Album Review: Black Diamonds by L.A. Guns

The glam rockers, L.A. Guns, are back with their 14th studio album Black Diamonds and they’re better than ever. Producing an album that easily ranks up with their 1988 self-titled debut and ‘Cocked and Loaded’, Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns prove that they are still an incredibly talented duo. With an eclectic mix of 70s hard rock, punk rock and blues rock influences, Black Diamonds stays true to the classic L.A. Guns sound while keeping things fresh and new for the listeners. From the sleazy rock song and powerful ballads, to the straight ahead rockers, die hard L.A. Guns fans will not be disappointed with this collection of tracks, Guns and Lewis never failing to deliver a high-quality album.

A strong sense of the band’s 70s influences and a hint of their classic sleazy sound present, Wrong About You feels unique and nostalgic in the best ways. Guns’ distorted and warm guitar tones delivered within the solo, paired with Johnny Martin’s groovy bassline line seeping through, adding the perfect amount of drive to the song.

Switching gears into the third track Diamonds, L.A. Guns introduce their softer side into the album. A power-ballad with meaningful lyrics, strong instrumentation and a guitar solo that hits you right in the soul, Diamonds, is the perfect addition to the album. A mixture of The Ballad of Jayne and Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters, L.A. Guns have created something that’s new and exciting, while keeping the best parts of the 80s power ballads alive. Guns and Lewis’ songwriting continues to be a match made in rock ‘n’ roll heaven. Creating something full of substance and compelling melodies that both new and old fans alike are sure to love.

The punk-rock feel of Babylon, the bluesy riff in Shake and the Led Zeppelin meets AC/DC influences on Gonna Lose, Black Diamonds stays energetic and eclectic in its influence for the rest of the album. Ace Von Johnson and Guns’ dueling guitars pair seamlessly and the driving forces of the rhythm section played by Martin and Adam Hamilton keep things perfectly in time. These elements paired with Lewis’ unique vocals create an album that stays strong from start to finish, L.A. Guns are still a force to be reckoned with. Crying introduces a pop-rock element to the album, consisting of a unique guitar intro and a catchy melody that has you humming along after the first listen, the guys within the band show off all sides of their influences while staying true to the roots of the L.A. Guns sound. Like a Drug, a track that could have easily been part of their debut album, closes out the album on a high note. From Lewis’ sleazy vocals that are paired perfectly with the sexy lyrics, to the badass guitar riff, and Guns’ solo that is the melodic cherry on top, Like a Drug ends the album in the best way while keeping you wanting more.  

‘Black Diamonds’ showcases L.A. Guns’ strong musicianship superbly, Guns and Lewis’ fire still burning hot. The duo leads the band fiercely and have created, yet again, another high-quality rock record deserving of all the love and praise. Curated perfectly from start to finish, ‘Black Diamonds’ is easily going to be a top contender for rock album of the year.