NWOBHM legends Diamond Head have been part of the metal landscape for almost 50 years. The Stourbridge metallers have been the inspiration and influence of many a metal band that came in their wake. We all know the story of Lars Ulrich from Metallica being such a fan that he flew from the US as a teenager to see the band in the UK. Lars ended up befriending the band and he became part of the band’s entourage. This was a major factor in the formation of his own band. Metallica famously covered Diamond Head songs from day one and helped a new generation of metal maniacs discover Diamond Head for themselves.

This live album was recorded while supporting Saxon on their UK tour in 2022. I was at the Cardiff show and thought the band played a blinder. I also saw them at the Steelhouse festival that year and the ground was literally shaking with the low end. Very impressive.

We get a good mix of tracks that were recorded throughout the tour. The band sound energized and as relevant as ever here. You can feel the passion being put into the performances. Frontman Rasmus Bom Andersen sounds phenomenal here. His vocals bring an urgency to the band that works throughout their entire catalogue, he’s also a natural at whipping up the crowd.

Guitarist Brian Tatler needs no introduction, he’s a legend in the metal world and has now taken up residency in Saxon after founding member Paul Quinn stepped down. Tatler was a revelation at the Cardiff show, flying up and down the fretboard with ease and looking the part as the metal legend he is. The whole band sound incredible here, Paul Gaskin on bass, Andy “Abbz” Abberley, and Karl Wilcox on drums have an obvious connection and chemistry.

We get all the classics plus some newer material in the form of Belly of the Beast. The Prince, It’s Electric, Helpless, and Am I Evil? all sound reinvigorated and more powerful than ever.

This is a must for any Diamond Head fan. The production is crystal clear and punchy thanks to Jay Shredders mix. Get those horns in the air. Am I Evil? Yes, I am.

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Author: Kenny Kendrick