BLACK DIAMONDS – Destination Paradise (2024) *HQ*
Swiss melodic hard rockers BLACK DIAMONDS have been doing an excellent job with each album getting better and better, but on their upcoming fifth effort the group surpassed themselves: “Destination Paradise” will surprise you with its endless hooks, layered choruses, and huge production in the same league of H.E.A.T, Eclipse, Fair Warning, Nestor.
The main vocal delivery of Mick Kehl (with support from his three compatriots) contains that right mix of melodic rock, AOR, and slick hard rock that aligns the band with the current European / Scandinavian wave. The musical direction also mirrors the mix of 80s influences, where guitars contained that heroic steel with the right bluesy intensity, twin harmonies accenting key passages while a slamming bass/drum duo set the table for a rocking good time.
Infectious numbers like “Bottoms Up” and “Paradise” should get the party started, while the tender side peaks out on the piano-oriented power ballad “Only For a While”, an effort where guitarist Chris Blade Johnson flexes his intuitive touch especially during the thoughtful lead break.
Many times throughout the album, you feel like you can take the top down on your favorite sports car, hit the best highway you know, and just let the hair flow to these undeniable hooks within “Yesterday’s News” or opener “Through Hell and Back”.
The surprise of the record is probably the band’s cover of the Belinda Carlisle hit “Leave a Light On” – featuring Maverick singer David Balfour as a guest co-singer. The band definitely give the song a melodic hard rock makeover, yet keep the main vocal melodies front and center to make this a sure-fire winner.
Listening Black Diamonds new album you may think they hail from Sweden. No, but they sound like the new wave of impressive bands from that area.
“Destination Paradise” never drops in intensity and quality, an anthem after anthem, a great album that is sure to bring big things for Black Diamonds, and of course, for us, melodic hard rock aficionados world-wide.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Through Hell and Back
02 – After the Rain
03 – Everyday Heroes
04 – Bottoms Up
05 – Only for a While
06 – Valley of the Broken Hearted
07 – Rock n’ Roll Is My Religion
08 – Nothing’s Gonna Keep Me from You
09 – From the Ashes
10 – Leave a Light On
11 – Yesterday’s News
12 – Paradise
13 – Run with Us
Mich Kehl – Vocals / Guitars
Andi Barrels – Bass / Vocals
Manu Peng – Drums / Vocals
Chris Blade Johnson – Guitars / Vocals
Pre order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Destination-Paradise-Black-Diamonds/dp/B0CZSGS7Z6/
