Diamond Head
Formed: 1976
From:
Stourbridge,
United Kingdom
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Diamond Head News
Below is our complete Diamond Head news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 70 1 2 3 4 Last
Diamond Head Re-Records "Lightning To The Nations"
Vital, venerated, and vintage, when Diamond Head first released "Lightning To The Nations" forty years ago in 1980, few could have predicted the importance it would carry - and establish - with regards to heavy metal's new wave and sound. Stacked and packed with riffs, Lightning To The Nations would be one of the prime catalysts for a movement known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). It would also prove the premier template for a band who would become the biggest rock band on the planet, Metallica. But back then, in their humble Stourbridge, UK home, Diamond Head had no real idea that the seven songs they had recorded for that debut album would have such a reverberation.
The first single/video to be released, "It's Electric," shows levels of fresh energy and the potency of timeless riffage that will blow the doors and socks off all who hear it. On the song, founding member, lead guitarist/songsmith Brian Tatler, comments: "It was written on the 15th of June 1978; it was the forty-fifth song Diamond Head ever wrote. It was kind of our version of an AC/DC song. I had noticed that AC/DC had gaps in their riffs so I thought I would do one in that vein and out came 'It's Electric.' It was fast and exciting and soon found its way into our live set. We had the pleasure of opening for AC/DC in January 1980 and performed 'It's Electric' in the set. I looked over to my left and noticed we were being watched by Bon Scott!"
"It's Electric" was the first Diamond Head song that Lars Ulrich ever heard on the 1980 MCA compilation album Brute Force. "It seemed so right, it seemed so fresh, it seemed so effortless and above all, it seemed so fucking special. Three and a half minutes after the needle hit the record on 'It's Electric' by Diamond Head I was hooked."
"Metallica covered this song on their 1998 album Garage, Inc.," continues Tatler, "Sean and I wrote 'It's Electric' in the key of G but Metallica transposed it to F# to make it easier to play. I have played it their way ever since."
View Diamond Head's "It's Electric" video below. More...
Judas Priest And Behemoth To Headline Bloodstock
The organisers of Britain's Bloodstock Open Air festival have confirmed that Polish blackened death metal veterans Behemoth and British heavy metal icons Judas Priest will be headlining the 2020 edition of the event on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The festival will take place from August 6th - 9th in Walton On Trent, Derbyshire.
The lineup is now as follows:
Devin Townsend
Behemoth
Judas Priest
Skindred
Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals
Paradise Lost
Gloryhammer
Vio-Lence
Dark Tranquility
Sacred Reich
The Black Dahlia Murder
Jinjer
Life Of Agony
Diamond Head
Butcher Babies More...
More Bands Confirmed For Bloodstock 2020
The organisers of Britain's Bloodstock Open Air festival have confirmed a further four bands for next year's edition of the festival. Joining the bill in 2020 will be former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo & The Illegals, who will be performing a full Pantera set, while another band treating fans to a unique performance will be British Gothic metal icons Paradise Lost, who will be playing the "Draconian Times" album in full. Also performing that weekend will be alternative metal veterans Life Of Agony, who have just released their sixth album, "The Sound Of Scars" and New Wave Of British Heavy Metal legends Diamond Head, who also released a new album, "The Coffin Train" this year.
The lineup is now as follows:
Devin Townsend
Skindred
Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals
Paradise Lost
Gloryhammer
Vio-Lence
Dark Tranquility
Sacred Reich
The Black Dahlia Murder
Jinjer
Life Of Agony
Diamond Head
Butcher Babies
Diamond Head Posts New Music Video Online
NWOBHM pioneers, Diamond Head, return to the world stage with a new album. The Coffin Train is at once fresh and exuberant while also being a stone-cold classic slice of old-school heavy metal excellence. Is it packed with the sort of riff-fueled power that founding member (and riff lord) Brian Tatler led a genre and influenced the odd band or two with? It's electric for sure... and then some.
The album's lead single, "Belly Of The Beast", is a ripping signal of intent with huge, catchy, crunchy riffs coupled with Rasmus Bom Andersen's fiery vocals and married to a steam-engine old-school tempo which will have headbangers gleefully reaching for their air guitars and aspirin. It is both furious and thickly intense.
Remarks Tatler, "'Belly Of The Beast' is the lead track on the album and the first single. This is classic Diamond Head, bringing to mind songs like 'Helpless' and 'The Prince'. It's a very exciting song to play and really pumps up your adrenaline. It's in your face the whole way though."
