Black Diamond is an album by the British blues rock band The Groundhogs. Released in 1976, it serves as the 10th album by the band and was released under the United Artists Records label.
Significantly, this album marks a departure from the trio format that The Groundhogs were known for. Instead, they expanded their line-up to include bassist Dave Wellbelove and drummer Dennis Bovell. This move added a new layer of complex rhythms to their sound, a significant departure from their previous work.
The album art for Black Diamond, designed by Ralph Steadman, also garnered attention. It is a striking image of the band's leader Tony McPhee and adds an element of avant-garde artistic flavor.
As far as the music itself goes, Black Diamond is characterized by its heavy blues-fusion sound. It uniquely combines elements of rock, blues, and a bit of funk, creating a distinctive blend of music that ultimately defines this album. The lyrics are introspective and thoughtful, often commenting on social and personal issues of the time.
Regrettably, despite its innovative approach, Black Diamond did not receive the commercial success and critical acclaim their early releases such as "Split" and "Thank Christ for the Bomb" did. Some believe this is due to the change in the music industry's preference towards punk, away from the blues-rock The Groundhogs championed. Nevertheless, the album remains a crucial piece of The Groundhogs' discography and continues to be appreciated by fans worldwide.
