For those of a certain generation who like their music hard and heavy, the new wave of British Heavy Metal, or NWOBHM, represents a special era. The late ’70s and early ’80s surge in UK-based upstart metal acts leaned heavily into instrumental virtuosity, hooks, riffs and biker-influenced attire such as denim vests and leather. Chief among the acts emerging from this scene are bands including Tygers of Pan Tang, Samson and Girlschool along with better-known standard-bearers such as Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Saxon.