Andersen adds, "It's a song about personal demons; everyone carries at least one through their life. Don't be hasty to judge people, for we all have a battle inside."
"The Coffin Train" will be released via Silver Lining Music on May 24th. Pre-orders will be available on Friday, March 8th. More...
Diamond Head Reveals New Album Release Date
NWOBHM pioneers, Diamond Head, are thrilled to announce they have signed a worldwide record deal with international label Silver Lining Music.
Comments the band, "We're delighted to be bringing the Diamond Head lightning to our new family at Silver Lining Music and honoured to be standing alongside a stable of established international talent, which includes such legends as Saxon, Europe, and Motörhead. This is the start of an exciting journey and we can't wait to share it with you all."
Adds Silver Lining Music, "We are beyond psyched to announce that we have struck legendary heavy metal gold by signing Diamond Head to the Silver Lining Music roster. The blend of Brian Tatler's legendary chops with the exciting new visions of Rasmus Bom Andersen are electric indeed, and we look forward to the world discovering that for themselves with Diamond Head's forthcoming new album, 'The Coffin Train,' out on May 24th, 2019. We are proud to offer you the chance to catch a ride on this train, so be sure to buy a ticket and get on board fast!" More...
Saxon Announces 40th Anniversary Shows
1979 was a monumentous year for British Hard Rock with the birth of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and the subsequent rise of future giants of the genre. After 40 years and 22 studio album releases SAXON remain as one of those giants of British Heavy Metal and to prove the fact the band are back in 2019 to play 3 iconic shows in iconic venues.
For the first time since the 1980’s Saxon return to headlining London’s legendary Hammersmith “Odeon” and Manchester Apollo, together with their largest Scottish show to date at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena in October 2019, with a mega show featuring staples of Saxon shows past, the castle set in its enormity together with the classic Eagle Lighting rig!
In addition to the announcement of these shows, the band will release another chapter in the classic “The Eagle Has Landed Live” series of albums with The Eagle Has Landed 4 out on general release on August 2nd 2019 via Silver Lining Music. Renamed “The Eagle Has Landed 40” to commemorate the anniversary, the album will be a double CD set (available on other formats including a special box set) containing 40 songs spanning the bands career. More...
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Diamond Head Tops Off A Night In New Cross
What can be said about Diamond Head that hasn't already been said? As one of the shining lights of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, they were considered to be right up there with the likes of Iron Maiden, Saxon and Def Leppard, with several publications referring to them as "the new Led Zeppelin." Their fast paced, exciting sound not only created a loyal fan base in Great Britain, but was to be one of the most important influences on thrash metal. So much so that not only has their classic song, "Am I Evil?" been a regular in Metallica sets, but Metallica would join forced with Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax to cover the song during the "Big Four" shows.
Last weekend, the New Cross Inn in South East London put on a weekend of rock and capping off the bill was the aforementioned legends, Diamond Head. While there was some decent acts beforehand, fans had flocked to see the headliners this evening, who prior to the set were happy to take photos and sign various items of memorabilia. When it did come time to take to the stage, they proudly opened with "Shout At The Devil" from the 2016 self-titled album. For those who haven't heard the latest offering, it's vintage Diamond Head and subsequently, other songs such as "Set My Soul On Fire" and the superb, "Bones" fit in perfectly with the old material. More...
Report
Psycho Las Vegas 2017
Psycho Las Vegas recently wrapped up its second edition in Sin City after moving away from its Californian roots in 2016. Psycho Las Vegas 1st edition was outstanding. The second? Well, I’m trying to find an adjective that tops outstanding… The whole experience of hosting some of the heaviest/hottest/weirdest/loudest bands in the storied Hard Rock Casino is practically a religious experience. My short anecdotes cannot and will not do it justice. You, the reader, will need to make the conscience decision to go next year to experience it for yourself. Or, if you’ve been already partaken, well, I’m sure you can vouch for me in addition to having your own stories to tell. Here’s a brief rundown of my four days.
Thursday: The first day of any festival is always the most dangerous when trying remember details. It’s the day you usually celebrate breaking away from your job/your significant other/your home/your life. It’s probably a statistical fact, the day you tend to overindulge in adult beverages.
