An absolutely wonderful release.

Those Metal Titans Diamond Head return with their eighth studio release 'The Coffin Train' and I am pleased to say it's a killer. Brian Tatler is the only member left from the 'White Album' debut (it's better known as 'Lighting To The Nations' these days and could amazingly be picked up at the time for £3.50 and a coupon through a press advert), but he's keeping the band alive and the Metal world is all the better for it.

Rasmus Bom Andersen is a real find on vocals; he perfectly fits the role of front-man for this group with his powerful voice which hints at a Sean Harris style even though it's more diverse and emotive. Tatler is a master of the fret-board so it's should come as no surprise to anyone that there are tons of great, classic sounding Diamond Head riffs and solos all over the record. I have no doubt fans will lap up highlights like 'Belly Of The Beast', 'The Messenger', 'Shades Of Black' and the title-track.

The whole band play with an air of confidence and energy, and you know you are listening to a tight unit who understand exactly what their fans want which they certainly give to them in spades. Unlike a lot of established groups who fail to deliver albums worthy of their name, Diamond Head have captured the essence of what made them so great and influential during the heady days of NWOBHM, and they've now brought it up to date with a blistering display of power and melody.

The only fault I can find with 'The Coffin Train' is that on a couple of songs the drums sound further back in the mix. However, despite that minor flaw, it's still an absolutely wonderful release.

Carl Noonan