With global interest in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) continuing to rise, a group of musicians who helped shape the movement between 1979 and 1982 have joined forces to celebrate the music that defined an era. Members of Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Raven, Tank, and Persian Risk have united as Lords Of NWOBHM, a new band devoted to performing some of the most influential songs of that pivotal period in rock history.
Lords Of NWOBHM is made up of guitarist Tino Troy (Praying Mantis), bassist John Gallagher (Raven), drummer Karl Wilcox (Diamond Head), guitarist Cliff Evans (Tank), and vocalist Carl Sentance (Persian Risk). Their setlist will focus on iconic songs from each of their original bands, along with handpicked tracks from other key artists of the NWOBHM era, aiming to deliver what they call the ultimate celebration of the genre.
Two initial performances are scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, in January 2026, with more shows expected to be announced.
Speaking about the project, Gallagher describes it simply: “The cream of British metal playing the best of the NWOBHM!”
Evans adds: “This music is in our blood!”
Wilcox calls the band “a hefty salute to the genre that spawned some of metal’s biggest bands!”
Sentance declares: “NWOBHM never dies!”
And Troy teases what’s to come with, “The second wave is imminent!”
With their collective pedigree and dedication to the roots of heavy metal, Lords Of NWOBHM promises to be a powerful tribute to a sound that continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike.
