LA Guns : "Black Diamonds"

 As long as both Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns are on board then I am fine with LA Guns. This album finds them  continuing to kick ass while their arena-packing peers are fat floundering fools. If these guys can still do it with dignity then we should be expecting the same from the Motley Crues of the world. They open this album with a more Zeppelin like groove. At 66 Phil Lewis sounds incredible. They stay true to the era they are from, while not sounding dated . There is a more Cult-like feel to the guitar of "Diamonds".  The song itself is more of a ballad. It builds up in classic power ballad fashion. They pull this off more organically rather than sounding like the were trying to replicate their 80s glory days. 

The one thing I miss from their 80s sound is the more metal-based guitar sound. This album finds them landing in a more rock n roll direction that finds Alice Cooper and the Rolling Stones both sharing the most common sonic ground with songs like "Babylon". Some cool guitar harmonies are kicked up around the boozy swagger they dance with. They return to the more blues-based feel that recalls Zeppelin again on " Shame". Lewis proves he can still get up there. He was never a operatic belter, but the sleazy slither of his voice, is gritty and piercing. He might not scream with the same abandon but can capture the same effect. There is more of a metal feel to "Shattered Glass" which is also very melodic and written in a manner that balances out all the dynamics of the band. 

"Gonna Lose" has a "Ramble On" like dynamic in place. Lewis's voice sounds great on it. Guns is very restrained and not ripping a ton of solos on this album. "Got it Wrong" finds a more upbeat boogie going down. Their drummer is pretty impressive as he bangs the skins around the more garage rock flavor of the guitars. "Lowlife" finds them embracing an early punk energy that recalls  AC/DC. It does not pack the same punch as "Rip & Tear" but works for what it is. It also gives Tracii the chance to let loose. "Crying" has an almost Beatles-like feel to its riff. Not as intense energy-wise as what you might expect from these guys. But the trippy elements manage to work. It is also some of Guns' most innovative playing. "Like a Drug" once again finds the band able to blend all the elements fans might want from them into one song. I will give this album a 9.5, it's a shame they are not being given more recognition for being the one "hair metal" era band that is still proving themselves to be as vital and capable as anyone in the game today.