Diamond Head RARE vinyl 1st pressing “white album” lightning to the nations
$
200
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Description
This is a rare and highly sought-after first pressing of Diamond Head's 1980 debut album, released by the band before they signed a label. It would eventually be re-pressed as the iconic “Lightning to the Nations” record that inspired generations of thrash metal bands like Metallica in the early 1980’s. There were only 1000 copies made, each signed by a band member (250 signed by each of the 4 members) This particular copy is signed by the original singer Sean Harris. It is black vinyl with a blank white sleeve and a blank white center label. From the photos you can see the identifiers in the matrix “MMDHLP”
More details below. The following description is credited to another collector who listed the record from the same run, and all details and history of this item match exactly.
Neutral white sleeve and white labels - Initially simply dubbed as an untitled "Special Limited Edition LP" on flyers which later became the title "The White Album". According to sources (referenced below), after the first press of 1000 copies another 1000 were pressed, this time with a slight variation of numbers and an 'EG' plating credit in the matrix. This is supported by the first press of 1000 and the additional 1000 having the same large label ring on the record, but with different matrix information.
The subsequent "Happy Face Records" repress features a printed label, but with a small ring on the record, with similar matrix information.
Due to high demand, another pressing was ordered, this time under the band's own "Happy Face Records" label, with the title "Lightning to the Nations" and track listing on the labels, which became the final official title for this album. According to sources (referenced below), the Happy Face Records version was limited to 1000 copies (not the 2000 copies as previously stated).
The initial run of the 1000 "White Albums" were signed by band members (ca. 250 copies for each band member), however some copies happen to be dedicated and/or signed by the whole band. Also some copies feature a handwritten track list info on the sleeve and/or labels.
A professional LP release with remastered sound and full colour sleeve followed by the German label Woolfe Records in 1981. Unfortunately the original master tape got lost after the remastering process, which is why all later pressings were taken from a vinyl source.
Compiled from interviews/book information: https://www.hrrecords.de/high_roller/sites/release_detail.php?relno=562
Barcode and Other Identifiers
· Matrix / Runout: MMDHLP
· Other: BILBO TA1PE ; 1015 a and b
· Other (On B side): 1015 B1 EG BILBO TA1PE
· Other (On A side): 1015 A1 EG BILBO
Tracklist
A1
Lightning To The Nations
4:15
A2
The Prince
6:27
A3
Sucking My Love
9:35
B1
Am I Evil
7:39
B2
Sweet And Innocent
3:13
B3
It's Electric
3:37
B4
Helpless
6:52
· Recorded At – The Old Smithy Recording Studio
Credits
· Bass – Colin Kimberley
· Drums – Duncan Scott
· Engineer, Keyboards – Paul Robbins (2)
· Lead Guitar – Brian Tatler
· Producer – Diamond Head (2), Reg Fellows
· Vocals – Sean Harris
· Written-By – Tatler*, Harris*
has been well-preserved and is in excellent condition. This edition is a true gem for heavy metal collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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