‘PIONEER’, an adjective to be used carefully. Many wish they were, most are not.
Diamond Head – the Stourbridge, England born New Wave of British Heavy Metal pioneers – return to the world stage with a new album. The Coffin Trainis at once fresh and exuberant while also being a stone-cold classic slice of old school heavy metal excellence. Is it packed with the sort of riff-fueled power that founding member (and riff LORD) Brian Tatler led a genre and influenced the odd band or two with? It’s electric for sure… and then some.
The album leading single, ‘Belly of The Beast’,is a ripping signal of intent with huge, catchy, crunchy riffs coupled with Rasmus Bom Andersen’s fiery vocals and married to a steam-engine old school tempo which will have headbangers gleefully reaching for their air guitars and aspirin. It is both furious and thickly intense.
Remarks Brian: “Belly of the Beast is the lead track on the album and the first single. This is classic Diamond Head, bringing to mind songs like Helpless and The Prince. It’s a very exciting song to play and really pumps up your adrenaline. It’s in your face the whole way though.”
Singer Ras adds: “It’s a song about personal demons, everyone carries at least one through their life. Don’t be hasty to judge people, for we all have a battle inside.”
Formed in 1976 under the riff-rolling leadership of guitarist Brian Tatler, Diamond Head would quickly establish themselves as a vanguard of the exploding New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. With their genre-defining debut album Lightning to The Nations,Diamond Head became the band who influenced and opened gates for many metal bands.
“All along we wanted to make sure we didn’t lose sight of what we call‘The Brief’” explains Tatler, “I would neverwant to deny our NWOBHM style and sound, that’s what originally got me excited and Diamond Head noticed. And I still enjoy the creative journey we go on.”
The Coffin Train, Diamond Head’s eighth studio album,is a glorious testimony to Brian Tatler andRasmus Bom Andersens’masterful ability to create the flavours necessary for prime Diamond Head music.
“Rasmus is a big part of why the album, and band, sound like we do,”affirms Tatler. “He has a fantastic vocal range, knows exactly what to do with his voice and is incredibly knowledgeable about it!”
The Coffin Trainwas written on the road and recorded in several different places. Guitars, bass and vocals at Vigo Studios in Walsall, drums at Circle Studios in Birmingham, and the album was produced and mixed at Ras’ Raw Sound Studio in London.
When it comes to the concepts behind TheCoffin Train, Tatler left the heart to Ras, who being a thinker and life-conceptualiser, doesn’t lack sources of inspiration. Diamond Head have not only managed to create an album of pure heavy metal intensity, they have created a timeless aural statement which feels destined to see them delivering both TheCoffin Trainand DH 2.0 to more fans than ever.
Is it really that electric you might ask? Oh yes it certainly is!
Excited to bring The Coffin Trainto the world, Diamond Head will be touring Europefor most of 2019 and are confirmed on the line-up of two very special UK shows with NWOBHM giants, SAXON, which will take place on October 19that London’s iconic Hammersmith and October 20that the O2 Apollo in Manchester.
21stJune – Hellfest, France
25 –28th July – Camp Bestival, UK
25 –27th July – Rock & Blues Festival, UK
24thAugust – Stonedeaf Festival, UK
19thOctober – Hammersmith Apollo, UK*
20thOctober – o2 Apollo Manchester, UK*
7-10thNovember – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Wales, UK
* Supporting Saxon
More dates to be announced.
