Wolf - Edge of the World

Genre: NWOBHM

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 1984

Label: Mausoleum Records

Wolf formed under the moniker Leviathan in 1977, later changing their name to Black Axe, and finally being persuaded by their record label to settle on the name Wolf. Under this name, they released Edge of the World, their only full-length album, and one of the most epic, haunting, powerful albums ever to emerge from the NWOBHM. The songs on this record really demand your attention thanks to the spectacular vocal performance by Chris English. He has just the right amount of grit for this style of music, and he commands a true master's knack for absolutely killer melodies that stick with you long after the album ends. Every single time I spin this, the choruses to 'Highway Rider' and 'Shock Treatment' are inevitably stuck in my head for the next couple days. Unlike many of their British peers at the time, Wolf had a bit of a melancholy edge to them that is really difficult to pinpoint in words, but it is definitely there, and it really gives Wolf something unique. That's not to say these boys didn't know how to rock - there are blues riffs in spades with swagger to spare, but some of the songs just have a kind of somber, epic vibe to them, which is part of what makes Edge of the World so great. If you're a fan of NWOBHM, or just a fan of sincere, passionately-written music with unforgettable vocal hooks in general, this album is absolutely essential listening. A tragically forgotten classic.

For fans of Witch Cross, Spartan Warrior, Blackmayne, and Grim Reaper.

Edge of the World 

Hammer - Contract With Hell

Genre: NWOBHM

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 1985

Label: Ebony Records

This will be a bit of a shorter one in the interest of time, but I wanted to make sure to bring you guys something seeing as it's been a couple days since I last posted. Hammer was one of many one-off NWOBHM outfits who released a single album and then disappeared. Hey, at least they released a proper full-length - many of the bands from the movement didn't even make it that far. The cover artwork suggests a much darker affair than the music actually offers, as the tunes here are relatively upbeat rockers with a smattering of keyboard work here and there (we're talking rock organs and synthesizers, this is 1984 Britain after all). There's a lot I like about Contract With Hell; cool production, solid riffs, and great vocals. This is just a good, fun album that is absolutely certain to please fans of the NWOBHM.

For fans of Saracen, Dark Star, Demon, and Blade Runner.

Contract With Hell

Saxon - Denim and Leather

Genre: NWOBHM

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 1981

Label: Carrere

Ahhh, good ol' Saxon. These guys will be releasing killer records from their graves, I swear. This year's A Call to Arms was absolutely fucking awesome, and Biff Byford is 60 years old! The guy still sounds like a demon! For some reason, this band gets looked at as 'second-tier' NWOBHM band by a lot of people, and I will never for the life of me understand why. Hell, I even love their so-called 'mid-period slump'. But I digress; let's turn the clock back to 1981, when the mighty and criminally underrated Saxon unleashed Denim and Leather, one of the most essential releases in their rather expansive discography. This takes has everything that ruled about early NWOBHM and catapults it into the stratosphere. The riffs will rock your head right off your neck, the vocals are powerful and charismatic, the solos will leave your air-guitar in need of a serious tune-up - everything is just perfect. If you aren't all grins from the moment 'Princess of the Night' kicks in, then you simply aren't cut out for metal, there's no two ways about it. Every cut on here is a memorable, rip-roaring tour-de-force of hard rockin', blues riffin', rough-ridin' New Wave of British Heavy Metal served piping hot with a generous side of attitude. Biff Byford's unique, unmistakable vocals have always been one of the best things about Saxon, and naturally he's in top form here, and the axework provided by Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn is absolutely sublime. Steve Dawson and Pete Gill's workmanlike rhythm section forms a solid, well-performed foundation. It's probably no secret at this point, but Saxon is one of my all-time favourite bands. If you haven't taken the time to really check them out, I suggest you treat yourself. I'll definitely be posting more Saxon later on down the road, but this is a good place to start. After all, denim and leather brought us all together!

For fans of Demon, Angel Witch, Diamond Head, and Mythra.

Denim and Leather

Demon - Night of the Demon

Genre: NWOBHM

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 1981

Label: Carrere

Another NWOBHM classic for you guys. Demon's debut full-length was more on the rockin' side of the NWOBHM than the duelling guitar pyrotechnics side, and trust me, Night of the Demon has swagger to spare. Despite the dark cover artwork and a brooding, evil intro track, this is actually a rather feel-good album overall. Solid, hard rockin' riffs are coupled with Dave Hill's powerful, gritty vocals to form the core of Demon's sound. There are definitely vestiges of 70s hard rock making their presence known across the album's breadth, lending an overtly bluesy flavour to more than a couple of the tracks. If you dig early NWOBHM with strong 70s rock vibes, Night of the Demon definitely won't disappoint.

For fans of Diamond Head, Rainbow, Saxon, and Dark Star.

Night of the Demon 

Elixir - The Son of Odin

Genre: NWOBHM/Epic Heavy Metal

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 1986

Label: None (Independent Release)

Elixir is a NWOBHM band that had a bit of a darker, more epic take on the genre. They did away the catchier, more upbeat rock-'n'-roll-infused approach of their countrymates in favour of galloping, stomping riffs and mid-ranged vocals. Elixir seems to have a nice helping of traditional epic U.S. heavy metal influence in their sound, a lá Omen or Brocas Helm, and it's a fantastic fit. They sound less barbaric and raw than the aforementioned American outfits, offering a slightly more 'refined' take on the style (for lack of a better word). Vocalist Paul Taylor's grittier, mid-ranged voice definitely invokes the late, great, and mighty J.D. Kimball more than just a little bit, and the album's production gives his voice a good amount of space in the music. The bass is also given ample breathing room, giving the entire ordeal a big, booming, expansive feel. This album is absolutely essential listening for fans of heavier, darker NWOBHM as well as American and Hellenic epic metal. A lost classic.

For fans of Omen, Brocas Helm, Cloven Hoof, and Battleroar.

The Son of Odin

Pagan Altar - Lords of Hypocrisy

Genre: NWOBHM/Doom Metal

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 2004

Label: Oracle Promotions

Enter Pagan Altar, lords of keeping it old-school. One of the few NWOBHM groups to play a more doomed-out style, the band was formed 1978 and recorded their first full-length in 1982, but it didn't see release  until 1998. They've picked their career back up, releasing this album in 2004 and the awesome Mythical and Magical full-length in 2008. The magic of this band stems from the fact that they still sound very much stuck in the late 70s, and it's a real treat to listen to. The guitar tone has that sound that simply cannot be reproduced by more up-to-date equipment, and the production is clean and full but retains the mystical decades-past feeling of the music.  Lead guitarist Alan Jones is an absolute wizard with his instrument, churning out unforgettable riffs and soulful leads song after song. Singer Terry Jones obviously still has it, topping the music off with his cool, unique vocals. His voice does a lot to enhance the mood of the album - an aesthetic that is 100% authentic and very, very addictive.  The songs are complex, dynamic, and epic in their own way, but always stay true to the timeless late 70s vibe that pervades every last note of the album's 50 minute runtime. This band is essential for every fan of very old-school rockin' NWOBHM/doom metal. Fantastic.

Lords of Hypocrisy