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Album reviews Music

Diemonds

Its difficult not to consider Diemonds devastating string of losses while listening to the local hard rockers second album. Three of their former members have died, most recently their original drummer, Vassil Mester, in April. The albums title alone, Never Wanna Die, sets you up for the stance theyve taken in response: doing whatever they can to avoid getting sucked down, washed up or wiped out.

Musically, the five-piece do this by way of thickly layered guitar riffs with hints of metal chuggage and pinched-string squeals, mighty and explosive drumming and Priya Pandas forceful yet melodic singing style. Produced by Eric Ratz, whos worked with Billy Talent, Arkells and Monster Truck, the albums an aggressive, well-written heavy hitter that rarely lifts its foot off the gas.

The lyrics are overwhelmingly us-against-the-world, though the best moments come when the tough-rocker vibe falls away like in the soaring, tender chorus of Over It to reveal the genuine fear that lies beneath.

Top track: Over It

Diemonds throw a record release party at Hard Luck Bar Saturday (September 5).

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