“Lightning to the Nations” was already one of the greatest and most important Metal albums of all time. . . Heavy music as we know it was largely shaped by the rise of teenage Metallica, circa: the early 80s, and no one’s influence is more transparent in Metallica’s music than Diamond Head. Without hyperbole, this 1980 record helped to define the modern Metal landscape.
Enter “Lightning to the Nations 2020,” with the album completely re-recorded in 2020 by the current Diamond Head lineup. This new take is a master stroke by the sole renaming founder, Brian Tatler, and his modern incarnation of the band. The songs have had minor touch-ups done - - all of which are improvements - - but the major overhaul is in the recording quality. It’s amazing to hear 2020 technology applied to these timeless greats.

There may have been some debate in the past about the best versions of the 4(!!) DH songs that Metallica have covered over the years, but this new release should put all of those discussions to bed. Look, I love Metallica’s takes on “Helpless,” “The Prince,” “It’s Electric,” and “Am I Evil?” James Hetfield’s voice and rhythm guitar chunk are perfectly suited to Thrash interpretations - - along with the faithful work of Kirk, Lars, and Cliff and Jason. But with the full-bore production effects - - including subtle synths for atmosphere - - Brain Tatler’s powerful riffs and solos, and Rasmus Bom Anderson’s Valhalla-charged voice, these are now the definitive versions of these songs, along with the rest of LttN’s non-Metallica-fied classics.

This is no slight to Sean Harris, the original singer on the 1979 album. His influence, charisma, and availability are still glorious and seminal (no “Sucking My Love” innuendo intended. . . ). Those versions are still vital! The main advantages the new takes have are Tatler’s decades of hindsight, experience, and familiarity with the tunes - - and Anderson. Some of the minor tweaks have greatly improved the songs, most notably on “Sucking My Love” and “Helpless.”

And “Am I Evil?”*. . . What else is there to say? Unquestionably one of the greatest Metal songs ever created. The updated version is Heavy AF, while still retaining its Rock n’ Roll /NWOBHM sensibilities; it demands to be cranked at full volume. No matter how many times you’ve heard previous recordings, this one sounds fresh and important. It’s just masterful to behold. . . All of the songs on “Lightning to the Nations 2020” are reverent to their origins, while benefiting from time and the wonders of modern studio technology.

An added perk to this record is the selection of Diamond Head’s cover tunes - - which, yes, includes a solid old-school Metallica cover in “No Remorse.” Their other covers are Led Zeppelin’s “The Immigrant Song,” Judas Priest’s “Sinner,” and Deep Purple’s “Rat Bat Blue.” A calculating person might wonder if they chose songs originally sung by such luminaries as Robert Plant, Rob Halford, and Ian Gillan just to show off the monstrous talents of Rasmus Bom Anderson. . . . well, if so: mission accomplished! He pulls off those iconic screeches from “Immigrant Song” without even breaking a sweat. Regardless of Diamond Head’s motives, these covers are all great bonuses.
Maybe no one thought they needed this revamp of the timeless classic. . . but trust me. . . the Metal world needed this. Don’t throw out your original Diamond Head and Metallica “Garage Days” albums, but make sure you add shelf space next to them for this redux. If you only know Diamond Head through their Metallica covers, then this is a perfect opportunity to begin exploring the rest of their catalogue.


In full disclosure: I’m spearheading a team effort to create a graphic novel based on the story of “Am I Evil?” - - with full permission from Brian Tatler and Sean Harris. I am extremely grateful to them for approving this dream project. “Am I Evil?” has been one of my all-time favorite songs for decades. I am *not* an impartial reviewer, but I promise you, my love of these songs is genuine.