Diamond Head "Borrowed Time"

Borrowed Time is the second studio album by Diamond Head. The album was recorded in 1981 and released in 1982, reaching Number 24 on the UK album chart.

In a 2008 interview, guitarist Brian Tatler announced that this was his favourite period with Diamond Head and that the band "seemed to be getting somewhere after six years of building".

This was the band's first major label released after being signed to MCA Records in 1981. As this was their first album under a major label, the album was much cleaner and better produced. However, some now say that MCA were the wrong label for Diamond Head, which is one of the contributions to their downfall. Some have also questioned the necessity for "Am I Evil?" and "Lightning to the Nations" to be included on the album, since they had already appeared on the band's debut album, Lightning to the Nations. Although the reason for this was that their first album was only meant as a demo with the idea of Borrowed Time being their first official album. However, things have not quite worked out that way with the former becoming their most notable work to date.

This album saw the band move away from all-out heavy riffs and towards softer and more progressive songs, such as "In the Heat of the Night" and "Don't You Ever Leave Me", which was well received by fans, as the former has remained a regular in the live set list to this day. This album was only released on CD in Japan making it a highly collectible item. Although on 15 October 2007 it was released by Metal Mind Productions on CD format, with bonus tracks. However, this was limited to 2000 copies. The release contained B-sides, such as "Dead Reckoning", which were previously unavailable on CD. However, Geffen Records have now issued the album on general release. The cover featured a lavish Rodney Matthews illustrated gatefold sleeve, based on the album's Elric of Melniboné theme, which was the most expensive sleeve commissioned by MCA at the time.

The album managed to get to No. 24 in the UK album charts, becoming the band's first and only album to chart. The band went on to perform a full scale UK arena tour, performing large venues such as London's Hammersmith Apollo.

The album failed to live up to prior expectations as the band's more commercial take to their music turned out to be a disappointment to critics.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Sean Harris and Brian Tatler.

Side one

1. "In the Heat of the Night" 4:57
2. "To Heaven from Hell" 6:14
3. "Call Me" 3:54
4. "Lightning to the Nations" 4:09

Side two

1. "Borrowed Time" 7:39
2. "Don't You Ever Leave Me" 7:56
3. "Am I Evil?" 7:21

2008 CD reissue bonus tracks

1. "Trick or Treat" (from the Four Cuts EP) 3:30
2. "Dead Reckoning" (from the Four Cuts EP) 3:31
3. "Shoot Out the Lights" (from the Four Cuts EP) 3:23
4. "In the Heat of the Night" (from the In the Heat of the Night EP) 3:20
5. "Play It Loud (Live)" (from the In the Heat of the Night EP) 6:12
6. "Sweet and Innocent (Live)" (from the In the Heat of the Night EP) 3:33
7. "Interview with Sean Harris and Colin Kimberley by Tommy Vance" (from the In the Heat of the Night EP) 13:38

The MCA Years bonus tracks

1. "Borrowed Time" (BBC Radio 1 session) 6:54
2. "Don't You Ever Leave Me" (BBC Radio 1 session) 5:46
3. "Sweet and Innocent" (BBC Radio 1 session) 3:29
4. "Lightning to the Nations" (BBC Radio 1 session) 4:19
5. "Dead Reckoning" 3:34
6. "Trick or Treat" 3:30
7. "Shoot Out the Lights" 3:22

The full title of the album, as shown on the artwork and spine is "Living on... Borrowed Time". 

Originally released on a gatefold cover (single) vinyl and cassette by MCA Records. 

Rodney Matthews' artwork was specially commissioned for the album. The figure is meant to be Elric (the character created by Michael Moorcock). 

Sometimes regarded as Diamond Head's 'official' debut, following the initally self-released "Lightning to the Nations". 

"Lighting to the Nations" and "Am I Evil?" are re-recorded versions of songs from said album. 

Recording information:

Recorded at Playground Studios, England.