Today I'll be talking about diamonds. Specifically diamonds that aren't coated in the blood of entire nations. Before I go off on a tangent here, let me begin. I'll be reviewing an album I have been listening to a lot lately. Diamond Eyes by Def Tones.
Diamond Eyes is the sixth studio album by the Sacramento, California based nu-metal band, Def Tones. It was actually the first album to feature their new bass player, Sergio Vega.
The album opens up with the title track, prominently featuring Chino's melodic vocals. The track soars as the drums and guitars form a sort of wall for Chino's vocals that turn to screams halfway through, leading to a chugging riff that carries the song along into another section of melodic singing. It coalesces into another, heavier chugging section that carries us into our next track that starts off explosively.
At times, the guitars soar up into a high pitched whine that offsets the pounding, percussive riffs. The song ends with Chino's high pitched screams battling a racing rhythm section.
Each track seems to flow into the next. The production leaves each section clearly audible between the vocals, rhythm section, and lead guitar.
My personal favorite track is "You've seen the Butcher", a three and a half minute long track that begins with a solo palm muted chug that opens up into an all out scramble of guitar bass and drums, which flows into the almost hypnotic vocal tones of Chino.
Overall, Diamond Eyes is a hypnotic, heavy foray into nu-metal.
I'll rate this album 8/10. At times the riffs become a little too samey but lead to truly genius moments of musical magic with Chino's impressive vocals at the forefront.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to elsewhere. I'm Mordecai Hestrache, reminding you to keep the music going.