Single Review: Aktiv Dödshjälp – Diamant och Kol for #METALMOMENTUM
Band: Aktiv Dödshjälp
Title: Diamant och Kol
Label: independent
Release date: September 5th, 2025
Country: Sweden
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording
Single Review: Aktiv Dödshjälp – Diamant och Kol for #METALMOMENTUM by Sílvia
After many years of silence, Aktiv Dödshjälp are back with a new single, “Diamant och Kol” (“Diamond and Carbon”). In fact it’s a re-record of a song from 2011 but anyway, it’s something fresh. And, honestly… I wasn’t ready for this, I mean for the new sound of this band: no crust nor grindcore elements, not aggressive sound… It’s not that this song is soft, but it’s super melodic, and it has a very clean and polished production. It’s a really good melodeath song combining clean female vocals with harsh male voice, and a stunning guitar work.
A change in the kind of music a band does is not a bad thing. At least for me. It means evolution, new paths, exploring different fields. Imagine a band releasing the same songs again and again through the years. Boring, right? Musicians need to unleash their creativity in diverse ways, and for me it’s ok.
Truth is that I was expecting the new single to sound more “old Aktiv Dödshjälp style”, but I’m just writing a review, and I must say “Diamant och Kol” is a fantastic song with a bright and super clean sound, vibrant and modern. The lineup is:
Tomas Nilsson – guitars, bass, keyboards
Roberth Karlsson – vocals
Steve Joakim – drums
Madeleine Liljestam – guest vocals.
The song was set in my head even before I could realize it. It’s catchy and fresh, the synths give it that modern touch, and if you are familiar with Tomas Nilsson guitar playing, you’ll recognise his signature. Madeleine’s voice is delicate and harmonious, in brutal contrast with Roberth’s harsh screams, and they complement each other in a stunning way. The bass is totally audible, I always love that, and drums fit perfectly every passage, never too much and never too little, there’s consistency and I really enjoy the changes in pace all through the song.
Lyrics are a criticism of the educational system, of how children are classified and brainwashed, separating them in a classist manner according to whether they are “diamonds” or “coal”. A serious topic.
There’s also a version with Roberth singing all the parts, and of course it’s stronger and harsher, but it doesn’t lose a pinch of beauty. In this version, the piano has a bit more prominent sound than in the original, or that’s my impression, and I must say I prefer this.
As the band stated in their social media a few weeks ago: ““Diamant och Kol” not only marks Aktiv Dödshjälp’s long-awaited return, but also the beginning of a new chapter – with more unreleased material from 2011 waiting to be unleashed”. Let’s see what time will bring us from these guys… 9/10
9/10 Epic Storm
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