Blitzkrieg: The New Wave of British Heavy Metal Legends

Blitzkrieg is a British heavy metal band that emerged as a pivotal force in the influential New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Hailing from Leicester, England, the group is best known for their self-titled anthem "Blitzkrieg," which became a genre classic and was famously covered by the young Metallica, catapulting the song to global metal recognition.

Early career

Blitzkrieg formed in Leicester in 1980, founded by guitarist Jim Sirotto and vocalist Brian Ross. The band quickly recorded a three-track demo, which included the original version of "Blitzkrieg," capturing the raw, energetic sound that defined the NWOBHM era. This demo led to their inclusion on the seminal Neat Records compilation album "Lead Weight" in 1981, sharing space with other rising acts like Raven and Venom.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough moment arrived in 1985 with the release of their debut full-length album, "A Time of Changes," on Neat Records. Although the band had briefly split before its release, the album solidified their cult status, driven by the powerful title track and the definitive studio version of "Blitzkrieg." The album's legacy grew exponentially as Metallica's cover of "Blitzkrieg" on their 1984 "Creeping Death" EP introduced the song to a massive new audience.

Key tracks

Blitzkrieg — This signature track defined the band's sound and became a metal standard after Metallica's celebrated cover.

A Time of Changes — The epic title track from their 1985 debut showcased their blend of melodic vocals and powerful, rhythmic guitar work.

Buried Alive — A fan-favorite deep cut that exemplifies the band's darker, more complex songwriting style.

Hell to Pay — A later career highlight from the 2013 album "Back from Hell," proving their enduring musical potency.

Following their initial burst of activity, Blitzkrieg disbanded but reformed in the 1990s, beginning a period of consistent activity. They released several well-received albums including "The Mists of Avalon" in 1998 and "Sins and Greed" in 2013, maintaining a loyal fanbase across Europe and among traditional heavy metal enthusiasts worldwide. The band has performed at major European festivals and continued to record new material, with Brian Ross remaining the iconic voice across multiple lineup changes.

Fans of Blitzkrieg's classic British metal sound should also explore Satan, another NWOBHM act known for intricate guitar work and thematic depth. The melodic power of Diamond Head shares a similar foundational influence on thrash metal. For the raw energy of the era, listen to Raven and their intense, athletic brand of metal. The epic storytelling of Cloven Hoof also resonates with the theatrical elements in Blitzkrieg's music.

Blitzkrieg's music maintains a strong presence on radio stations dedicated to classic and heavy metal. Their tracks are staples on specialty metal shows, classic rock FM stations, and dedicated online rock radio streams that celebrate the legacy of the NWOBHM.

You can hear the powerful music of Blitzkrieg on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their classic anthems and later catalog highlights through our curated selection of independent music radio stations and dedicated metal channels.