DIAMOND HEAD - To The Devil His Due [DVD]

Posted: 02/05/08

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: New Wave Of British Heavy Metal

Released: 11/21/06

Label URL: www.mvdvisual.com

Artist URL: www.diamond-head.net

This DVD captures this underground New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) band performing at the London Astoria on November 4, 2005.  Diamond Head is best known for the fact that Metallica covered some of their best songs - "Am I Evil?" (sorry boys and girls, Metallica didn't write that one!), "The Prince," "Helpless," and "It's Electric." 

This performance spotlights an updated version of the band that features new vocalist Nick Tart (Poor guy! Hopefully Tart is just his stage name).  Tart replaced Sean Harris and while this may be a turnoff to diehards, Tart has a great voice and does every song justice.  Only guitarist Brian Tatler remains from the original unit, which is unfortunate, but the group that he's assembled is a fine oiled machine.  His riffs-o-plenty are refreshing to hear and great to bang your head to.

The performance is just over an hour but all the classics are here, as well as some more recent tracks penned by the current group for the All Will Be Revealed cd.  While these tracks aren't as good as the classics, the sound remains true to the band's roots.

The Bloody Truth: This DVD features 5.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo options.  The 5.1 surround sound is killer and complements the up close n' personal video work.  If you are fan of the band and can let go of Harris' absence then this will be a cool view into a band that has received little exposure over the years.  A 37 minute interview with Tatler, Tart, and drummer Karl Wilcox is a cool bonus that's very informative.  Only one complaint: the reason for the exit of Sean Harris is not discussed.  Additionally, the making of the All Will Be Revealed cd is included.