Lightning to the Nations

Probably the band that influenced Metallica and Megadeth the most, Diamond Head still is a relatively unknown metal band. Their debut is an absolutely great record, an example of the power of the NWOBHM movement: all the songs are relatively fast and extremely energic and dynamic.

The guitar playing is melodic as hell and that may have led people to regard Diamond Head as one of the acts that helped to create power metal. The solos are all very tasteful and lenghty, “Sucking My Love” is an obvious example of that, since it contains a long middle section filled with many guitar solos. There are sweet riffs smattered throughout the record too, but we'll get to them later. As for the vocals, Sean Harris is clearly influenced by Robert Plant's style, if you listen to the afore-mentioned “Sucking My Love” all becomes very obvious (his screams on the middle section are very reminiscent of “Whole Lotta Love”). The drumming is not that complex but extremely tasteful; the drummer isn't the biggest virtuoso out there, but knows how to write some interesting beats and fills that actually fit with the atmosphere and structure of the songs. The bass is rather inaudible during most of times.

But the reason why Diamond Head is hailed as one of the best NWOBHM bands is its songwriting skills. The songs are pretty long and the structures intricate; yet, all the tunes are extremely catchy. “The Prince” is an example, with its tempo changes and different sections. “Sucking My Love”, despite being a bit weaker, is another example. “Am I Evil?” another one. Sometimes, I think that Diamond Head is also one of the most progressive heavy metal bands out there and it's a shame nobody recognizes that. The production is pretty thin; in the end, that's not a problem, since it gives a very special atmosphere and feeling to “Lightning to the Nations”.

Highlights? The title track, which also is the opener, is great, a little straight-forward and catchy song; also features a good vocal performance by an inspired Harris. “The Prince” is another tremendous song, I simply love it. It also probably is the fastest track of the bunch and I bet it influenced a big number of thrash/speed metal bands out there. The solo at the beginning kicks ass, and so does the chorus. The best part of the song is at 3:38, though... OH MY GOD, THE BEST GUITAR RIFF EVER MADE! That's right, the best one. Well, not the best. The best is the first one on Sabbath's “A National Acrobat”, but this one is a close second. Moving on, “Am I Evil” is excellent too, great intro, the song then progressing to a speedy section, containing more great riffs... sweet! “Helpless” is the last highlight, competent drum intro leading us to a nice main riff (Hell, this record is full of great riffs, dude!). “It's Electric” is a bit on the average side, and “Sucking My Love” and “Sweet and Innocent” are both pretty damn weak. Ok, the first one is decent, I hate that middle section filled with those erotic screams though, but the latter is just a worthless tune.

Concluding, a great album, absolutely recommended. Competent vocals, great guitar work and fine drum work... All the songs are excellent in the songwriting field and the record is very energic and dynamic. Need more reasons to buy it? I'll give just one more: it's influential as hell! Worth checking out, definitely!

Best Moments of the CD:
-the “drum” section on “Helpless”.
-the first time the main riff of “Am I Evil?” is played.
-3:38 on “The Prince”.

“Cannot squeeze the life from meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”