Black Diamonds from Switzerland had sensational chart success with their last studio album “No Tell Hotel” which reached number three in the Swish album charts. The band founded in 2004 by Bassist Andi Barrels and singer Mich Kehl, they were able to leave their mark on the map in 2017 with the release of the album “Once Upon A Time”. For the release of that album they toured Europe with H.E.A.T. In 2018 a tour with Crystal Ball Followed. With numerous festival appearances including Rock At The Ring, Fiendfest, Glam Slam just to name a few also playing countless countries. A headline tour of Germany and Switzerland during the corona break. Then a UK tour with Chez Kane in 2022.”Destination Paradise” is the first album Chris Blade was able to contribute ideas to since joining the band during the “No Tell Hotel” sessions.

After seeing these guys support Chez Kane In November 2022,purchasing their last album “No Tell Hotel” I was really excited to be reviewing their new album. ”Through Hell And Back” starts this album it's a fast paced rocker almost power metal ,splendid guitar riffs and runs, very catchy chorus instantly likeable .”After The Rain” the first single is just a superb example of hard rock, its earworm stuff another great track that builds into that big chorus big vocals by  Mich accompanied with those big backing vocals Very much Def Leppard Hysteria era sounding for me check out the video its a great video. ”Everybody Heroes” has that big melodic chorus, that European melodic sound that we all know and love. ”Bottoms Up” sees Andi Barrels take lead vocals to take you on a Hair Metal nostalgic journey its such a cool well delivered example of Rock N Roll. ”Only For A While” is a ballad with a great piano intro, the song builds into a soaring chorus it has hit written all over it, superb track.

”Rock N' Roll Is My Religion” a great stadium rock track of yesteryear in the vain of Van Halen .”Valley Of The Broken Hearted”, ”Nothings Gonna Keep Me From You” and “From the Ashes” which take you on that eighties melodic rock time travel with that modern hard rock sound, the rhythm section and the guitar solos with vocals that blend superbly, with choruses that you can't help but to sing along to. Then we come to “Leave A Light On “ with guest vocals from David Balfour of the band Maverick who share the same record label, which is a cover of a Belinda Carlisle hit. A very pleasant surprise as they deliver a cool pop/rock cover with some nice vocal harmonies that compliment each other .”Yesterdays News” has lyrics which will be relatable to a lot of people and their life experiences and the world we live in. ”Paradise” one of my favourite tracks on the album just continues with that massive sound with great rhythm which just draws you in with some superb production. ”Run With Us” end the album (CD bonus track) which is a fantastic track to end the album which after a little research as I recognized the song is another cover from the eighties by Lisa Loughheed from the animated TV show The Racoons! Its a very interesting choice but a great rock version nevertheless which works superb!

Black Diamonds have definitely lifted the bar with “Destination Paradise” .Its a fantastic album filled with 13 great songs full of great hooks, choruses and melodies truly ear worm stuff, which transport you back to the eighties but also keeps us in 2024 with that modern touch It has fantastic very polished production and mixing. I also love the two cover versions which sound fantastic which were a great surprise which I didn't expect. This album puts Black Diamonds right up there with the likes of H.E.A.T., Crazy Lixx and Eclipse.  ”Destination Paradise” is definitely going to be one of my favourite albums this year It's superb and does not disappoint