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According to the James Bond movie, "Diamonds are Forever," and while it is still rather early in the year, Diamonds, from the Swedish band Enforcer is a strong front runner for album of the year.

Two years since they mesmerized us with their debut, Into the Night, Enforcer is back with a mega-album that should ultimately be mentioned with the best Metal albums of all time. Continuing to keep doing what they do best, Enforcer ignore trends and crank out old school, old fashioned NWOBHM with some Speed Metal elements on Diamonds. The band is clearly at their peak.

Manned with their original lineup, plus an extra guitarist, and under the leadership of vocalist/producer Olof "Enforcer" Wikstrand, the material on Diamonds is no less than perfect. It seemed like Enforcer knew just how to pluck the heartstrings of old metalheads when they brought back the vintage sound of true, well made, British metal. This kind of release surely means the flag of metal went to Sweden. Enforcer issues a strong reminder to the Brits go get back to melody, Marshall Amps and the attitude they once had. It is never too late to go back to your roots and trust what made this genre what it is today.

Enforcer defies modernity with their amazing songs. They will send you back to the early NWOBHM years of 1980-83. Their material continues to feature superb melodies, Speed Metal menace, high-pitched vocals that bring a tear to the eye and a dominant, Maiden-ish bass line. Even if it isn't the heaviest thing around (and it isn't) you'll still feel like time has rewound nearly 30 years. Hairball John's show bore the title "The Past is Back to Kick Your Ass" and that is certainly what Enforce does to today's metal.

Heartbreaking tracks like "Nightmares," "Katana," "Midnight Vice" and "Running in Menace" are only the beginnings of what awaits on Diamonds. Heavy, Speed, NWOBHM and 80s madness are what these Swedes are fighting for. If you appreciate old school British metal prepare to pick your jaw off the floor after spinning Diamonds. Unless someone else comes up with something better, this is the album of the year!

Highlights: who really needs to point out highlights, this is a frickin spree of greatness.