Review: Diamond Head – Live and Electric

Silver Lining (July 11^th, 2025)

Reviewer – Phil Rozier

So, its 2022 (not now obviously, I mean, I’m setting the scene for the album!). I’ve lost my place now, where were we, ah yes, 2022. So, 2022, and Saxon are touring the UK for probably about the 40^th time! Starting in 1980, it’s hard to know exactly how many times Saxon have abused the UK circuit with their heavy metal prowess. But, it’s nearly equal to the number of summers I’ve seen, that’s for sure.

But this tour isn’t normal. This tour has an opening act, more deserving of historical calibre, than nearly every other metal band on earth. Formed in 1976, and the influence of now many a super star band such as Metallica and Megadeth; not supporting but opening for (there’s a difference!) Saxon, was the band Diamond Head. 

They need no introduction, unless you’ve never heard of heavy metal before. ‘Live and Electric‘ is a collection of 12 thunderous live tracks, formed over a 46 year career. 

Pop on the vinyl and be prepared to have ya ears abused with enormous, belting, heavy metal riffs from the fingers of Brian Tatler and vocals from Rasmus Bom Andersen.

The album is recorded from a range of venues across the UK, capturing the ear bleeding metal sounds, and if you listen carefully, I’m pretty sure the sweat dripping from the ceiling of the Bexhill Pavillion is also on tape.

Present at that gig, I was stunned at the noise that Diamond Head can still produce. Timeless, and uninterrupted, they’ve stuck truly to who they are and what they want to play. Remember, Metallica covered not 1, but 3 of their tracks over the years, and have played them live to a rapturous applause all over the globe (imagine the royalites on that one!)

Re-mastering some of their works in recent years, and re-releasing for the next generation, Diamond Head cannot, not,be loved. Jeans, leathers, flying V’s, Marshall amps and hair. They’re metal personified. In fact that’s too cliché, they’re more than that. They even personify the personification. Is that possible? Who knows, but who cares. Reviews aren’t about clever wording, they’re about getting across the message about how the music makes you feel.

And this album serves as timeless recreation of the live shows Diamond Head still belt out after more than 45 years. The speed, volume, clarity, and aggression is never lost. Each track is fast, tight, and delivered with constant professionalism and ear-piercing joy! 

‘The Prince’ as an opener grabs you by the balls instantly, leaving me eager for track 2. ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ as track 4 has more audience participation than band involvement (always love that!), and the ‘Motorhead-esque’ ‘Belly of the Beast’ is a joy to headbang to (mind your neck readers and be careful of that cup of Earl Grey). From their 1982 ‘Four Cuts‘ EP, ‘Dead Reckoning’ is a monster. ‘Sweet and Innocent’ is another debut album track I’ve not heard aired before. Finishing with as you’d expect, ‘Am I Evil’, pristinely recorded at King Georges Hall in Blackburn, it’s the most awesome finish to a belter of a live metal album, capturing the essence and heart of what was, and I guess still is, the new wave of British heavy metal.

If you’re a fan of classic heavy metal or just want to hear a band that still plays like they mean it, this album is a must-crank. Diamond Head aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.

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)

Line-up:

Brian Tatler: Lead, Rhythm Guitars

Rasmus Bom Andersen: Vocals

Karl Wilcox: Drums

Andrew “Abbz” Abberley: Rhythm, Lead Guitars

Paul Gaskin: Bass 

Web Links:

Official Website

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