Review DIAMOND HEAD ‘Live and Electric’

I guess I’m not the only one whose first connection with Diamond Head‘s music was through Metallica‘s cover of ‘Am I Evil’, which directed the spotlight onto the UK metal pioneers. It still took me a while to explore Diamond Head’s music further, but I became truly attached to it when they supported Saxon on the ‘Thunderbolt’ tour in 2018.

However, it’s never too late, and there’s no doubt that Brian Tatler and his band are at the forefront of the NWoBHM alongside having this underground vibe. One thing that adds to this impression is Diamond Head’s very authentic approach to music. Tatler loves playing heavy metal, as he also demonstrated when he joined Saxon, and it is this passion that results in great songs, whether we listen to the classics from the early days or more recent material. It is always the music, and not the musician, that is in the spotlight, which also allows Diamond Head to become almost one with their fans during live shows.

To provide their fanbase with some live music, Diamond Head have launched a new live album, ‘Live and Electric’, which was recorded during the UK leg of their 2022 tour. This is the band’s first live release in 20 years, featuring songs spanning decades of metal. Recorded at different locations and venues, the album includes the timeless ‘The Prince’, which kicks things off, as well as ‘Belly of the Beast’, which comes from the latest studio album, ‘The Coffin Train’. With ‘Set My Soul on Fire’, we go back to 2016, while most of the songs reflect the band’s glorious debut album. ‘Helpless’, ‘It’s Electric’ and the renowned ‘Am I Evil?’ are mandatory choices for any live album.

A solid compilation of their work is delivered by Diamond Head, with five decades of heavy metal being reflected. Passion and dedication are the glue that keeps everything together, and if you’re looking for a thunderous live album with powerful metal and a nostalgic touch, ‘Live and Electric’ should be on your list.