Going Hard in the O.C.

Orange County California's Stick to your Guns are back, and they've kicked the doors of the hardcore scene wide open with their new album, Diamond, in stores now on Sumerian Records.  If the reader is bummed out on or just sick of whatever is playing over and over again in their car have no fear; this album is about the save your life.

The past two years have been busy for the band since the release of The Hope Division in the summer of 2010.  Stick to Your Guns have been touring relentlessly all over the world, and it was about time they were able to get into the studio and give the fans something new.  The band's prior album failed to meet the high standards set by their 2008 effort Comes From the Heart, but they've made up for it this time around.

The album opens with the song "Diamond," which sets the tone for the attitude and ideas that are going to be covered in the lyrics.  Look at it as the album's introductory paragraph. As the spoken word track goes on, the drums kick in and with a resounding "I Know!," Diamond is off and running.

Hardcore fans will recognize a new, but familiar face on Diamond with the welcoming of Evergreen Terrace guitarist Josh James. As well as serving to combine both bands' fan bases, this addition brings a slightly different sound and his influence to the table. Evidence of this can be heard in the gang vocals of the album's first single "We Still Believe," apparent siren song of the album.  James' influence can be heard in melodies of the chorus of "Ring Loud (Last Hope)."

Diamondis the heaviest album in the STYG catalogue by far, and although the usage of voice clips in the beginning or end of some songs is carried over from The Hope Division, the band doesn't use any of the momentum killing melodic interludes, which didn't fit in on that album.

Generally speaking, most of Stick to your Guns' lyrics are incredibly positive and uplifting.  Be it tackling social issues or delving into more personal ideas lead singer Jesse Barnett keeps the intensity up throughout.  They are one of those bands that listeners can put on and get inspired.  Diamond is no different, and Barnett doesn't shy away from heavier issues.  Boasting lines like "my only enemy is me" and "I am, most importantly never concerned with what I am not," Diamond takes on issues ranging from domestic violence (on "Beyond the Sun), the occupy movement and social uprising (on "Bringing you Down (A New World to Overthrow))," being honest with yourself and being concerned with finding out who you are, as opposed to who you aren't (on "I Am").

The only thing missing on this album is the signature machine gun vocal style that  Barnett is known for.  Barnett slows down his vocal pattern on Diamond. Overall, Diamond is absolutely incredible and a great effort by a band that practically lives on the road.