new wave of british heavy metal

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The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (frequently abbreviated as NWOBHM or N.W.O.B.H.M.) is a heavy metal music movement that started in the late 1970s, in the United Kingdom, and achieved some international attention by the early 1980s. The era developed as a reaction in part to the decline of early heavy metal bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. NWOBHM bands toned down the blues influences of earlier acts, increased the tempo, and adopted a tougher sound, taking a more hardcore approach to its music. Not intended to win a wide audience, it was a scene directed almost exclusively at heavy metal fans. The era is considered to be a main foundation for subsequent heavy metal sub-genres with acts such as Metallica citing NWOBHM bands like Diamond Head and Motörhead as a major influence on their musical style.

Characteristics
NWOBHM’s music reacted against the artifice of contemporary pop, placing an emphasis on musicianship and amplification, the former trait setting it apart from punk rock. Yet, unlike progressive rock, which placed a far greater emphasis on musical complexity, and unlike post-punk, which emphasized ‘strangeness’ and innovation, the NWOBHM thrived on volume, speed, and directness, with an idealised working class image.

Events

new wave of british heavy metal gigs in United States • view all

November 2008
Today (Sunday 23 November 2008)
DragonForce	The House of Blues Myrtle Beach, SC, United States	2 shouts Buy Tickets
Metallica Down, The Sword	New Orleans Arena New Orleans, United States	8 people attending 1 shout
In Flames 36 Crazyfists, All That Remains, Gojira	House Of Blues Las Vegas, United States	1 person attending 1 shout
AC/DC	Xcel Energy Center Minneapolis, United States	1 person attending 2 shouts
Tuesday 25 November 2008
DragonForce Turisas	Roseland Ballroom New York, United States	28 people attending 4 shouts Buy Tickets
AC/DC	Pepsi Center Denver, United States	5 people attending Add shout