 Despite the transition of the young bands from being local attractions to touring extensively in the UK , major record labels ' A & R agents still did not recognise the rising new trend . Thus , most new bands signed contracts with small independent labels , which could afford only limited printings of singles and albums and usually offered only national distribution . Many other bands , including Iron Maiden , Def Leppard and Diamond Head , self @-@ produced their first releases and sold them through mail order or at concerts . Saxon were the first to sign with an internationally distributed label , the French Carrere Records , followed by Def Leppard with Phonogram in August 1979 , and Iron Maiden with EMI in December 1979 . In early 1980 , EMI tested the market with the Neal Kay @-@ compiled album Metal for Muthas and a UK tour of the bands that had contributed to the compilation , eventually signing Angel Witch ( who were dropped after the release of their first single ) and Ethel the Frog . 
