Diamond Plate - Generation Why?

Deciding to catch Anthrax in London at the start of spring led me to discover something special. One of the opening acts, "Diamond Plate," intrigued me enough to check out their debut album, "Generation Why?"

The album is a relentless onslaught of speed and aggression. After an interlude as the first track, “Generation Why?" explodes and ushers in an arsenal of absolutely phenomenal tracks that will electrify any metal enthusiast.

Each song possesses its own distinctive essence, a testament to the album's dynamic diversity. "Pull the Trigger" ruthlessly channels aggression. "At the Mountains of Madness" soars as an anthemic juggernaut, while "Waste of Life" haunts your senses with a dark and ominous riff to start the song.

The 11-track album concludes with “Empire Tomorrow”; an almost 9 minute track that starts with a classic thrash pace and beat, but provides a melodic respite midway through.

"Diamond Plate" masterfully resurrects the raw essence of 1980s thrash metal, infusing it with their signature spin anchored by Jon Macak's distinctively raspy vocals. Their sonic prowess remains unblemished, delivering razor-sharp clarity, technical finesse, and an unabating surge of power. The auditory assault of their aggression doesn't sacrifice precision nor complexity, showcasing a sonic dexterity that commands attention.

Production-wise, the album exudes a finely crafted layering, with each instrument contributing to a formidable sonic tapestry. The artful manipulation of tempos ensures a relentless auditory experience that knows precisely when to shift gears.

Inaugurating their discography with "Generation Why?" sets an impressively high standard for "Diamond Plate."

And that is the beauty of the opening band!