Diamond Head – Lightning To The Nations 2020 (2xLP)

When Diamond Head released Lightning To The Nations 40 years ago anno 1980, few could have predicted the importance that would arise regarding the new wave of heavy metal and its sound. Packed with riffs, Lightning To The Nations became one of the most important catalysts for the movement called New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). At the same time, this debut album gave the template for one of the biggest bands on the planet: Metallica. But at the time, at home in Stourbridge, UK Diamond Head had no idea at all that and how the seven songs would find such an echo.

The re-recordings "Lightning To The Nations 2020" are a brilliant shot of fresh metal energy. Diamond Head use their experience, skill and vitalize energy to breathe new life into the album with hopefully the same success as back in the day. Recording took place in several sessions in France but also in the band members' home studios; however, the focal point was Andersen's Raw Sound Studios in London. Brian and Abbz recorded guitars there in February and March, and then came the COVID-19 mess. Andersen then worked on the album from April to July, Tatler optimized it in August and then it was passed on to Metropolis Studios.

On the album you are also graced with four great cover versions homage to Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Deep Purple and Metallica. Since Diamond Head influenced Metallica's career very early, the cover of No Remorse is more than appropriate.