979-88), Paul DeMercado (vocals, 1979-82), Kevin Neale (bass, 1979-81), Phil Matthews (bass, 1981), Dave Wanklin (bass, 1981-87), Adrian Jacques (drums, 1981-82), Steve Grimmett (vocals, […]
Girl was an English pop-metal band from London that released the 1980–82 albums Sheer Greed and Wasted Youth on Jet Records. Guitarist Phil Collen joined Def Leppard in time for Pyromania. Members: Phil Lewis (vocals), Gerry Laffy (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar, 1979-82), Dave Gaynor (drums, 1979-81), Mark Megaray (bass, 1979), Simon Laffy (bass, 1979-82), Pete […]
Witchfynde were an English hard-rock/metal band that released two albums on Rondelet Music in 1980, followed by two further albums on Expulsion and Mausoleum in 1983 and 1984. Members: Trevor Taylor [aka Montalo] (guitar), Gra Scoresby (drums), Neil Harvey (lead vocals, 1973-75), Richard Blower (bass, 1973-75), Steve Bridges (lead vocals, 1975-80), Andro Coulton (bass, 1975-80), […]
Wildfire were an English hard-rock band from London that released two albums and a standalone a-side on Belgian metal label Mausoleum Records between 1983 and 1984. Members: Paul Mario Day (vocals), Jeff Summers (guitars), Martin Bushell (guitar), Jeff Brown (bass), Bruce Bisland (drums) Discography: Brute Force and Ignorance (1983) “Jerusalem” (1984) Summer Lightning (1984)
White Spirit were an English hard-rock/metal band from Hartlepool, Durham, that was active between 1975 and 1981. In 1980, the band issued a standalone single on NWOBHM-specialty label Neat Records, followed by a self-titled album on MCA. Guitarist Janick Gers subsequently joined Gillan for two albums and later earned tenure with Iron Maiden. Members: Bruce […]
Diamond Head was an English heavy metal band that released the 1980 album Lightning to the Nations on Happy Face Records, followed by the 1982–83 MCA albums Borrowed Time and Canterbury. Members: Brian Tatler (lead guitar, vocals), Sean Harris (lead vocals, guitar, 1976-85, 1990-94, 2000-04), Duncan Scott (drums, 1976-83), Dave Williamson (bass, 1976-77), Colin Kimberley […]
Tröjan were an English hard-rock/metal band from Wigan, Lancashire, that released the album Chasing the Storm on Roadrunner in 1985. Vocalist Graeme Wyatt and guitarist Pete Wadeson regrouped with a different rhythm section under the name Taliön for the album Killing the World in 1989. Members: Graeme Wyatt (vocals), Pete Wadeson (guitar, vocals), Eddy Martin […]
Tokyo Blade are an English hard-rock/metal band from Salisbury, Wiltshire, that released two albums and two EPs on Powerstation Records between 1983 and 1985, followed by an album and an EP on a briefly-run eponymous self-press. Further titles followed on Scratch and Hot Blood Records during the late 1980s. Members: Andy Boulton (guitar), Alan Marsh […]
Tobruk were an English hard-rock band from Bedford that released the album Wild on the Run on Parlophone in 1985, followed by Pleasure and Pain on FM Revolver in 1987. Members: Snake [Stuart Neale] (vocals), Nigel Evans (guitar, vocals), Mick Newman (guitar), Jem Davis (keyboards), Steve Woodward (bass, 1981-83), Alan Vallance (drums, 1981-83), Mike Brown […]
Tank were an English hard-rock/metal band from London that released two albums on DJM-subsidiary Kamaflage Records in 1982, followed by another two albums on NWOBHM-specialty label Music for Nations in 1983/84 and a fifth on Roadrunner in 1987. The band was formed by ex-Damned bassist Algy Ward and also included guitarist Mick Tucker of White […]
Savage were an English hard-rock/metal band from Mansfield that released the album Loose ‘n Lethal on NWOBHM-specialty label Ebony Records in 1983, followed by Hyperactive on Zebra/Axe Killer in 1985. Five further titles appeared during the subsequent 30-year period on Neat Metal and Minuszzebra. Members: Chris Bradley (vocals, bass), Andy Dawson (guitar, vocals), Simon Dawson […]
Chateaux were an English metal band from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, that released a standalone single and three albums on Ebony Records between 1982 and 1985. Members: Tim Broughton (guitar), Alex Houston (bass, 1981-83), Andre Baylis (drums, 1981-83), Steve Grimmett (vocals, 1983), Krys Mason (bass, vocals, 1983-86), Chris Dadson (drums, 1983-86) Discography: “Young Blood” / “Fight to […]
Bronz were an English hard-rock band from Bath, Somerset, that released the album Taken by Storm on Bronze Records in 1983. Members: Simon Thomas (bass), Windsor McGilvray (drums), Chris Goulstone (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Paul Webb (bass, vocals), Max Bacon (vocals), Shaun Kirkpatrick (guitar, vocals), John Kirkpatrick (bass, vocals), Steve Hopgood (drums), Carl Matthews (drums) Discography: […]
Raven are an English metal band that released three albums and a live disc between 1981 and 1984 on the NWOBHM-specialty label Neat Records. Members: John Gallagher (vocals, bass), Mark Gallagher (guitar), Paul Bowden (guitar, 1975-79), Paul Sherrif (drums, 1975-76), Mick Kenworthy (drums, 1976-77), Sean Taylor (drums, 1977-79), Pete Shore (guitar, 1979-80), Rob “Wacko” Hunter […]
Blitzkrieg were an English metal band from Leicester that released the album A Time of Changes on Neat in 1985. Members: Brian Ross (vocals), Jim Sirotto (guitar, 1980-81, 1984-86), Ian Jones (guitar, 1980-81), Steve English (bass, 1980-81), Steve Abbey (drums, 1980-81), Mick Moore (bass, 1981, 1984-86, 1991), John Antcliffe (guitar, 1981), Sean Taylor (drums, 1984-86, […]
Heavy Pettin were a Scottish hard-rock/metal band from Glasgow that released two albums on Polydor between 1983 and 1985, followed by a third on FM Revolver Records in 1989. Members: Punky Mendoza (guitar), Gordon Bonnar (guitar), Gary Moat (drums), Steve “Hamie” Hayman (vocals), Brian Waugh (bass) Discography: “Roll the Dice” / “Love Times Love” (1982) […]
Avenger were an English heavy metal band from Newcastle upon Tyne that released a standalone single and two albums on NWOBHM-specialty label Neat between 1983 and 1985. Members: Brian Ross (vocals, 1982-83), Ian Swift (vocals, 1983-86), Steve Bird (guitar, 1982-83), John Brownless (guitar, 1983-84), Les Cheetham (guitar, 1984-85), Greg Reiter (guitar, 1985-86) Discography: “Too Wild […]
