Speculation about Diamond Plate's line-up change

Wow, so I was in for a surprise when I read that Diamond Plate replaced bassist/vocalist Jon Macak with Matt Ares. Last I knew, these guys were on their way to record a second album.

Well, they still ARE on their way to album number two, but apparently the chemistry between Jon and the rest of the band had deteriorated to the point of kicking the guy out!

Here is the band's statement:

“Over the past few months we have been writing and demoing songs for the next album. During that time, we felt that the chemistry between Jon and the rest of the band wasn’t as strong as it needed to be. We decided to move on, and find someone that shared the same passion to create the music that we’ve always wanted to make. We wish Jon all the best, and we want to thank him for being a part of this band. We are extremely excited to announce and welcome Matt Ares into the band as vocalist and bassist. Matt has really been a breath of fresh air for us, and in the first two weeks of jamming with him we were able to create an entirely new batch of songs and finish demoing the second album. Matt’s voice and playing add new dimensions to our sound, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the band now. Thanks for always supporting, and keep your ears open for a new Diamond Plate record in 2013.”

This hit me like a ton of bricks, but after the dust settled in my head, I began speculating. That usually leads to trouble.

Well, I HAVE to speculate since (as of this writing) I have yet to read an official statement from Jon himself as to what the hell happened between him and the other fellas. Maybe it's none of my business, but as a big fan of Diamond Plate who invests time into the band's music, I can't help but wonder.

I love the Generation Why? album but I know that there was a huge backlash from those who believe that Diamond Plate strayed from the sound found on their demo. Many detested the vocals. Personally, the vocals did not bother me in the least. Others didn't like that every song was full-on traditional thrash metal. Again, this did not bother me because the dynamics between the "slow" songs and the thrash numbers worked well within the album as a whole.

I'm bringing this up because I wonder if the backlash had something to do with Jon's dismissal. Were they listening to the detractors and decided a change would be for the better? Did management have a hand in this? Did the band want to go further into what Generation Why? had begun or did they want to abandon that and go pure thrash metal? Which camp did Jon fall into and was this the reason for the breakdown in band chemistry?

Speculation. My thoughts could all be bullsh*t and maybe he was let go because he's a Raiders fan or something. I don't know.

However, I am a fan of Jon Macak and if he chooses to continue in another band, I will check it out.

Also, I am a huge fan of Konrad Kupiec and Mario Cianci (he was in Thrash or Die for God's sake!!), so I will absolutely check out the new Diamond Plate album. I am curious as to which direction they will venture toward musically.

And yes, James Nicademus is killer, too (drummers don't get enough love around here!). James, you kick ass! \m/

In the end, I do wish the best for everyone involved, including new bassist/vocalist Matt Ares. I hope the future bodes well for 'em, 'cause I'm ready for some new metal!


UPDATE ---

It looks like Jon Macak had released a statement publicly. Here's what he had to say:


To all who are not yet aware, I am no longer with Diamond Plate. It has been an extremely difficult pill to swallow but it is the truth. I would like to take a minute to thank all of the wonderful people who have played a part in the good times and successes that we enjoyed while I was a member of the band: our manager  Frank Mastalerz for providing a calm voice and leading us through the difficult decisions; everyone at Earache Records for giving a bunch of kids a chance to live their dream when others would not; and all of the talented bands that we were fortunate enough to have toured and shared the stage with over the years for helping us learn how to be true professionals. All of the people mentioned above have my utmost respect and gratitude for the support that they have shown for me as well as the band during my time as a member.

In regard to my former band mates, I will attempt to jump the gun on some of the questions that I am expecting to get. I assume that many fans will want to know how or why the situation came to this resolution and my response to anyone wondering is that what happened is between Konrad, Jim, Mario, and I. My hope is that everyone will understand and respect that fact by trying to avoid any incendiary questions. What I will say is that due to how things transpired I am not currently on the best of terms with the guys but cannot overlook the reality of the situation. We grew up together, we shared countless adventures and amazing experiences together, worked our asses off to get where we got, and are who we are today because of the time we spent together. I am not happy about the end result but it would be ridiculous to release this statement without acknowledging what we accomplished.

