Rock Sheet Music: The New Wave of British Heavy Metal in 1983
As we step into 1983, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) appears to be entering a second phase. Some see it as a creative rebirth, while others view it as a period lacking originality. Whichever side you're on, 1983 produced many notable releases that shaped the course of metal and left behind a rich legacy.
On May 16, 1983, Iron Maiden released Piece of Mind, their fourth studio album. While the sound remained largely consistent, the production became more refined. The band’s mascot Eddie even gained a more human-like appearance on the album cover, symbolizing their evolution.
On February 20, 1983, Def Leppard released Pyromania, their third album. With Phil Collen joining as guitarist, their sound leaned more toward commercial rock. Even with Thriller dominating the charts, Pyromania achieved massive success and helped kick off the Second British Invasion.
On March 21, 1983, Saxon unveiled Power & the Glory. The album marked a clear departure from their earlier hard rock roots. With constant touring and festival appearances, Saxon expanded their global presence, making this their most commercially successful record to date.
June 4, 1983, brought Motörhead’s Another Perfect Day, their sixth studio album. It was also their last under Bronze Records. Guitarist Brian "Robbo" Robertson added a more intricate style, shifting the band away from their signature rawness.
Dio’s legendary Holy Diver arrived on May 25, 1983. Though the band formed in the U.S., its members were all British. With musicians from Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Sweet Savage, the album greatly influenced the future of power metal and cemented Dio’s place in metal history.
In June 1983, Diamond Head released Canterbury. While the band hoped to broaden their musical scope, the departure from their heavy metal core didn’t sit well with fans. The lukewarm reception signaled the band’s ongoing decline, culminating in their disbandment two years later.
August 1983 saw Raven’s third album All for One. Soon after, the band signed with Atlantic Records and shifted their attention to the American market, where they achieved greater success than in their home country.
Tank’s This Means War came out on June 10, 1983. While the album had a smoother, more melodic sound, critics didn’t embrace it warmly, resulting in mixed reviews.
Witchfinder General released Friends of Hell in March 1983. The music was faithful to their Black Sabbath-inspired roots, but internal band conflicts started surfacing, leading to the drummer’s departure and eventual disbandment in 1984.
Chateaux, a newer band from Gloucestershire, released their debut album Chained and Desperate in 1983. Known for their unconventional song structures, the group showed potential but struggled with frequent lineup changes that slowed their momentum.
Battleaxe also entered the scene with their debut Burn This Town. Though not widely known, the band contributed to the renewed surge of energy in NWOBHM during that year.
Satan’s Court in the Act received critical praise upon release. The band’s use of dual lead guitars set them apart and laid the groundwork for technical innovation in the genre.
Another standout was Savage’s debut Loose 'N Lethal, released in 1983. Though its commercial performance fell short due to poor promotion, the album played a key role in shaping the thrash metal movement that would soon rise in prominence.
Several other bands also released albums in 1983, including Jaguar, Tokyo Blade, and Rock Goddess—the latter being one of the few all-female bands in the genre. Though most faded quickly from the spotlight, their contributions collectively pushed the metal sound forward. The increase in musical speed and aggression laid the foundation for thrash metal’s explosive rise.
FAQs
Q1: How can beginners get started with rock sheet music?
Start with simplified arrangements or easy sheet music. These offer familiar riffs and rhythms without overwhelming complexity.
Q2: Where can I find guided piano lessons focused on rock music?
Platforms offering piano online lessons often include genre-based modules, including rock. Some even feature interactive piano notes for real-time feedback.
Q3: Is it helpful to use piano notes when learning heavy metal tracks?
Absolutely. Whether you're playing full arrangements or stripped-down versions, piano notes help build a solid foundation for rhythm and coordination.
