It may surprise the regular readers of the website to see my name on this review as I usually review the more melodic, even wimpy stuff. However way back when I was lad I was an out and out “Heavy Metal” fan and as any fan of the band can tell you Diamond Head were a massive influence on two of the big American Thrash bands Metallica, who covered 'Am I Evil?', and Megadeth who took this latest version of Diamond Head out on tour earlier in the year. 

The thing that original peaked my interest in this album was the news, a year so ago, that Nick Tart had joined the band as vocalist, It was news to original and then current vocalist Sean Harris as well! Now I’ve liked Nick Tart's vocals since seeing him live with  Robin George at my local (Trillians) in the early 90’s. Anyway the other thing is I regularly listen to ARFM and the advert for this album is on every other add break, or at least seems to be, and the track featured on that ad  'Mine All Mine' has a chorus that sticks in your head, In fact the only song that is better than this at getting stuck in your head is the Teletubbies theme tune ANY BODY WITH KIDS UNDER FOUR WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN.  

What has impressed me through out this album is Brian Tatler’s amazing ability to write seemingly simple riffs and turn them into hooks that could catch whales and the whole album is filled with more of the same catch riffs and fills and is a must for any budding guitarist to listen to. It just goes to prove that you don’t have to be Steve Vai or Yngwie Malmstein style player to be any good! Added to the fact that Nick Tart proves to be an excellent choice in the vocal department, part Robert Plant and part Robert Hart with a bit of Sean Harris thrown in for good measure and the songs are structured in such way as to allow him to sing. Also not to be-little the rhythm section, who prove they can just get on and do the job in an unflashey way! 

The other great thing about the album is the fact that, although their are no real stand out tracks, likewise there are no fillers on display here as every song is of the same high standard throughout and this is one album that this reviewer has certainly enjoyed listening to no end.

 Let us know your views on 'Return To The Mirror'

Track List

Mine All Mine
Give It To Me
Nightmare
Fallen Angel
Alimony
Lost At Sea
Broken Pieces
All Will Be Revealed
Dead Or Living
Drinkin Again
Come Alive
Muddy Waters

Line Up

Brian Tatler - Guitar)
Nick Tart- Vocals
Karl Wilcox - Drums
Adrian Mills - Guitar
Eddie Moohan - Bass