Def Leppard releases a brand new album, Diamond Star Halos

Their first record since 2015’s Def Leppard, Diamond Star Halos is the band’s 12th studio long-player was recorded in the last two years with Ronan McHugh co-producing. The 15-track album includes singles new single ‘Kick’, future single ‘Fire It Up’ and features guest vocals from Alison Krauss on two tracks: ‘This Guitar’ and ‘Lifeless’.

The title name checks a lyric from T. Rex’s ‘Bang a Gong (Get It On)’ which is perhaps a hint that there are nods to not only T. Rex, but David Bowie, Mott The Hoople across the album. This is evident from ‘Kick’, which you can preview below.

In terms of formats, let’s start with the CD. You can opt for a standard jewel case with a black and white cover, although best to upgrade to the deluxe which comes in a proper gatefold card sleeve and a vibrant colour cover image with further illustrations within the gatefold. More importantly, the deluxe CD offers two bonus tracks: ‘Goodbye For Good This Time (Avant-garde Mix)’ and ‘Lifeless (Joe Only version)’. Note: The Japanese SHM-CD edition also has two bonus tracks, although SDE understands one of them is different to the UK/Europe offering.

Since it’s a fairly long record, it will come as no surprise to hear that on vinyl this is a 2LP set. The double vinyl opts for the black and white version of the cover used on the standard CD. A double clear vinyl edition is available 2LP picture disc version, boasting a die cut sleeve will also be available via D2C channels such as the official Def Leppard shop (they also have a cassette). Target in the USA has a red/yellow vinyl offering, which is repeated in the UK for HMV.