Despite being a big fan of NWOBHM, I seem to have overlooked (mainly due the expense of their CD's) one of the most prominent bands of the genre 'Diamond Head', so I'm putting that right here by reviewing this their latest live release. As is the case with bands of the genre there are usually few original members present, in this case only guitarist 'Brian Tatler' has seen the band through from the beginning, thankfully the current line-up is not short of talent and vocalist 'Nick Tart' is definitely a fine acquisition. This live release was recorded at the London Astoria in November 2005 and features many classic tracks, whilst being graced with a superb production, nothing flashy but a good crisp, honest account which suits the music magnificently.

The classic intro to 'Am I Evil?' is used to open the show, before launching into the pulsating 'It's Electric', ok it sounds a little different to the original with 'Tart's' vocals, but definitely on-a-par if not better and immediately the production impresses with none of the instruments overpowering each other and the clarity being crystal clear. A lively but meticulous rendition of 'Give It to Me' follows while the semi-epic from their debut 'The 'Prince' is just a stunning run-through of a NWOBHM classic- checkout the instrumental break glorious!. Taken from their previous release 'All Will be Revealed' is the vigorous rocker 'Mine All Mine' a relatively simple but effective cut, 'Tart' works the chorus especially well and all in all fits in pretty well with the older material. Another gem from their debut is bought about by 'Lightening to the Nations' which fails to disappoint, while 'Fallen Angel' also from 'All Will be Revealed' is solid but perhaps not is the same league as the classics. Also falling short of the mark is 'To the Devil His Due', ever since I first heard this song, I always thought it sounded disjointed and this live rendition fails to alter my opinion. The tempo is lifted for 'Alimony' which to my ear is more reminiscent of 'Samson' than 'Diamond Head', that said still a good cut well within their NWOBHM roots. Next up is 'I Can't Help Myself' the only track present from '93's 'Death and Progress' which was also the last album to feature original vocalist 'Sean Harris', overall a decent more bluesy sounding cut, doesn't comes across as well as the older material but still a solid working. It's back to the classics again with the hypnotic, pulsating jewel 'Sucking My Love' which ebbs and flows superbly thanks to some splendid rhythm guitar, while 'Streets of Gold' originally a single release, is an excellent old school rocker, of which 'Nick Tart' works the lyrics splendidly, with the fret work of 'Brian Tatler' and 'Mills' just further enhancing a great song. The album closes with three of 'Diamond Heads' finest and most recognised songs, the first 'Helpless' is just 7 minutes of thundering rhythm, duelling guitars and pure class, regrettably 'Karl Wilcox's' closing drum solo takes the edge off somewhat. One of the defining moments of NWOBHM follows, 'Am I Evil' is a true gem of the genre and this live rendition lives up to expectations, 'Brian Tatler's' guitaring is top notch while 'Nick Tart' works the lyrics admirably. The show closes with 'In the Heat of the Night', a slightly more commercial sounding track from 'Diamond Head' but nonetheless effective, great haunting / brooding melody, solid lyrics and although 'Tart' seems to tire a little, still an excellent performance.

If you are new to the band this would make an excellent first purchase, as it's a damn fine account of one of the most underrated groups of the genre.