My first contact with Enforcer was three months ago at the “Up The Hammers” festival and I can say that they left me totally steamrolled! It’s been years since I had last watched a band –mostly a band of which I had not listened to a single song so far- that would truly impress me with such an outstanding performance, a band that would give the best of themselves and enjoy the show maybe even more that the audience by playing old school –with the best meaning there is- heavy metal.

The first thing I did the day after the concert, was finding their unique –so far- debut album “Into The Night” of 2008 and the impressions were more than satisfying. Awesome, stirring old school heavy/speed metal, which could have very well sprung from the 80’s, but with no pretentious attitude and with a freshness and enthusiasm emerging from each song.

Now what was left after such a hopeful debut album was to see what would follow; an album at the same standards, an even better one or they be one of those one shot wonder bands that after some time no one remembers their name.

Fortunately for all of us, “Diamonds” belongs to the second category, since it is an album of great excitement and songs you won’t be able to get off your head. More mature and interesting than “Into The Night”, it includes songs with a big variety, since they are not all “in your face” speed songs, but they include many different influences, rhythms and melodies. Of course it doesn’t mean that they have lost their speed metal character just that not all of the songs have the same style. The voice of  Olof "Enforcer" Wikstrand has also improved in this album, by giving a special character in each song. There are fast songs like “In Your Face”,  “Live For The Night” ,”Take Me To Hell”, ¨High Roller”, more melodic  “catchy” tunes like the opening “Midnight Vice”, the incredible “Katana” , “Running With Menace”, the nostalgic instrumental “Diamonds” and  “Walk With Me”,  which has an apparent hard rock color. Generally all of the songs are excellent. They have the simplicity that this genre needs, but they are also special and composed with a unique fresh attitude and personal trademark that distinguishes them from bands who sound like a cover band of their main influences.

NWOBHM has revived in 2010 in the best possible way, and it is done by a Swedish band! I don’t know if some people will say that it is “cult” that appeals to limited audiences, but honestly it will be their loss. Point is, we definitely have to do with one of the best releases of the year, in which you will not regret to invest.