Diamond Head, formed in 1976 in Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, emerged as a pivotal force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, blending raw energy with intricate riffs that helped define the genre's sound. Founded by guitarist Brian Tatler alongside school friends Duncan Scott on drums, Sean Harris on vocals, and Colin Kimberly on bass, the band drew inspiration from classic rock giants like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, channelling those influences into a heavier, more aggressive style. Their self-released debut album, Lightning to the Nations (1980), stands as a landmark release, featuring timeless tracks like "Am I Evil?" and "Helpless" that showcased Tatler's masterful guitar work and Harris's soaring vocals, earning them a dedicated underground following despite limited commercial success at the time.
Though plagued by line up changes, label issues, and multiple hiatuses - including breaks from 1985-1990 and 1994-2000 - Diamond Head's legacy endures through their profound impact on thrash metal, most notably influencing Metallica, who covered several of their songs and brought them wider recognition. Reunited in 2000 under Tatler's leadership, the band finally toured the US for the first time and has continued to release new material, such as albums on Silver Lining Music, while delivering high-energy live performances that respect their roots without stagnating. Today, as of 2025, Diamond Head remains a respected elder statesman of heavy metal, proving their resilience and ongoing relevance in a scene they helped shape.
Here are some interesting facts about Diamond Head:
- The band's name was inspired by a Phil Manzanera album cover, reflecting their early eclectic influences beyond just metal.
- Despite their influence, Diamond Head didn't achieve major commercial breakthroughs in the 1980s, partly due to management decisions.
- Brian Tatler, the sole original member still in the band, has also played with other acts like Saxon, showcasing his enduring presence in the metal community.
- Their 1980 debut was initially released on their own Happy Face Records label as a white-label pressing, making original copies highly sought after by collectors.
- Diamond Head reformed multiple times, with a notable 2000 revival leading to their first US shows after over two decades of existence.