Above all else, I would like to thank the fans that have given me the chance to perform onstage. Playing for you guys is what I am most thankful for and passionate about and I owe every good thing in my life to you for letting me do so all these years. Many of you know that my life has hit some difficult times in the past few years but the incredible and unending support that I have received from you was literally what helped give me the strength to get out of bed on a daily basis and face the obstacles that have been thrown my way. I have grown to be friends with many of you, especially in the Chicago scene, and I love and cherish each and every one of you. Going onstage to entertain you and bullshitting with you at the merch table is what I am on this planet to do and I will continue to pursue music as my career to do so. I will find a band that values the positives in my personality and performance and I will be onstage again. My desire to carry on despite what has transpired in my life is one-hundred percent thanks to all of you.

-Jon



So there you have it. Sounds like it wasn't amicable, but at least Jon seems determined to continue with music one way or another. I wish him luck!

Thrashline: News and comments about Diamond Plate! Cellador! The Zombie Apocalypse Tour! Sonic Pulse and MORE!

 Hey, let's talk metal!




Chicago metal men DIAMOND PLATE are in the process of recording some preproduction demos!  Their Generation Why? album always finds its way back into my music rotation so any news that hints at progress toward album #2 is good news for me!

Actually, I'm a bit surprised they already have some new tunes floating around considering their touring schedule has been freakin' crazy.







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There has been much talk about Boston's SONIC PULSE. Well, why not? If you mix in some members of Razormaze, Skull Hammer, Ravage, and a former member of Vindicator, and have them crank out some killer power thrash, then heads are bound to turn.

If you have ever thought, "I wish there were more thrash in my power metal," or "I wish there were more power metal in my...", well you get the point.

Sonic Pulse plays the type of epic power thrash that makes you want to scream the lyrics while shaking a tightly clenched fist in the air. With fat galloping riffs and the double kick drum on full tilt slam, you can jam to some fun metal about weed, beer, and Bong Zombies. METAL!

Check 'em out and then hit 'em up on the 'ol 'book. Face, that is.








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Speaking of power metal, I just found out that "extreme" power metallers CELLADOR have made their new EP Honor Forth available as a FREE download! I was (and am) a big fan of their debut album Enter Deception. Folks erroneously compare what one finds on Enter Deception to the music of Dragonforce. Actually, the music sounds more like a cross between old Helloween and Iron Maiden on steroids, not theme songs to epileptic attack-inducing video games.

Although these guys went through a bunch of member changes, the mainstay is guitarist Chris Petersen who keeps the music true to Cellador's sound. Interested power metal fans can download the new EP here.

Here's my favorite tune from them. Total, blistering, epic METAL!








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Hey, what's up with TOXIK SOCIETY? Just wondering.








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I pimped the following on my Facebook page earlier, but it's worth mentioning again. The Swedish thrashers known as INCARNIT have released a new single from their upcoming Umbra EP. The song is titled Black Death, and it's full of thick, mid-paced riffage and bad-ass soloing. Give it a listen below and then go tell the Incarnit fellas "hi" on Facebook.








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Brazilian Thrash Maniax VIOLATOR have posted about a YouTube video that contains their full Annihilation Process album. So if you're new to the insanity of Violator, check out the vid below, and behold the sheer frenzy of an all-out deadly thrash attack. VIOLATOR!!!!! Man, do these guys kick total ass or what?








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Greek thrashers EXARSIS will be releasing their debut album Under Destruction through Athens Thrash Attack and Eat Metal Records. The release date is June 15th! If you're not familiar with their music, hit play below and commence of the thrashing.








