Black Diamonds - Floor 13

Album review by; - The Dark Cookie

Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing Sweden’s BLACK DIAMONDS new album “No-Tell Hotel”, and my pronouncement was it was good! Sounding like a fabulous blast from the past, with a little bit less polish than some similar bands. Not wanting to retread the same lines here, lets get on with the review.

I think it is fair to call this a filler album. Comprised of covers, live tracks, an acoustic number, unreleased stuff to bridge the gap to the next album. So, whilst this is definitely fun, it does feel a bit throw-away and isn’t adding much to the BLACK DIAMONDS mythos.

For me it is the live tracks that shine. “No-Tell Hotel”, which dials the swagger up to 11, not straying to far from the original, but the guitars let rip a bit more and Mitch’s vocals really suit the live arena, a little gruffer when needed, but still as sweet. “Turn To Dust” was one of my favourites off the album and doesn’t disappoint live, given a harder sound, even if the Cow-bell is quite as prominent, I can hear myself giving it large on the woahs! During the chorus. Interestingly “My Fate” wasn’t one of my go to tracks on “No-Tell”, but live it add a dimension. Still a very early BON JOVI flavour, but still tasty. “Rainbow In The Dark” is quite a bold cover to do, and doing it live, even more so. Let’s be honest This isn’t DIO, that isn’t Ronnie’s powerful pipes blasting forth, but fair play they give it a good go, and in their own way do an admirable go at it. I personally would have preferred another live take from the album like “Evil Twin” or “Saturday”, in fact I think a full live album would have been so cool, but I suppose COVID put paid to that.

Normally I like acoustic takes on rock songs, there are some really cool examples out there, but this version of “Reaching For The Stars” to me doesn’t add depth or new take on the original.

The two other covers “Out In The Fields” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” are OK, and again are brave covers, as both are well-loved songs, and have been covered by many. “Out In The Fields” is a faithful recreation of the original, whereas “Jumpin’” feels like the band are covering an 80’s Sunset Strip sleaze band coving the stones. Both good, but I would have preferred a couple more live tunes.

“Black Thunder” has BLACK DIAMONDS channelling their inner KISS. I have to say the motorcycle sound at the beginning, sounds for like a tractor, but the pounding drums and filthy vocals and dirty guitar licks make it a very good tune. I t would perhaps have been a bit jarring for “No-Tell”, but glad it’s seen the light of day here, and is perhaps the best thing here.

I don’t know about you, but I never listen to the DVD commentary when I watch a film. And whilst “Do-Tell Hotel” is a curio I really don’t need this after the one listen. And that sums up this collection, it is fun, but ultimately there isn’t the substance to keep me coming back, good quality, just not pulling up trees.

3.5 out of 5

Track listing;

1 Out In The Fields

2. No-Tell Hotel (live)

3. Turn To Dust (live)

4. My Fate (live)

5. Rainbow In The Dark (live)

6. Reaching For The Stars (acoustic)

7 Black Thunder

8 Jumpin' Jack Flash

9 Do-Tell Hotel

Musicians;

Mich (Vocals, Guitars) Chris (Guitar) Andi (Bass) Manu (Drums)

Social Media Links;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondsRock/

Web: https://www.blackdiamondsrock.com/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackDiamondsCH