Enforcer – Diamonds (2010)

After a very well received “Into the Night”, Enforcer is back with their 80’s inspired Heavy Metal, and with “Diamonds” they manage to pick up where they left off two years ago. The band is clearly very influenced by the 80’s and they sound exactly if they traveled through time in order to show us how it was done back then.

While some people might call them posers, we have to say that if the music is done correctly and it has the same feeling, then it does not matter that Enforcer is a flashback band, they kick ass and take names. Showcasing a perfect balance of Heavy/Trash Metal from the 80’s “Diamonds” is a pretty solid album that will make you want to dig out your favorite tapes and LP’s from those glory days.

“Diamonds” starts with a very psychedelic opening (much like The Devil’s Blood), and quickly turns into an aural assault that features intricate guitar riffing, a trembling bass guitar line and pure 80’s Heavy Metal vocals. The band does a great job at establishing their musical identity quickly into the album, with “Midnight Vice” we get one of the best songs of this release.

Always present in “Diamonds” we have dual guitar melodies that range from Trashy riffs, to full on guitar solos. The guitarists abilities are unquestioned through the album and they manage to create very catchy and intricate melodies (like on “Roll The Dice”). The band never abuses the blistering solos and they are never overdone and over the top, they are just there to create the perfect ‘classic’ Heavy Metal atmosphere.

One issue that we usually have with Heavy Metal releases is that the vocals tend to get annoying if they are not well modulated and on the right pitch. Mr. Enforcer does not suffer from any of these problems and he does a great job in capturing the timeless sound of this style of music through his pipes.

The drumming is very well crafted and rhythmical, but sometimes sounds bit hollow in the mix, sounding like my neighbors banging on their wall at 2 am. Other than this issue, the overall production of “Diamonds” is excellent. For over 40 minutes the band manages to take us back to the 80’s with this amazing release.

“Diamonds” might be another flashback album being released, but when the music and vocals are this good, there is no need to complain about this. If you had a great time with the Heavy Metal from the 80’s, there is no reason why you should not get this amazing release.

Release: May 25th, 2010

Country: Sweden