The new wave of traditional heavy metal (N.W.O.T.H.M.) is a musical movement that started in the mid-2000s as a revival of classic metal sound from the 1970s and 1980s.[1] The term is used to describe bands that make heavy use of the elements and style of that era of metal music.
Origin
The N.W.O.T.H.M. initially started in the mid-2000s with a number of bands, such as Cauldron, Skull Fist, and Enforcer, who began to write and record music that reflected the style and sound of classic heavy metal. These bands combined elements of the metal genres from the '70s and '80s, especially those of the N.W.O.B.H.M., although some bands are also influenced from genres such as speed metal, power metal and hard rock.[1] The movement's revival of this style helped to redefine the term "heavy metal", drawing its meaning back to the origins of the genre and its original sound after years of heavy influence from other genres and evolution of the style away from its roots.
While the overall movement's focus was placed on replicating both the sound and success of traditional heavy metal, many of the early N.W.O.T.H.M bands also incorporated noticeable influence from more melodic mainstream rock and alternative genres. However, by the mid-2010s, the movement took a shift in its creative direction, growing into a substantial underground scene with a less commercial, more gritty sound.[2] While the movement has not achieved the same commercial success as the genres it seeks to revive, it continues to grow and thrive. Notable N.W.O.T.H.M bands such as Haunt, White Wizzard, and Night Demon have found success in this niche.
The N.W.O.T.H.M. takes on a lot of the culture surrounding traditional metal music, as it does with its sound.[1] Attire and appearance typically associated with heavy metal music, such as long hair, leather jackets/vests, and tattoos, are present in the N.W.O.T.H.M. movement.[3] Gestures, movements, and behaviors such as headbanging[4] are also common at concerts and live performances.
Some NWOTHM bands even have their own mascot. For example, Seax has Sid Psycho.[5]
The lyrical themes found in the music of N.W.O.T.H.M. bands can vary greatly, but often include themes of fantasy, war, the supernatural, and the occult. These elements take on dark and sometimes aggressive undertones,[6] and are not typically lighthearted in nature;[3] the music often puts emphasis on lyrics that deal with "dark and depressing subject matter to an extent hitherto unprecedented".[7]
Musical elements
In line with its identity as a revival of traditional metal, the N.W.O.T.H.M. combines and incorporates elements of speed metal, power metal, and the N.W.O.B.H.M. It makes use of distorted guitars[8] with music largely built around melodies and guitar riffs. Power chords see heavy use, and songs usually have instrumental bridges and guitar solos. Drumming is typically loud and dense, with fast and steady beats.[9] The vocals are essential to the heavy metal sound; in the case of the N.W.O.T.H.M., vocals are almost exclusively clean, and like in most traditional heavy metal, are loud, intense and powerful. Open display of emotion through the tone of the vocals is considered to be an essential piece of the musical quality, sometimes said to be more important to the music than the lyrics themselves.[3]
