The masterpieces among the masterpieces of rock music stand out from already great albums for marking an epochal shift, containing those songs that became anthems for the generations of the '70s and '80s, giving birth to new styles, musical genres, or simply having a great impact on the masses. Generally, these absolute masterpieces were acclaimed by critics, sold millions of copies, and are still a must for many nostalgic fans and new enthusiasts interested in the rock cult. If in the '70s and '80s rock had said a lot, considering also its metal and punk derivatives (rock is a very broad term), in the Nineties, even considering the Seattle scene, rock reached a point of no return (called artistic death), all styles were experimented with and explored. Metal is still trying to carry on, but no matter how excellent the current bands' performances may be, they are always replays of things already done. Punk died where it was born.
Returning to the main path: the album in question is one of the most important in rock history because it brings the conjunction of two genres (Hard Rock and Heavy Metal), but unlike other masterpieces, it did not sell what it perhaps deserved (however, music should not be evaluated based on sales).

If someone knows Diamond Head today, they owe it almost exclusively to Metallica, who covered half of this LP (see "Garage Inc."). Speaking of this album, one must consider not only the rock of the Seventies but also the two main branches of metal, the one born under the aegis of Judas Priest and the fierce and nihilistic one of Metallica. This is the midpoint between Led Zeppelin and Metallica. The riffs are cleverly camouflaged in Hard Rock style, and with a correct interpretive key, the one used by Hetfield and co., it could be understood that they were already metal. Sean Harris sings like Robert Plant and plays rhythm guitar (Hetfield?), Brian Tatler is half Page and half metal, Colin Kimberley is already a heavy bassist, and he is the supporting pillar of the rhythmic section, Duncan Scott follows classical rhythms, perhaps too little powerful (this is one of the factors that place this album in limbo between Hard Rock and Heavy Metal), but this is absolutely not a flaw.

If it was said that Metallica with "Kill'em All" put into practice the teachings of Motorhead, Diamond Head were no less important in influencing Metallica themselves. The inventors of Thrash Metal (some call this Heavy and Maiden Classic) were already performing Diamond Head's songs in '81, making them heavier. The main riff of "Am I Evil" is repeatedly found as a form in "Kill'em All". Motorhead's energy and speed and Diamond Head's riff, that's what early Metallica were. If I mention Metallica several times, it is because the bands owe something to each other. Diamond Head became famous thanks to their songs being publicized and played live by Metallica. Metallica were inspired by Diamond Head and, also thanks to them, have sold over 50 million records.

Taking each song individually, it must be said that they are all masterpieces.
"Lightning To The Nations" is metal played with Hard Rock hints. Fast, galloping, and engaging riffs.
"The Prince" has an original and fast progress. The bass is almost at the same volume as the guitar, Tatler paints a fabulous solo in the middle of the song, while the drums, as already mentioned, always have that limit of not impacting as much as the bass in the rhythmic section.
"Sucking My Love" is the longest track (9.31), more complex in structure, and where Harris gets closest to Robert Plant, with plenty of orgasmic moans. The two central solos are beautiful, where even the solitary bass run finds glory.
"Am I Evil" is the metal song, and this is understood by hearing Harris lower the tone. Military march style introduction, then the guitar, after the fast solo, strikes with a granitic riff leading us to the chorus. "Am I Evil? Yes, I Am" is a phrase every metalhead should know by now. The song is aggressive, but as if that wasn't enough, it increases in tone and speed. Even the sterile drums find a certain aggressiveness. During the solo, Harris's riff seems the direct ancestor of "The Four Horsemen".
"Sweet And Innocent" is pure adrenaline, totally different from the previous one, more Hard Rock than metal. Harris rises an octave again, and another masterpiece is completed.
"It's Electric" is pure rock'n'roll. Harris sings fast and aggressive. The solo is Metal. A Classic.
"Helpless" starts with a charging pace, manages to be even faster, the rhythm varies, and the singing is very engaging. An absolute masterpiece.

I recommend this gem to those who appreciate New Wave Of British Heavy Metal bands or to those who want to know and delve into Metallica's origins.
One of the 10 most important albums in metal history and also one of the most underrated. Epochal.

