Artist: Diamond Head 
   Title: What's In Your Head
   Label: Cargo Records

I first saw Diamond Head way back in 1979, supporting AC/DC at Newcastle Mayfair, and they blew me away that night, so much so that I ended up buying their “white album” on the strength of the performance. In fact every time I’ve seen them live, they have delivered the goods. 

Fast forward 26 years and with a new singer in tow they play Bradford Rios and once again they showed their true class and delivered the best gig of that year and once again I ended up buying new album 'All Will Be Revealed' on the back of their performance. 

So, this is the second album with new singer Nick Tart and he is a more than adequate replacement for Sean Harris, live he is a formidable frontman and on record his voice swoops and soars.  'What’s In Your Head' is probably Diamond Head’s best effort since 'Borrowed Time' and they’ve always manged to come up with quality material throughout the years since that time.  

First up we have 'Skin on Skin' and straightaway the immaculate fretwork of founder member Brian Tatler bursts from the speakers, Tart’s vocals sitting atop of the guitar work and the whole thing is underpinned by Messrs Wilcox and Moohan on drums and bass.  This song sets the tone for the album, quality songwriting and excellent muscianship hammered into every track. 

The next three tracks, 'I Feel No Pain', 'This Planet and Me' and 'Reign Supreme' continue to showcase Nick Tart’s vocal talent.  In fact every song has overtones of Harris at times but Tart stamps his mark on all the songs.  A favourite of mine is next, 'Killing Me', a song I feel will become a Diamond Head classic, standing alongside, 'It’s Electric'. 

'Tonight', 'Pray For Me', 'What’s In Your Head', 'Nothing to Lose' and 'Calling Out' show Tatlers influences.  In fact the Led Zep, Sabbath influences permeate every track.  Tatler is one of the most underrated songwriters and guitarists in the UK.  The album finishes in fine style with another favourite, Victim, blasting out from the speakers and grabbing you by the throat. 

All the songs on this album are diverse, huge metal riffs with overtones of Zeppelin and Sabbath but with a more contemporary feel. Over 30 years after they started Diamond Head can still come up with material that some of the new acts would die for.  Buy the album and when they come to a town near you go see ‘em.

* Review by Brassy.  

Tracklisting:

1. Skin On Skin
2. I Feel No Pain
3. This Planet And Me
4. Reign Supreme 
5. Killing Me
6. Tonight
7. Prey For Me
8. What's In Your Head?
9. Nothing To Lose
10. Calling Out 
11. Victim

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