Diamond Edge - Touch the Sky | Rare AOR from 1987
Like all the bands you’ll find here, Diamond Edge is a fictional creation—born from our love for the unmistakable sound of 80s rock. Using a bit of AI magic, we bring these bands to life to celebrate an era that still resonates today. No real musicians were harmed in the process—just a whole lot of nostalgia and heart! ❤️🙂
Diamond Edge was a British AOR band from Southampton, formed in the mid-80s as part of a wave of young bands trying to break into the rock scene dominated by major players like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. Signed to Monarch Records, which briefly experimented with tougher AOR releases, the band featured four members aged 25 to 30:
James “Jimmy” Lethbridge – Lead Vocals
Jimmy, known for his raspy yet melodic voice, was the band’s charismatic frontman. After Diamond Edge disbanded, he moved on to a tougher rock sound, joining Snakebite, a band signed to a major label that tried to mimic the success of Skid Row and Guns N’ Roses. They gained some momentum with an opening slot on a UK tour but never broke into the mainstream.
Ricky Sandford – Lead Guitar
Ricky brought the raw energy to Diamond Edge with his sharp solos and rhythmic precision. His style drew comparisons to guitarists like Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen, but he eventually faded from the music scene after the band’s breakup.
Nick Hale – Bass Guitar
Nick's solid bass work formed the backbone of the band’s sound, adding depth to their melodic rock compositions. He disappeared from the music world after Diamond Edge dissolved, retreating to a quieter life away from the limelight.
Tony Blackwood – Drums
Tony was the engine behind Diamond Edge, his heavy drumming style driving the band’s more aggressive AOR tracks. Like Ricky and Nick, Tony left the music industry after Diamond Edge’s brief run.
Album Overview: Touch the Sky (1987)
The band's debut and only album, Touch the Sky, was released in 1987 and aimed to capture the harder edge of the AOR sound, appealing to fans of bands like Tobruk, Dare, Heartland, and YaYa. The album was well received in the UK, especially by fans and local critics, but struggled to break into the saturated US market dominated by major label support for video production and tour backing.
Notable Songs:
Touch the Sky – The title track and lead single, featuring soaring vocals and a powerful, anthemic chorus.
Runaway Train – A driving rock song with blistering guitar work and raw energy.
Shattered Dreams – A heartfelt power ballad that showcased the band’s softer side, earning radio play in the UK.
Edge of the Night – A fast-paced rock song with catchy hooks and heavy riffs.
Despite their efforts, Diamond Edge never managed to crack the US market, and the band faded into obscurity after the album’s release.
Fabricated Quotes from Reviews:
Kerrang! magazine said, “Diamond Edge shows promise, but Touch the Sky leans too heavily on the tropes of AOR giants like Def Leppard without bringing much new to the table. Still, there are moments of brilliance, particularly in the title track and Runaway Train.”
Melody Maker praised the album, calling it “a solid entry into the AOR genre, with songs like Shattered Dreams and Edge of the Night standing out for their catchy melodies and polished production. Diamond Edge may not have reinvented the wheel, but they certainly know how to craft a great rock anthem.”
Sounds Magazine wrote, “Touch the Sky is a commendable effort, but lacks the originality needed to compete with the big boys of AOR. However, the energy and passion behind tracks like Touch the Sky and Runaway Train are undeniable.”
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