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Ohhhhh, BOY! The kick-ass monstrosity known as freakin' VIOLENTOR will hit the studio on July 1st to begin recording their new album! This band's debut from EBM Records is a staple in my playlist and I am ready to expand that playlist with another 8 to 10 Violentor songs. For me, this next album can't come out soon enough.

Check out their rough brand of boogie-drunk gutter thrash!








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A big congratulations goes out to the dudes in FOG OF WAR for getting their asses added to this year's Slaughter by the Water music event! The show is going to take place on a freakin' aircraft carrier! METAL! Those who can make it to Alameda, California on August 25th are destined to have a killer time.








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Well, Australian heavyweights 4ARM have finally announced their full US tour as part of the Zombie Apocalypse Tour package! After I noticed that there is not a Kansas City date, I went to eat a pint of ice cream and hugged my pillow for an hour or so. Yeah, I'm sensitive. However, those of you who are lucky enough to have 4ARM make a stop in your neck of the woods, go check 'em out!

Interview with Diamond Plate

Diamond Plate have been a busy band. Their debut album 'Generation Why?' has hit the literal and virtual shelves today and they are prepping for the upcoming America Torn Asunder tour with headliners Warbringer.

Still, Diamond Plate guitarist Konrad Kupiec was able to take some time and answer a few questions about the new album.



Since you signed to Earache, things seem to be moving quickly for you - from recording, getting the record out and hitting the road. Does it all feel like a whirlwind to you? How are you handling everything?



This past year has definitely gone by insanely fast because of how busy we’ve been. Even though we took a considerable break from playing any type of shows, we’ve been busier than ever. Our work ethic has definitely been at an all-time high, so everything is going great for us. We all couldn’t be more excited to finally hit the road and really push the record to future fans that haven’t heard of Diamond Plate yet.


You all started this band at a very young age. Did you ever dream it would go this far?



Being in a band is the only thing I’ve ever dreamed about as a kid. I still dream about everything that we still have yet to accomplish as a band, because for me (and the rest of the guys), this is only the beginning of our dream. I’m 19, and still have a lot of room to grow as a guitarist, songwriter, and human being; I’m nowhere close to reaching my potential in any of those areas.


How did you hook up with Earache?


We’ve been on Earache’s radar ever since our first ‘Mountains of Madness’ EP was released in 2008. A close friend/fan of the band showed our music to Digby, the owner of Earache. It wasn’t until the summer of 2010 that Earache finally decided to give us a chance to prove ourselves and offered us a record deal.


Has Earache gave you any indication into how they want to market Diamond Plate to the metal community?



It’s the label’s job to stamp a genre on a band and then sell the band to that specific market. As artists though, we can never have that in mind when we’re writing music. We’ve never tried to write music to fit into a certain type of market. We’ve always just played we felt, and let the market ‘come to us.’ And that’s the only thing we’ll ever do. At the end of the day, the music just speaks for itself.


I am a huge fan of Generation Why?, and bridging from your first EP to the new album, there is an obvious evolution to your sound. How did those changes evolve and what decisions were made in how to incorporate them into the new material?



Thanks! There wasn’t ever a conscious decision to change our “sound.” The change heard from the ‘Mountains of Madness’ EP to ‘Generation Why?’ is just a natural evolution. Three years of practicing, playing shows, writing songs, and going through different stages of our lives helped shape the music on the album in a very natural and pure way. On top of that, it was our first time recording in a professional studio, so the vibe while tracking was completely new and exciting to us; people can hear that when they listen to the songs. It’s a different kind of energy, but it’s undeniably there more than it ever was before.


How long was the recording process for Generation Why?



We spent a few months writing and doing preproduction with all the songs, but once we entered the studio, we recorded the entire album in only 10 days.


Since this is your debut album for a big label, how did it feel to get the finished product in your hands?


Absolutely incredible, as you might imagine. We’ve never been prouder and felt more accomplished after recording our music. Having the CDs in our hands was the most gratifying thing after putting in months of hard work into finishing the album.


