One of the newest additions to the Earache Records family, Diamond Plate have finally put out their long awaited debut, “Generation Why”? The Chicago three-piece have become four with the late addition of Mario Cianci and have thrown together a strong debut with blistering solos, impeccable harmonies, smashing drums and vibrant vocals.
The album’s creepy intro, “Entertainment Today†gives us a good look at what the media really has pushed on us these recent years and kind of makes you wonder if you really know whats going on in the world.
Then comes sir Konrad Kupiec’s rediclous riff from left field to start off the album’s title track. What a track it is. A great display of talent and chemistry explodes in your face. The song shows how tight of a band Diamond Plate is and why Earache chose them. The song features the whole package with a melodic chorus for good measure.
“Pull The Trigger†is another stunner. A great intro with a nod to New York thrash legends Demolition Hammer, Anthrax and Nuclear Assault throws your brain matter into its own little circle pit. More good melodies, catchy grooves and pummeling riffs and solos from Kupiec. Jim Nicademus’s drums are powerful throughout the track and are a driving force and deliver the goods on the breakdown.
The next couple of tracks are slower and sludgier. They don’t stand out much and kind of take away momentum the first couple of tracks have built. They have some pretty decent grooves and nice bluesy solos, but the average thrasher may not be interested enough in staying with the tracks long enough. However, some of the average mainstream metal fans might enjoy these, as there is a prominent Pantera influence in the breakdowns.
The next three songs however will pick the thrashers back up and snap them out of their ruts as they deliver power once again. Jon Mcak’s vocals are full of raging fury as well as his fingertips as he delivers strong vocals and Alex Webster type fills on his bass. Cianci’s rhythm playing is tight and serves as an interesting alternative to listen to if you can’t keep up with Kupiec’s speed. “Waste of Life†features a good riff that gets you from the beginning and “Casualty of War†jumps in front as one of the best songs on the album.
“More Than Words†is a wonderful instrumental as it’s tongue-in-cheek name suggests. A brilliant piece that might get some listeners jealous. This is Diamond Plate showing off.
Then to close the album are two ridiculously heavy punches. “At the Mountains of Madness†is pure madness. It is as intense a song as the H.P. Lovecraft story it’s based on. Metallica in their youth could have wrote this. “Empire Tomorrow†is another great one. Pounding drums, atom bomb bass, balls to the wall vocals and ferocious guitar work make these instant thrash masterpieces.
Diamond Plate’s debut hits all the right switches to not just make it an impressive one, but a thrash album that features something for everyone. From the pummeling sounds of Demolition Hammer, to the speed of early Metallica, to the sludgy breakdowns of Pantera, and Crowbar. There’s even a hint of Obituary thrown in there at times. “Generation Why?†is a good album for longtime thrashers and headbangers to enjoy, as well as some new school kids. It works for every generation.
Be sure to catch Diamond Plate on tour this fall with Kittie, Warbringer and more.
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