Portrait – Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae

What can you get from a band that uses colours and main theme of cover artwork inspired by “Psalm 9” of Trouble and their name obviously is inspired from King Diamond’s solo carrier debut “The Fatal Portrait”… you guessed right; this is a Heavy Metal record!!!

I have to admit that I’m not that much of a person that has this urge to be nostalgic about the past glory days of 80s heavy metal and all of its cliche…But I also have to admit that for years now I haven’t heard any other band with such interest and maybe that’s Portrait’s largest success – to remind and prove to us that pure 80s heavy metal could suggest a fresh listening even in year 2011 – 30 years later.

Coming from Sweden – don’t tell me – their sound is one of the closest I’ve ever heard to early King Diamond/Mercyful Fate. Everything from guitar duels, to guitar harmonies, to double bass drumming, to endless guitar solos and yes to vocal harmonies and high pitched falsetos. Even if singer Per Karlsson doesn’t use that much the theatrical element in his performance anyone can see or maybe can hear that King’s vocal approach is his No1 inspiration. I also have to say that the acoustic/classical guitar interludes within the songs also contribute much to the final outcome of a darkish headbanging result!

Last but not least I have to mention the album’s sound production-wise is also well mixed in the values of 80s prototypes, giving their songs even more nostalgic and pure 80s sound!

Don’t be afraid if you catch yourself making ugly faces and gestures while you listen and headbang to “Crimen..” because it’s simply inevitable. Welcome year 1983…Well, welcome back! Enjoy!