How are you preparing yourselves for life on the road?



We’ve just been trying to stay as organized as possible, and in addition to practicing all of our songs, we’ve been in a way mentally preparing ourselves for the long road and hard work ahead of us. We plan on living out of our RV and touring for the entire year, write the second album, and start the cycle all over again! But we’re all ready for the best times of our lives as well!


Thrash metal has enjoyed a lifespan of approximately three decades with tons of fans from different generations. Do you feel that Diamond Plate can attract the old-school thrash fans? Do they show up to your gigs?

Diamond Plate has always had a strong ‘old-school’ following. There are always a ton of old school fans at our shows. To me, ‘old-school’ isn’t a type of look or a type of sound. It’s not wearing hi-tops and jean jackets, or having a record that sounds like it was produced 20 years ago. It’s an energy and an attitude. I think that is what attracts those fans to us. We’re just trying to write the best and heaviest songs and deliver them with as much energy as possible. And above all, we want to stay relevant without sounding like anyone else. That’s exactly what the bands that we idolize did in the ‘80s, and old-school fans can feel that in our music and at our shows.


What do you want people to take away from a Diamond Plate concert?


Although we accomplished a lot on record with ‘Generation Why?’ we’ve always felt our live show is where the band truly shines. There’s a quality in our music that’s best represented live and in its rawest form. I want people to be able to feel our music like they’ve never felt it before. And I want them to keep feeling it on the ride back home, the next morning at school/work, a week later, a month later, and up until they see us the next time around. And then have it happen all over again. Maybe the word I’m looking for is whiplash…And lots of it.


Chicago has a killer metal scene. Do you have any hometown favorites?


There are a ton of great bands here in Chicago; off the top of my head: Dawnbringer, High Spirits, Bible of the Devil, Zuul, Jungle Rot, Trouble, Smash Potater, Nachtmystium...


Final words?

To all the readers, don’t take my word and or anyone else’s word about Diamond Plate, check out ‘Generation Why?’ and decide for yourself! Thanks for using your ears! And thanks for a killer interview!

Review: Diamond Plate - Generation Why?

Diamond Plate
Generation Why?
Earache

A few Diamond Plate fans are up in arms about what they heard on a couple sneak peeks tracks of the bands upcoming album Generation Why?. Complaints lit up the forums about the vocals sounding too metalcore (?) as well as the sound of the music taking a similar direction.

After listening to the new album, I can say that some of the expressed fears of the band's direction are realized as there is a decidedly "core" influence on some of the tracks. Songs such as Tomb with a View seem to have more in common with Earth Crisis than Slayer or Exodus.

However, if you are taking away that this review is a Diamond Plate bash-fest, you are mistaken. Killer bad-ass metal is still killer bad ass metal no matter what bits and pieces are added, and Diamond Plate drives that point home with Generation Why?.

At its heart, Generation Why? is a thrash record. Riff-heavy goliath songs such as Waste of Life and Empire Tomorrow are galloping shreds of savagery. In fact, the latter song alone is worth buying the album, because those looking for thrash metal played with passion and precision, Empire Tomorrow is destined to become a classic.

Generation Why? is a damn good metal album. Those who are into classic, undiluted thrash metal might feel the need to stay away, but I wouldn't recommend doing so. Speaking as a thrash fan, Diamond Plate's musical prowess, killer riffs and success in writing quality metal music should overstep the pride of a thrash purist.

Does that mean that every song on the album has to be your particular cup of tea? No, but the ones that are will kick your ass hard.

Diamond Plate ROCKS!

I've just recently been turned on to Diamond Plate, a thrash band consisting of some extremely talented guys in their late teens!

As I searched online for their website and vids, I learned they were recently signed to Earache! What a break! These guys deserve it and I can't wait until their debut.

Check out their MySpace page here.