Lightning To The Nations (the White Album) - Diamond Head

When it comes to NWOBHM, I have a preference for pioneering bands which failed to make the commerical impact that Def Leppard, Iron Maiden or Judas Priest did. I've never been able to put a finger on my particular favourite but for different reasons I'd have Raven, Blitzkrieg, Diamond Head and Sweet Savage at the top of my choice. Diamond Head unlike the others have less aggressive vocals which really can only be compared to Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin as they really are very similar. The album Lightning to the Nations is their first and my definite favourite, released in 1980 by Old Smithy Recording in Worcester, the band don't particularly rush things, ...  Read the complete review

Diamond Head's modest, initially self-produced debut album is one of the definitive releases of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, so-called because it was new back in 1980. Alongside the likes of the self-titled debuts from Iron Maiden and Angel Witch, 'Lightning to the Nations' is a classic of early heavy metal and one that still holds up well today, despite sounding enjoyably dated. Sean Harris' vocals are still rooted in the seventies and comparable to Robert Plant, but his strong performance allows several songs to be vocal-centric, such as the prominent verse rhythms of 'It's Electric' and 'Helpless.' Other songs favour Brian Tatler's excellent guitar ...  Read the complete review