Jaakko Eino Kalevi returns with new single ‘Black Diamond’

Jaakko Eino Kalevi returns with “Black Diamond”, an eight-minute baroque melodrama that, stylistically and in his own fashion, draws a pentagram between Goblin, Rondo Veneziano, Cerrone, Doris Norton and Lindstrom.

A cosmic classic hewn from ancient metal, “Black Diamond” is about an impossible relationship – something you can never get enough of. It’s another left turn from the Finnish artist and is Jaakko’s first new material since his dub of “Cyborg” last September, the final track taken from his most recent album Chaos Magic.

Jaakko writes: 

“The original song ‘Black Diamond’ was released by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius about 30 years ago. Around the same time, I played my first show with my first band Masterpiece, and this kind of music was a big part of my world. I always felt that the song had potential beyond metal – even for the disco floor – so I decided to give it a go.

“I later read that Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki originally wrote the song about his pet dog, and that singer Timo Kotipelto then transformed the lyrics into a story about an impossible relationship – and this feels fitting for a song that keeps changing shape.”

“Black Diamond” was recorded and produced by Jaakko in Athens late last year. He sings and plays all the instruments. He adds: 

“One element I’ve always especially loved is the baroque-style harpsichord. I recreated it with the Korg Polysix synth that I used for most of the sounds on ‘Black Diamond’.”

Additionally, Eino Kalevi recently remixed Swiss exotica duo Art Longo’s “Quantum Ceviche” and appears on the upcoming release by Italian pop sensations GiGi Girls.