Get ready to relive the thunderous era of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), because something extraordinary just happened in Tokyo! LORDS OF NWOBHM, a supergroup featuring legendary members from bands like DIAMOND HEAD, RAVEN, TANK, and PRAYING MANTIS, stormed the stage in Japan with not one, but two sold-out shows. But here's where it gets even more exciting: their setlist wasn’t just a greatest hits compilation—it was a meticulously curated tribute to the NWOBHM movement, featuring tracks from SAMSON, IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, and more. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration of a genre that reshaped rock music forever.
The NWOBHM, which dominated the late ’70s and early ’80s, has seen a global resurgence in recent years. And this supergroup is here to remind us why. With musicians who were at the heart of the movement, LORDS OF NWOBHM delivers these classic songs with the authenticity only they can bring. But this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about nostalgia. It’s about honoring the raw, unfiltered energy that made NWOBHM a cultural phenomenon.
Controversial take alert: While some might argue that modern metal has surpassed the NWOBHM in complexity and production, there’s an undeniable charm to the raw, DIY spirit of this era. Do you agree, or do you think modern metal owes more to NWOBHM than we give it credit for? Let’s debate in the comments!
The lineup for LORDS OF NWOBHM reads like a who’s who of the genre:
- Tino Troy (PRAYING MANTIS) – Guitar
- John Gallagher (RAVEN) – Bass
- Karl Wilcox (DIAMOND HEAD) – Drums
- Cliff Evans (TANK) – Guitar
- Carl Sentance (PERSIAN RISK) – Vocals
Their Tokyo setlist was a masterclass in NWOBHM history, including:
- SAMSON – "Riding With The Angels"
- PRAYING MANTIS – "Children Of The Earth", "Lovers To The Grave"
- DIAMOND HEAD – "Am I Evil?", "In The Heat Of The Night"
- TYGERS OF PAN TANG – "Hellbound"
- IRON MAIDEN – "Phantom Of The Opera"
- RAVEN – "Break The Chain", "Don't Need Your Money"
- SAXON – "Princess Of The Night"
- TANK – "Shellshock", "(He Fell In Love With A) Stormtrooper"
- DEF LEPPARD – "Getcha Rocks Off"
- PERSIAN RISK – "Women And Rock", "Riding High"
- ANGEL WITCH – "Angel Witch"
Tino Troy reflected, "Playing these songs felt like stepping back into the early days of NWOBHM when the scene was exploding. It’s a privilege to celebrate these classics on stage."
Cliff Evans added, "This lineup knows how to play these songs the way they were meant to be played. NWOBHM is in our DNA!"
And let’s not forget Lars Ulrich of METALLICA, a self-proclaimed NWOBHM fanatic. In a 2023 interview, he revealed how deeply the genre influenced METALLICA’s sound. "NWOBHM is a big part of why METALLICA exists," he said. "It’s a gift that keeps on giving."
Ulrich’s obsession with NWOBHM dates back to the early ’80s, when he spent countless hours hunting down obscure recordings. He even co-compiled the album ’79 Revisited: New Wave Of British Heavy Metal with journalist Geoff Barton. At METALLICA’s first-ever concert in 1982, they played seven NWOBHM covers—a testament to the genre’s impact.
Ulrich once shared how DIAMOND HEAD inspired him to start METALLICA: "They were grounded, real, and connected with fans in a way that felt authentic. That spirit rubbed off on us."
So, here’s the question: Is NWOBHM just a nostalgic trip, or is it the foundation of modern metal? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation alive!
