DIAMOND FALCON: Gates Of Hell
Release year: 2024
Label: Self-released
What is the coolest heavy metal band of all time? If you ask Austrian Diamond Falcon, the answer might be Iron Maiden. At least their newest, third full-length album Gates Of Hell is replete with stuff borrowed from the UK icons. And sometimes just plain stolen.
Of course, if you’re gonna steal, steal from the best. That’s the old adage, and the Austrians prove it true. Because even though Gates Of Hell is far from the best heavy metal album out there, it manages to charm one with its slightly clumy ironmaidenisms.
So, imagine a combination of second tier power metal with second tier 80’s Iron Maiden. And you know what? You’ve got Diamond Falcon. I almost regret saying that, because now there’s no point in adding anything to this review. I said everything that matters.
Well, almost at least.
Because I reckon that a great many of you feel like “second tier this, second tier that” means I’m saying Gates Of Hell isn’t worth your time of day. Au contraire, my friends! If you are into classic heavy metal and/or power metal, Diamond Falcon’s latest is definitely of some interest to you.
You see, whilst there’s nothing original in Diamond Falcon, and they don’t outdo their idols, what we have on hand here is a very entertaining piece of heavy metal pastiche. There are reasonably well done ironmaidenesque twin guitar melodies and galloping tempos, pleasantly melodic choruses, high vocals that don’t feel like castrato, and an overall feel of pure heavy metal joie de vivre. This album is fun, and that makes it worthwhile.
For example: Into The Night begins with a riff that is an unashamed Iron Maiden theft (identify the song!) but kicks into a very nice verse, and adds a dash of power metal to the mix to steer away from too much Iron Maiden. Pretty much the same can be said about the title track, which kicks in with a typical, rhythmic slow Iron Maiden bit and twin leads, but is guided in another direction thanks to the high, slightly rasped vocals of singer Vin Weazzel. Neither track is anything but pastiche, but they’re that sincerely and with good taste.
From the very first minute, I felt there was something I liked about this album. And it’s just that: its sincerity, its honesty. Gates Of Hell doesn’t really try to be anything but another heavy metal album in a classic heavy metal style. It’s very meat and potatoes – but just like a good plate of meat and potatoes, Gates Of Hell is tasty despite not being a culinary revelation. Or, in Diamond Falcon’s case, a musical revelation.
So, long story short: if you like classic heavy metal and don’t mind hearing some pretty familiar odds and ends get recycled, give this a chance. Maybe it’s a bit short-lived in its pastiche nature, but it’s good fun for while it lasts.
Only Death Is Real 