Diamond＜Transparent Orange Vinyl＞

Delivering an intense mix of lurching metal and high-intensity hardcore, Stick to Your Guns tap into a stream of raw aggression on Diamond, breaking the more progressive "Sumerian-core" mold that other bands on the label have fallen into. Diamond feels like classic metal from the early days of Victory Records, when punishing breakdowns were used like exclamation points to punctuate the pit-ready hardcore sound. With other bands moving in an increasingly polished, almost over-produced direction, a band like Stick to Your Guns offers a refreshing change of pace, and what the album lacks in technical virtuosity it makes up for in anger. Not just a study in unchecked aggression, though, the band tempers the album here and there with more melodic elements, providing the occasional oasis from the sonic riots that are breaking out in track after track on the album. All of these elements end up making Diamond a surprisingly balanced album that is sure to please those hoping to get a little more "core" back into their metalcore. ~ Gregory Heaney