STICK TO YOUR GUNS
Diamond
[Sumerian Records]
Verdict: 10/10
RIYL: COMEBACK KID, THE GHOST INSIDE, TERROR & EVERGREEN TERRACE

In a time of uncertainty in the world around us, and a musical climate that applauds unoriginality it’s good to know that a band like STICK TO YOUR GUNS exists. Now in their 9th year as a band, they are a force to be reckoned with. The band has always managed to blend melody, heaviness, and sincerity into a cohesive ball of rage that speaks to fans of real music. With the release of 2010′s The Hope Division, STYG unknowingly set the bar high for not only themselves, but for anyone wishing to follow. With frontman Jesse Barnett STYG have an unfair advantage over most bands as he is not only well spoken, but a highly outspoken and explosive lead singer. On the bands newest release, Diamond, the level of intensity is raised to almost insane levels. Tackling subjects that range from self reflection to the cowards that call themselves men that dare to put hands on the women in their lives. It also pays tribute to everyone that struggles day to day with their personal identities. Straight Edge, Homosexual, Religious, whatever and whoever. To try and single out any song as a ‘stand out’ track unfairly puts anyone at odds with themselves, as repeated listens to Diamond, one finds themselves ‘digging’ a different track each time. Whether it’s the infectious and haunting chorus “We May Fall But We Will Carry On. -May These Words Ring Loud.” from ‘Ring Loud (Last Hope)’ or the pummeling grooves from the title track/album opener and ‘Empty Heads’; which calls out the majority of bands that think because they wear a TERROR shirt and have that ‘Fuck The World’ attitude, but sing about…nothing. The first single released, ‘Bringing You Down’ was merely a taste of what was in store. Admittedly the single version, also titled ‘Bringing You Down (A New World Overthrow)’, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street Movement, was more raw and in your face, not to discredit the album version by any means. What stands out with Diamond is the sheer passion and ferocity in it’s music and lyrics and the fantastically performed cleans. This is usually a huge flaw with a band of this caliber, but like EVERGREEN TERRACE, whose Josh James is now among their ranks, the cleans are done so flawlessly, one finds themselves easily singing along. STICK TO YOUR GUNS are proudly waving the flag for a new generation of hardcore fans that want something more than tough guy posturing and empty lyrics that reflect nothing. Diamond is a forerunner for album of the year. If you’ve never had the pleasure of hearing STICK TO YOUR GUNS, now is the time to listen.              -Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ALL. OF. IT. No, seriously…
Guest musicians: Karl Schwartz of FIRST BLOOD on ‘Bringing You Down’
Release date: March 27, 2012
In conclusion…In a world that needs a shining light, a beacon of sorts, here comes STICK TO YOUR GUNS to prove not every hardcore ‘kid’ is a brainless idiot. They are here to provide an outlet for the stressed, the tired and the weary who are looking for something solid. Real. Find it here, in Diamond.