The United Kingdom is regarded as the birthplace of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, a movement that emerged in the late 1970s. The scene refreshed traditional heavy metal with faster tempos, sharper production, and a new generation of bands.
Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon, Diamond Head, and Venom were among the acts associated with the movement. Many bands built audiences through clubs, independent releases, and the British music press before signing to major labels.
The movement's name distinguishes it from the original British heavy metal pioneers, including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. American and German bands later developed their own influential metal scenes, but the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was specifically British.