Review: Stick To Your Guns - Disobedient

Stick To Your Guns have always been a bandto defy convention. Whether they’re writing about political opinions or are sticking to the brand of hardcore they know and love, the band have held their own throughout the years and have managed to achieve a career many long for. This year, they’re hoping to continue their upward trajectory with their explosive fifth studio album, Disobedient, and it’s one that doesn’t miss a beat.
You don’t even have to listen past the first track to know Disobedient is one of the year’s top releases. The politically charged album is one that features a growth and maturity that sees Stick To Your Guns widening their horizons and offering up something different. Lyrically, the record is filled with the most mature material of the band’s career. Tackling social issues and sampling the speeches of prominent public figures, the record manages to evoke a sense of empowerment in listeners, especially with tracks like “I Choose Nothing” and album opener “It Starts With Me”.
Musically, Disobedient sees Stick To Your Guns moving toward a more melodic sound. That being said, the album isn’t a post-hardcore or rock release wrapped beneath a “hardcore” moniker. It’s heavy, with vocalist Jesse Barnett screaming his lyrics with such ferocity that it’s impossible to stay idle while listening. While the record does feature more clean vocals than any of the band’s previous releases, they’re done so over intricate riffs and ground-shaking breakdowns. Tracks like “The Crown” and “What Choice Did You Give Me?” are perfect examples of this and show that the band can produce a lighter sound without losing the one-two punch they’re known for.
Overall, Disobedient is the album to beat. In a world where music is constantly turning toward a pop sound obsessed with love and heartbreak, Stick To Your Guns are a shining light of authentic heavy. There’s something in this release for every fan of the band and I can see it bringing in a whole new pack of listeners eager to see what they accomplish next. This record is a must-have in any collection and is definitely in the running for album of the year.
Download: What Choice Did You Give Me?
5/5
