Diamond Head

Diamond Head are an English heavy metal band formed in 1976 in Stourbridge, England. The band is recognised as one of the leading members of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and is acknowledged by later bands like Metallica and Megadeth as an important early influence.
Diamond Head: The Pioneers Of British Heavy Metal
Diamond Head is a British heavy metal band that was formed in 1976. They were one of the pioneers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, which led to the rise of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Despite not achieving the commercial success of their contemporaries, they have been highly influential in the heavy metal genre. In this musical article, we will delve into their musical biography, their best songs, music genre, famous concerts, and a critic.
Diamond Head was formed by school friends Brian Tatler and Duncan Scott, who shared a love for heavy metal. They named the band after a signpost that pointed to a local housing estate. After a few lineup changes, they settled with Sean Harris as their lead vocalist, Colin Kimberly on bass, and Clive Burr on drums. The band released their first album, Lightning to the Nations, in 1980, which includes the classic track Am I Evil? which became a favourite with Metallica and was frequently covered by them.
Diamond Heads style of music is a blend of heavy metal and hard rock, which is characterised by powerful riffing, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar harmonies. They have often been compared to bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. They have released seven studio albums in total, with the latest, The Coffin Train, being released in 2019.
Some of Diamond Head's best-known songs include Am I Evil? The Prince, Sucking My Love, and It's Electric. Am I Evil? is probably their most celebrated song and has been covered by over 20 other artists, including Metallica, who made it famous. The song's slow-burning opening riff and the catchy chorus are still a classic in the heavy metal genre.
Diamond Head has played some legendary concerts in their career, including a memorable show at the Reading Festival in 1982. They were personally selected by Metallica to support them on their 2003 European Tour, which helped to rekindle interest in the band amongst metal fans. Diamond Head also continues to tour internationally and has played at festivals like the Wacken Open Air and Bloodstock.
A lot of their music has been commended for its powerful impact. A critique by J.D. Considine of Guitar World quotes: Tatler builds a crunching, yet oddly melodic riff; Sean Harris delivers a vocal that balances aggressive intensity with dispassionate detachment, and the band as a whole grooves like an efficient, steel-plated engine. Far from being a mindless blast of heavy metal, Diamond Head's music was constructed with thought and care.
While Diamond Head may not have been as commercially successful as some of their contemporaries, they have left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. Their influence can be seen in the many bands that have covered their music, and their legacy continues to grow. Diamond Head is a band that all heavy metal fans should check out, whether they're discovering them for the first time or revisiting their classic music. Their sound is timeless, and their music is as relevant today as it was when they first burst onto the scene.