Tracklist Lyrics and Videos

01   Lightning to the Nations (04:14)

Yes i'm coming
Angel from the sky, put his hand in mine
I can spread you gifts, for golden present time
i'm going to set you down
I'm going to make it right
I'm going to bring it home
I'll bring you lightning to the nations
To the nations
To the nations
To the nations
From the shores of home, we send a gift of love
To sweet and hopeful hearts, a gift from high above
I'm going to set you down
I'm going to make it right
I'm going to bring it home
I'll bring you lightning to the nations
To the nations
To the nations
To the nations
Here it comes now
London
New York
To the nations
To the nations
Lightning to the Nations

02   The Prince (06:13)

Now I see his face, I've seen him smile
Such in a lonely place, no golden mile
His eyes tell morbid tales, of his black heart
His deeds through ages past, tell of his part
See his face, see his smile
Time to die An angel from below, change my dreams
I want for glory's hour, for wealth's esteem
I wish to sell my soul, to be reborn
I wish for earthly riches, don't want no crown of thorns
See his face, see his smile
Time to die I was born a fool, don't want to stay that way
Devil take my soul, with diamonds you repay
I don't care for heaven, don't you look for me to cry
And I will burn in Hell, from the day I die
See his face, see his smile
Time to die

03   Sucking My Love (09:33)

04   Am I Evil? (07:43)

05   Sweet and Innocent (03:37)

06   It's Electric (03:22)

I'm gonna be a rock 'n' roll star
Gotta groove from night to day
Gotta blow my honey jar, yeah
Gotta blow my blues away
I'm gonna make a stand
I'm gonna make a million
I'm gonna make it with you
I'm gonna be with my friend
I'm gonna put you through
It's electric,
It's electric,
It's electric,
It's electric,
I stop on red but I leave on amber
Danger paves my way
I'm gonna make it my friend
Gonna make it today
Gonna get the dust from my heels,
Down the highway I go
Gonna get the stars from my brow
Playing in a rock 'n' roll show
It's electric,
It's electric,
It's electric,
It's electric,
I stop on red but I leave on amber
Danger paves my way
I'm gonna make it my friend
Gonna make it today
Gonna get the dust from my heels,
Down the highway I go
Gonna get the stars from my brow
Playing in a rock 'n' roll show
It's electric,
It's electric,
It's electric,
It's electric,

07   Helpless (06:48)

I gotta see you moving fast, see you come my way
See the dreams, I hope they last, never fade away
Gotta see the lights above, make it loud tonight
Gotta set it all on fire, set it all alight
I can see the flashing lights, hear the thunder roll
I am gonna set you alight
Gotta make it man, I ain't got no choice
Gotta fill this hall tonight
Helpless, Helpless, Helpless, Helpless
Helpless, Helpless, Helpless, Helpless
I don't know what I'm gonna do, maybe not tonight, yeah
Gotta set you all afire, gotta treat you right
I can see the flashing lights, lazer for your love
Gotta hear the thunder roar, coming from above
See the flashing lights, hear the thunder roar
I am gonna set you all alight
Gotta make it man, I ain't got no choice
Gotta fill this hall tonight
Helpless, Helpless, Helpless, Helpless
Helpless, Helpless, Helpless, Helpless
I can see the stars, I can see what's going on
Every night alone, I sing my songs just for fun
Only time will tell if I make it myself someday
The stage is mine, music is my destiny
Cannot squeeze the life from me
I can see the stars, I can see what's going on
Every night alone, I sing my songs just for fun
This business ain't for laughs, business men don't like it so
Helpless maybe babe, but you can still enjoy the show
Cannot squeeze the life from me
Gotta be good, see you tonight
I know that was fine
Gotta be safe, gotta be true
You know that you're mine
Help me now, I'm coming home, ohh
Gotta be fine, gotta be right
You'll set me alight
Help me now, I'm coming home
I can see the band from miles away
Looks so right, feels so tight, oohh
Feels so fine, feels so good. oohh
Makes a man a whole man
Lord it's gonna make my day
Helpless, helpless, oohh
Helpless, helpless, oohh

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