Official press release:
Iconic heavy metal band Diamond Head today confirms June 3 as the North American release date for their new, self-titled album (Dissonance Productions). 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 (NWOBHM) legends. 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. Tatler comments:
“The body of the album explores other subtopics in more depth along with songs dealing with lighter subjects that are not so heavy on the heart.”
Vocalist Rasmus Bom Andersen affirms:
“We made the album with the band’s fans foremost in mind from start to finish. We wanted to write songs that would have ties to the best parts of all the early albums.”
Diamond Head are considered one of NWOBHM’s early members. Formed in 1976, their songs influenced a slew of early 80’s thrash metal bands, in particular Metallica who recorded the band’s “Am I Evil” as a b-side to their 1984 “Creeping Death” single and again included on the band’s multi-platinum 1998 covers album Garage Inc. Tatler joined members of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax at the 2011 Sonisphere Festival. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich addressed the crowd saying:
“If it wasn’t for Brian Tatler, there’s a pretty good chance none of us would be here tonight.”
Later speaking about the event Tatler said:
“If it wasn’t for Metallica, Diamond Head would not have had this second wind.”
Metallica would record three additional Diamond Head songs – “Helpless” (Garage Days, 1987), “The Prince” (One Single b-side, 1989), “It’s Electric” (Garage Inc., 1998).
Diamond Head is currently receiving widespread acclaim from European media. Record Collector’s Mark Taylor declares:
“Not only is this a new beginning, but it’s their best work since their first two official albums.”
Classic Rock adds:
“Filled with chugging riffs, high flying solos and bombastic hooks, it just rocks in glorious timeless fashion.”
Tatler says:
“The album’s energy and excitement are perfect. It echoes our early albums but as always pushes forward.”
The album’s North American release follows a late April European release as the band kicks off a healthy series of live performances to support the album. Dates are already confirmed through September including Sweden Rock on June 8. The band most recently appeared as a performer for the 6th edition of 70,000 Tons Of Metal. The band has toured North America twice; first in 2011 including Toronto’s Heavy TO Festival and Montreal’s Heavy MTL Fest, and again in 2013.
Diamond Head are:
Brian Tatler – guitar
Rasmus Bom Andersen – vocals
Karl Wilcox – drums
Eddie Moohan – bass
Abbz – guitar
Diamond Head track listing:
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”
