DIAMOND HEAD – Live and Electric

Few names carry the weight and legacy in heavy metal quite like Diamond Head. Formed in 1976, these NWOBHM pioneers laid the groundwork for an entire generation of metal bands, most famously influencing Metallica, who covered several of their songs. With their unmistakable blend of raw riffs, melodic sense, and metallic grit, Diamond Head’s music has stood the test of time. Now, in 2024, they return with Live And Electric, a live album that not only honors their roots but breathes fresh fire into their already legendary catalog.

This is the first official live album from Diamond Head in two decades—and it was worth the wait. Live And Electric captures the band in top form, touring alongside Saxon in 2022 across a string of UK cities. But this isn’t just a single gig caught on tape. Thanks to modern recording capabilities and smart planning, the band captured all fourteen shows of the tour, giving them the ability to cherry-pick the best possible takes of each track. The result is a flawless, high-voltage experience that showcases the full might of Diamond Head, both past and present.

A Modern Blast of Classic Metal

From the first riff of “The Prince” to the final bombast of “Am I Evil?”, Live And Electric feels like being shoved against the barricade at a sweaty club show—sweat, leather, and PA cabinets shaking your bones. Producer Jay Shredder does a fantastic job capturing the sonic assault, with the final mastering handled by vocalist Rasmus Bom Andersen himself—who, it must be said, is a beast behind the mic. His performance across the album is commanding, melodic, and full of attitude—channeling the spirit of Sean Harris without ever feeling like an imitation.

Founding guitarist Brian Tatler, as always, is the riff-master supreme. His playing is fiery and fluid, giving classics like “Helpless” and “It’s Electric” a renewed sense of urgency. His chemistry with fellow axeman Andrew “Abbz” Abberley is tight as hell, trading leads and harmonizing like two road-tested warhorses. The rhythm section? Absolutely punishing. Paul Gaskin’s bass hits like a freight train, while Karl Wilcox pummels the kit with machine precision. Together, they form a backbone that brings both old favorites and newer crushers like “Belly of the Beast” to life with conviction.

What makes Live And Electric particularly special is its balance. You’re getting the classics, of course—“Helpless,” “The Prince,” and “Am I Evil?”—but also deep cuts and newer material that prove Diamond Head isn’t just a nostalgia act. This is a band that still has something to say—and says it loud.

Final Notes

Live And Electric isn’t just a celebration of Diamond Head’s enduring legacy—it’s a statement of power and precision from a band that continues to evolve without forgetting where they came from. With pitch-perfect performances selected from multiple shows, and a mix that places the listener right in the thick of the action, this live album is a must-own for any true metalhead.

Whether you’re a long-time fan who remembers the first time “Am I Evil?” melted your brain, or a newcomer curious about the roots of metal’s mightiest acts, Live And Electric delivers the goods with modern muscle and classic soul.

Lineup

• Brian Tatler – lead, rhythm guitars
• Rasmus Bom Andersen – vocals
• Karl Wilcox – drums
• Andrew “Abbz” Abberley – rhythm, lead guitars
• Paul Gaskin – bass

Live and Electric – Tracklist

1. The Prince (Live At The Bexhill De La War Pavilion)
2. Bones (Live At St David’s Hall, Cardiff)
3. The Messenger (Live At The Cambridge Corn Exchange)
4. In The Heat Of The Night (Live At The York Barbican)
5. Set My Soul On Fire (Live At The Bexhill De La War Pavilion)
6. It’s Electric (Live At The Bexhill De La War Pavilion)
7. Dead Reckoning (Live At The Aberdeen Music Hall)
8. Death By Design (Live At The Aberdeen Music Hall)
9. Sweet And Innocent (Live At The Aberdeen Music Hall)
10. Helpless (Live At The Aberdeen Music Hall)
11. Belly Of The Beast (Live At The Aberdeen Music Hall)
12. Am I Evil? (Live At King George’s Hall, Blackburn)

Check out the video for “Helpless (Live At The Aberdeen Music Hall)” by Diamond head off of their new album: Live and Electric