By the time I arrived at the Pool Stage, Goya had already started. After a couple of minutes of nothing coming through the PA system, the Phoenix, AZ doom lords were off and fuzzing up the already buzzing crowd. Next up were Conan. I have to admit, I kept running into friends throughout the pool area and I was only was able to listen to them through breaks in conversations with said friends. I did catch the crowded pool stage’s reaction to their set and it the applause was loud after every song. So, I’m going to say they had a great set at this point. More...
Diamond Head Sets Off On Second Leg Of Tour
Diamond Head is continuing the longest North American tour in the band's 40-year career; set to perform tomorrow in Nashville.
The band has also launched a special contest for fans to celebrate the trek. Fans are invited to post their best #AMIEVILFACE selfie on their personal Instagram pages. Simply include @diamond_head_official and the show that you are attending and be automatically entered in to randomly win either an autographed tour poster or a special meet & greet with the band.
11/15 - Mercury Lounge, Nashville TN
11/16 - Rex Theater, Pittsburgh PA
11/17 - Sellersville Theater, Sellersville PA
11/18 - Fish Head Cantina, Baltimore MD
11/19 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY
11/20 - Webster Hall's Marlin Room, New York NY
11/21 - Bug Jar, Rochester NY
11/22 - Katacombes, Montreal QC
11/23 - Brass Monkey, Ottawa ON
11/24 - Garrison, Toronto ON
11/25 - Token Lounge, Detroit MI
11/26 - Tailgators, Chicago IL
11/27 - Metal Grill, Milwaukee WI More...
Diamond Head Kicking Off U.S. Tour
Diamond Head will begin the longest North American tour in the band's 40-year career tomorrow, November 2nd. Expected to include songs that span the group's extensive recording catalog, the set will also feature selections from Diamond Head's latest self-titled album.
The band has launched a special contest for fans to celebrate this impending tour. Post your best #AMIEVILFACE selfie on your personal Instagram pages and smply include @diamond_head_official and the show that you are attending: you'll be automatically entered in to randomly win either an autographed tour poster or a special meet & greet with the band. More...
Diamond Head Releases New Video
The new Diamond Head video "All The Reasons You Live" is taken from the band's current self-titled album, available globally via Dissonance Productions. Check out the clip below.
Set to return to North American for the longest tour in the band's 40-year career, Diamond Head is expected to perform songs that span an extensive recording catalog, including selections from this new self-titled new album. More...
Diamond Head Announces North American Tour
Diamond Head is set to return to North American for the band's longest tour in its 40-year career. The headline run will feature songs that span the entire extensive recording catalog including an upcoming self-titled new album set for North American release on June 24th.
Recorded at Vigo Studios in Birmingham, "Diamond Head" is the first album to feature new vocalist Rasmus Born Anderson and ends an eight-year silence for the NWOBHM group. Catch Diamond Head live on these upcoming tour dates:
North America
11/02 - Slim's, San Francisco CA
11/03 - Whiskey, Hollywood CA
11/04 - LVCS, Las Vegas NV
11/05 - Brick By Brick, San Diego CA
11/10 - Grizzly Hall, Austin TX
11/11 - Concert Pub North, Houston TX
11/12 - Rock Box, San Antonio, TX
11/13 - Trees, Dallas TX
11/17 - Sellersville Theater, Sellersville PA
11/18 - Fish Head Cantina, Baltimore MD
11/19 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY
11/20 - Webster Hall's Marlin Room, New York NY
11/21 - Bug Jar, Rochester NY
11/22 - Katacombes, Montreal QC
11/23 - Brass Monkey, Ottawa ON
11/24 - Garrison, Toronto ON
11/25 - Token Lounge, Detroit MI
11/26 - Tailgators, Chicago IL
11/27 - Metal Grill, Milwaukee WI More...
Diamond Head Gearing Up For New Tour
Diamond Head's new self-titled album (out now in Europe and due out June 3rd in North America) will be followed by a series of live performances kicking off next week.
