Labelled as ‘the new Led Zeppelin’ – a blessing or a curse?

Diamond Head, a band that emerged from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene in the early ’80s, never quite achieved the same level of fame as their counterparts Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. Despite being hailed as “the natural successors to Led Zeppelin” and praised for having more good riffs in their songs than Black Sabbath, Diamond Head never attained the same level of commercial success.

Formed in 1977 in Stourbridge, the Midlands town, Diamond Head consisted of guitarist Brian Tatler, singer Sean Harris, drummer Duncan Scott, and bassist Colin Kimberley. Influenced by iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, Diamond Head’s sound was a fusion of powerful riffs and compelling vocals. With Brian Tatler’s masterful guitar skills reminiscent of Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi, and Sean Harris’ vocals likened to a young Robert Plant, the band had all the makings of a rock sensation.

Despite critical acclaim and recognition as a band with immense potential, Diamond Head never quite reached the level of success that Iron Maiden and Def Leppard did. However, their impact on the music scene, particularly within the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal era, was undeniable. Their three early ’80s albums solidified their status as one of the most influential bands of their time. Their influence was far-reaching, particularly on Metallica, as Lars Ulrich attested: “Diamond Head was fifty per cent of what ended up being Metallica. We got the whole thing about riffs and structuring from them. The other fifty per cent was Motörhead.”

Despite being overshadowed by their more commercially successful peers, Diamond Head’s legacy lives on through their music and the impact they had on the heavy rock genre. Their unique sound, characterized by intricate riffs and powerful vocals, continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. While they may not have achieved the same level of fame as Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath, Diamond Head remains a testament to the enduring influence of rock music and the lasting impact of a band that had all the potential to be great.