The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) or (N.W.O.B.H.M.) emerged in the late 1970s, in the United Kingdom, as a reaction in part to the decline of traditional heavy metal bands such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. It was also a reaction against punk, although ironically it incorporated many of British punk's innovations, and some of its æsthetic.

Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Tygers of Pan Tang, Def Leppard, Girlschool, Saxon, and Diamond Head. Are some of the bands that are associated with The New Wave of British Heavy Metal.