Confirmed appearances are noted below, and a string of North American dates are expected for early winter. Catch the band live:
May 1 - Soldiers Off The Street Festival (Telford, United Kingdom)
May 7 - Razzet L-Ahmar (Mosta, Malta)
May 12 - HRH Ibiza Roadtrip (Ibiza, Spain)
May 27 - GetMad Festival (Madrid, Spain)
June 5 - Muskel Rock Festival (Alvesta, Sweden)
June 8 - Sweden Rock Festival (Solvesborg, Sweden)
June 18 - Der Detze Rockt Festival (Daun, Germany)
July 30 - Barnet Ruby Club (Barnet, United Kingdom)
August 12 - Bloodstock Festival (Derbyshire, United Kingdom)
August 18 - The Robin (Bilston, United Kingdom)
August 27 - Skulls of Metal Festival (Jaen, Spain)
September 1 - The Brook (Southampton, United Kingdom)
September 2 - Queens Hall (Nuneaton, United Kingdom)
September 17 - Stormcrusher Festival (Lamplauhlstrabe, Germany)
September 22 - Fibber McGee's Rock Bar (Dublin, Ireland)
September 23 - Voodoo (Belfast, Ireland)
September 24 - Dolan's Warehouse (Limerick, Ireland)
September 29 - The Waterfront (Norwich, United Kingdom)
October 4 - Fibbers (York, United Kingdom)
October 5 - O2 ABC (Glasgow, United Kingdom)
October 6 - La-Belle Angele (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)
October 7 - the Moorings Bar (Aberdeen, United Kingdom)
October 8 - O2 Academy 2 (Sheffield, United Kingdom) More...
Diamond Head Streaming New Album
While the album doesn't drop in North America until June 3rd, Diamond Head's new self-titled release drops tomorrow (April 22nd) in Europe. In advance of tha trelease date, today you can hear the album online in full.
Recorded at Vigo Studios in Birmingham, the album is the first to feature new vocalist Rasmus Bom Andersen and ends an eight-year silence for the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal group. The track listing is:
1. Bones
2. Shout At The Devil
3. Set My soul On fire
4. See you Rise
5. All The Reasons You Live
6. Wizards Sleeve
7. Our Time Is Now
8. Speed
9. Blood On My Hands
10. Diamonds
11. Silence More...
Diamond Head Announces New Album
Heavy metal band Diamond Head today confirms June 3rd as the North American release date for a new, self-titled album. Recorded at Vigo Studios in Birmingham, the album is the first to feature new vocalist Rasmus Bom Andersen and ends an eight-year silence for the NWoBHm outfit. Direct pre-orders for the album will launch shortly.
Prior to 2014, the thought of a new album was bleak. Guitarist and band founder Brian Tatler reveals: “I had no interest in doing another record but after working with Ras on the 2014 European tour that suddenly changed. I wanted to make a record with him. He’s a confident singer and he’s not trying to fill anyone’s shoes.”
Recording of the album commenced last July with the band and engineer Adam Beddow at the helm. Tatler notes, “I gave Rasmus some music to listen to last January. He selected songs or riffs that he wanted to work on and we began rehearsing. We whittled things down to fourteen songs by April.”
Eleven songs were selected in the end for the album; all mixed by Dave Nicholls and mastered by John Davis at London’s Metropolis. The album’s lyrical focus details political and environmental themes. Its opening and closing songs specifically draw attention to the world’s self-destructive path. More...
Report
70,000 Tons Of Metal, Day Three: "Its METAL Mon!"
Port day on the 2016 edition of the World’s Largest Metal Cruise! We made it into Falmouth, Jamaica at some time in the wee hours of the morning. This part of the cruise is a necessary element for a journalist, especially one trying to see as many shows as possible before collapsing from exhaustion. Since the day is usually enjoyed by fan and musician alike on shore and about the country, it means rest and relaxation for me until about 4pm – a time to recharge both the physical and mental batteries for the second half of the mayhem.
In similar fashion to last year, I skipped the part about getting off the boat. Unless there is a Mayan ruin like in Mexico a few years back, my interest in beach activities and touristy shops pales in comparison to resting and taking a few walks around the ship. This year I freed my shoulders from cameras and relaxed with breakfast before heading back to the room to do a little photo processing. The first show I would attend today would be Stratovarius’ second set on the pool deck. More...
Diamond Head Tops Off 70,000 Tons Of Metal 2016
The 2016 installment of 70,000 Tons of Metal will set sail tomorrow. Promoters UMC have declared the event a sell out and announced that the final act added to the bill is legendary UK act Diamond Head.
Metal Underground.com will be on board for the cruise and will provide coverage in the form of daily show reports, photo galleries and a four part video series featuring performance clips and other antics from each day.
70,000 Tons of Metal 2016 will sails from February 4th-8th from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and return to Jamaica with a stop at Falmouth.
