Review Summary: Diamond Head's debut album does not disappoint. It is able to give the listener complexity, catchy lyrics, headbanging aggression, and the classic NWOBHM sound people love, all in one album.
I came across Diamond Head in a very standard and looked-down-upon way. I found them in Guitar Hero Metallica. DON'T YOU HIT THAT BACK BUTTON YET. Basically, since I found them in such an innocent way, I can offer you a very unbiased review. This is my first review, but since no one has given a review for this album yet, I might as well offer one for the readers.
I came across Diamond Head in Guitar Hero Metallica by playing the famous song "Am I Evil?" I was immediately hooked and looked up their discography. Seeing as Lightning to the Nations (aka The White Album) was their debut and most well-received album, I decided to give it a listen. Deciding to give it a listen was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Lightning to the Nations gives listeners an amazing musical journey that no one should pass up. It is able to give the listener complexity, catchy lyrics, headbanging aggression, and the classic NWOBHM sound people love, all in one album.
1. Lightning to the Nations
The album starts out strong with the heavy title track. It starts with pounding guitars, a thumping bass, and an aggressive drumbeat. However, it gets faster in tempo and becomes a headbangible song within seconds. The song then weaves in and out of its various styles keeping your interest in what will happen next. The chorus only consists of the line "Lightning to the Nations", but Sean Harris delivers the line so powerfully that you'll find yourself trying to imitate his scream just like Plant in The Immigrant Song.
2. The Prince
This is, no doubt, one of my favorite songs of the album. The song is basically a guitarist's dream song. It's filled with harmonization, wild and crazy solos, and a few awesome riffs that you will know and love. However, the guitar is only a small portion of the awesomeness this song contains. The intro will blow you away with its fast-paced aggression and face-melting solo. The song does not let up, either. It keeps you on the wild ride and doesn't let go until your done with the marathon known as "The Prince".
3. Sucking My Love
Honestly, I don't know where to begin when it comes to explaining this song. So instead, I'm just going to name out all the elements in one long sentence. The intro is epic, the riffs are epic, the lyrics are hilariously epic, the guitar solo is face-meltingly epic, and the singing is jizzingly epic. Those last words in that last sentence contain no joke whatsoever. Just listen to the song and you'll know EXACLTY what I'm talking about.
4. Am I Evil?
"Evil" is the best way to classify this song. Everything about this song has "evil" written all over it. The intro gives you that satanic vibe, the riff is infamous, and the lyrics deal with BURNING THE PROTAGONIST'S MOTHER ALIVE. Not to mention that, once again, the guitar solo is epic. Brian Tatler, I salute you!
5. Sweet and Innocent
This song is fast and catchy. You'll be singing along with the background vocals in the chorus within the first minute! Not to mention that the riff is just so f*****g awesome. This song is short, but it packs a huge punch.
6. It's Electric
In my opinion, this is the weakest song off the album. Its sound is very similar to Lightning to the Nations, but not done as well. Not to mention that the song is only 3 1/2 minutes. The song consists of fast verses and a catchy chorus that contains only two different words. Take a wild guess to what those two words are! He also sings them in an elongated note, just like Lightning to the Nations... BUT IN LESS WORDS! Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy the song, but it just doesn't compare to the others on the album.
7. Helpless
Take out your air drumsticks, because this song starts out with an awesome drum solo. Immediately after the drum solo is a fast and aggressive riff that will have you headbanging. Not to mention that you'll be singing along to the WHOLE SONG. The verse and chorus are just so damn catchy and fun to sing. Grab that lyric booklet! You're going to need it! However, the song isn't just great for the meat of the song, but the flesh is great too! I'm trying not to sound like a cannibal, but I'm basically trying to say that the middle section is VERY EPIC. Instrumentally, this song is amazing. Lyrically, this song is amazing. Overall, this song is F*****G AMAZING.
This album also contains 7 bonus tracks if you grab the right version. The album is pretty perfect as it is, in my opinion, but the bonus tracks just add on to the awesomeness. Overall, this album is one of my favorite albums ever. There is so much amazing material packed into this album that it takes me on a musical journey every time I listen to it. I can't find one flaw on this album, and therefore, I give it a full 5.0!
