Pioneers of thrash metal to play the Rockstar

In the beginning was Diamond Head.

And Diamond Head begat Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer.

And from the loins of those four mighty titans of metal issued forth pretty much every other thrash band on the planet.

Okay, it’s not quite that simple, but there’s no disputing that Diamond Head played a significant role in the early history of thrash.

The pioneering British metal band is best known for Am I Evil? which is often covered by Metallica and is a fixture on its live set. 

Metallica’s Lars Ulrich once said there was a “pretty good chance that none of us would be here" without Diamond Head founder and guitarist Brian Tatler.

Diamond Head was formed in 1976 in Stourbridge, England.

It will be playing Sault Ste. Marie’s Rockstar Bar on Saturday, Sept. 2.

The band is often cited as a formative influence by contemporaries like Metallica and Megadeth and credited as one of the leading members of the new wave of British heavy metal. 

Tatler, still an active member of the band, says some of his influences include the Scorpions, Rainbow and UFO but his all-time favourite song is Kashmir from Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti.

Local favourite thrashers Jack Spades and Project 421 will open for Diamond Head and the show is generously supported by Northern Superior Brewing Company.

The show is a kick-off to an Ontario tour by Jack Spades, also supported by Northern Superior Brewing, which will help host a number of other upcoming events including Canadian punk icons Ripcordz, two Halloween parties, and more.

To celebrate the partnership, a unique line of merchandise, dubbed The Wolves From the North, will be offered at the shows including T-shirts, hoodies, hats and such. 

Tickets are $20 in advance and are available at The Rad Zone, Cases Music and the Rockstar Bar.