The festival will board a new vessel, the second in as many years: The Independence of the Seas (via Royal Caribbean). The ship will accommodate four stages: The Alhambra Theater is a five-story concert hall in which they spare no expense to remove part of the (very comfortable) seating so you have a real Mosh Pit on the High Seas; The more intimate Egyptian themed Pyramid Lounge offers the local club atmosphere; The third indoor stage is in Studio B, the ice skating rink featuring a maritime version of the Arena experience and last but not least their jewel: The Pool Deck stage - The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to ever sail the Open Seas, surrounded by multiple bars and pools, plenty of room to sunbathe on several decks and even hot tubs incorporated into the Pool Deck stage to soak in while you watch the shows!
The All-Star Jam band, which returned this past January will also be back, led by Annihilator's Jeff Waters and members from the various acts aboard performing cover tunes live.
In addition, the ship will broadcast the upcoming Super Bowl between the Carolina Panthers v. Denver Broncos live on Sunday, February 7, 2016.
If you missed out on this year, be sure to check out information on the event over at 70000tons.com.
Diamond Head joins the following previously named acts (with one still to be revealed):
Abinchova
Ancient Rites
Arkona
At the Gates
Aura Noir
Belphegor
Bloodbath
Carach Angren
Children of Bodom
Cradle Of Filth
Dead Cross
Delain
Dia De Los Muertos
Distillator More...
OpEd
Denim And Leather: Celebrating 35 Years Of NWOBHM
This month marks thirty five years since one of the most important terms in heavy metal history was coined. After a show featuring Iron Maiden, Angel Witch and Samson, Sounds writer Geoff "Deaf" Barton wrote a review of the concert in which a phrase was used that still stands strong today. It was the time when head banging public was introduced to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The term was arguably created to cause a stir amongst fans who would argue that heavy metal bands in Britain was nothing new and that the likes of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest had been packing out large venues and appearing on such television shows as Top of the Pops for the last few years, despite the dominance of punk rock. However, these bands were different. They possessed the energy of punk but had the look and volume of the early metal bands before them. They took heavy metal away from the grandiose indulgence which some bands had become embroiled in and brought it back to the common man.
It was truly an exciting movement, full of high quality bands which would go on to influence hundreds more and in some cases, become superstars themselves. More or less every metal fan will be able to tell you that Iron Maiden was one such NWOBHM band, with a slightly smaller number being able to point to Def Leppard as another group from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal who went on to stardom after the release of their excellent self-titled EP and debut album, "On Through the Night," following which they shifted direction to the band we know today. More...
Diamond Head Announces U.S. Shows
NWOBHM act Diamond Head is heading back to the U.S. this Fall, and bringing along fellow Raven. Brian Tatler, guitarist for Diamond Head, comments on the upcoming tour:
"Diamond Head is excited to be returning to the United States for a full West coast tour staring in Vancouver and finishing up in Texas. Special guests for all the dates will be NWOBHM legends Raven. We will of course play the classics but it will be a different show from the successful East coast tour we did earlier this year"."
10/8 – Vancouver, Canada @ Rickshaw Theater
10/9 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
10/10 – Spokane, WA @ The Hop
10/11 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
10/12 – Reno, NV @ JubJub’s
10/15 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
10/16 – Santa Ana, CA @ Malone’s
10/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Vex
10/18 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
10/19 – Corona, CA @ M15 Concert Club
10/20 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vamp’d
10/22 – Northglenn, CO @ Cheers
10/23 – Kansas City, KS @ Riot Room
10/24 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Chameleon Room
10/25 – Dallas, TX @ The Boiler Room
Raven Announces More Tour Dates
New wave of British heavy metal act Raven is embarking on a U.S. and Canadian tour in support of the documentary DVD entitled "Rock Until You Drop - A Long Day's Journey," which documents the band's almost 40 year career. The DVD was released July 16th via Steamhammer/SPV in North America.
In addition to previously announced dates, Raven has confirmed a co-headlining run with Diamond Head. These special shows kick off October 16th in Vancouver, BC and are scheduled to run through October 25th in Dallas, TX. A complete list of dates can be found below.
Joining the tour will be special guests and long time friends Mpire of Evil, which features ex-Venom members Tony Dolan (Demolition Man) and Jeff Dunn (Mantas) together with drummer JXN Jackson. The first leg will start in Lake Worth, FL on September 11th and end in Columbus, OH on October 2nd. More...
