NWOBHM legends Diamond Head came roaring back into the spotlight with their hot self-titled release back in 2016, and now they have returned three years later with another molten metal barnburner, The Coffin Train. Founder/guitarist Brian Tatler once again has Diamond Head firing on all cylinders, vocalist Rasmus Bom Andersen sounding super confident on his second album with the band, and Karl Wilcox (drums), Andy 'Abbz' Abberley (guitars), and Dean Ashton (bass) all putting in powerful performances here.
Kick off track, and album single "Belly of the Beast" is a snarling heavy rocker, layered with inventive riffing and Andersen's soaring vocals, and the metal attack doesn't let up with "The Messenger", another classic sounding tune from this longstanding act. The title track is more of a moodier piece, textured guitars and driving rhythms support a passionate vocal from Rasmus, while Wilcox's nimble drum patterns permeate the melodic yet crunchy "Shades of Black". "The Sleeper" is one of the 'sleeper' tunes here, a groove laden, dramatic rocker with an epic feel, Tatler & Abberley laying down some juicy riffs and Andersen killing it on the vocals...images of vintage Rainbow pop up all over this gem. Other highlights on this superb album include the galloping "Death By Design", the doomy "Serrated Love", and the ultra catchy "Until We Burn", another great vehicle for Rasmus' fantastic vocals.
Packed with plenty of variety, from hard charging metal anthems, to moodier, epic sounding fare, The Coffin Train is an excellent release that sees Diamond Head solidifying their place among the heavy metal elite.
Track Listing
1. Belly Of The Beast 04:34
2. The Messenger 05:15
3. The Coffin Train 06:10
4. Shades of Black 04:39
5. The Sleeper (Prelude) 00:58
6. The Sleeper 05:45
7. Death by Design 04:44
8. Serrated Love 06:20
9. The Phoenix 05:38
10. Until We Burn 05:56
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