Back in 2022, MV went to see Diamond Head. They were opening for Saxon, and this was the opening paragraph of the review:
“In some other world, Diamond Head would have their names on the top of the bill here tonight. Of all the NWOBHM bands (and we really must find a better name for it these days), they are the one that gets forgotten too quickly. Yet listen to the quality of songs in their 40 minutes here and find the justice.”
That is particularly pertinent to “Live And Electric”, given that it was recorded on that run (although the Leicester show we were at isn’t included here — singer Rasmus Bom Andersen was under the weather). And it showcases a truly exceptional metal band.
They start with “The Prince”, and it’s a reminder that the song — when they played it that night — was 42 years old. Tell me when metal sounds this fresh right now?
“Bones” is shorter, sharper, heavier perhaps, but it has that sound that only Brian Tatler seems to get.
“The Messenger” brings things more up to date, but even the newer ones fit in perfectly and showcase the skill in Andersen’s voice (he also mastered the record).
“In The Heat Of The Night” lends itself to the fists-in-the-air anthem it becomes in York, and another relatively new one, “Set My Soul On Fire”, changes the tone — lower, slower, and a little more menacing.
“It’s Electric” is quite simply glorious, as full of youthful exuberance as it always was, and they delve right into the archives for “Dead Reckoning”, dusted off in Aberdeen for the first time in ages.
“Death By Design” ushers itself in on the back of a thunderous riff and doesn’t let up. Indeed, it’s the sheer glee with which they play the likes of “Sweet And Innocent” that makes this so special. The sound is perfect and the warmth cascades through the speakers.
Long-serving drummer Karl Wilcox positions himself front and centre on a brilliant version of “Helpless”, and as if to prove they’re not a legacy act, another newer track, “Belly Of The Beast”, is one of the highlights. Charged with — well — electricity, it’s quite superb.
It ends in the only way it could. Of course it does. And the one about mother being a witch is still a perfect anthem.
Indeed, when the Blackburn crowd screams the chorus to “Am I Evil?” in the way that so many have over the last 40-odd years, that thought about Diamond Head almost being the “lost” band amongst Maiden, Saxon and Priest returns.
Whether that’s true or not, what is undeniable is that “Live And Electric” is a quite marvellous document of a marvellous group.
Rating: 9/10
