EP Review: Saint Diablo Embraces the past on "The Reckoning"

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Words from Anselm Anderson


Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet, Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.

 The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's producer, Chris Anger at Sound Republic Studio. I think Anger does a good job of bringing out the tenacity and rawness of the emotions of Saint Diablo.

Photo Credit: Brendan McGlathery

The EP explodes with the anthemic grooves of 'Cosmic Inferno'. It is the type of track many metalheads would lose their minds to at rock clubs during the 2000s. Lead Vocalist Tito's rabid vocal deliveries combine with the unpredictable riffs and basslines to create a festival hit. The band can fuse this with sombre, vocal harmonies to convey a sense of conflict within the musician.

Next up is the emotional "Voice on the Phone" with its gut-wrenching riffs, pummeling beats, and melodic vocals that touch the listener. The flamenco interlude adds to the sense of homesickness expressed in the track. 'Dame Todo' combines Spanish and English-speaking verses with dynamic low-tuned riffs and atmospheric electronics .

The Short outing wraps up with a live recording of the band's 2002 single 'Odio' at Another Round Bar and Grill, Richmond, Virginia

Overall, I will give this release a high rating because it feels like a throwback to the days of nu-metal. Its hectic and unpredictable nature creates a synergistic and chaotic metal that is perfect for headbanging.

Rating: 4/5





 



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