Hardcore Punk Band Stick to Your Guns Setlist Breakdown and Song Analysis

An Overview of Stick to Your Guns

Stick to Your Guns is a hardcore punk band from Orange County, California. Formed in 2003, the band consists of vocalist Jesse Barnett, guitarists Chris Rawson and Josh James, bassist Andrew Rose and drummer George Schmitz. Known for their aggressive, politically charged lyrics, Stick to Your Guns has released 7 studio albums and toured extensively, playing shows across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

With a sound influenced by classic hardcore and metalcore bands like Earth Crisis and Hatebreed, Stick to Your Guns is part of the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal" movement that emerged in the mid-2000s. Their album The Hope Division reached #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart in 2010. Over the years, the band has performed at major festivals like Warped Tour, Download Festival, Hellfest and Groezrock.

Common Themes in Stick to Your Guns' Music

Stick to Your Guns often tackles heavy sociopolitical topics in their lyrics, with common themes including:

• Government corruption, greed and the dangers of authoritarianism
• Animal rights and vegan/straight edge lifestyle
• Anti-war and anti-violence messages
• Critiques of religion, prejudice and social injustice
• Positivity, self-empowerment and inner strength

Vocalist Jesse Barnett has said the band aims to "provide a different viewpoint on the world...and question everything you know." The music champions forward thinking, progressive ideals and rallies against ignorance in all forms.

Influences

Stick to Your Guns cites musical influences ranging from classic punk rock bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains to metal and hardcore groups like Metallica, Sick of It All, Madball, Breakdown and Throwdown. Lyrically, they take inspiration from thinkers like Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn and authors George Orwell and Aldous Huxley.

Overview of Stick to Your Guns Discography

Over their 20 year career, Stick to Your Guns has released:

Studio Albums

• Comes from the Heart (2003)
• For What It's Worth (2005)
• The Hope Division (2010)
• Diamond (2012)
• Disobedient (2015)
• True View (2017)
• Spectre (2021)

EPs

• Compass (2007)
• Better Ash Than Dust (2009)
• Shepherd of Fire (2011)
• Rise of the Gatekeepers (2016)

They've also released a number of split albums and singles over the years. Their music blends abrasive hardcore punk with shred-heavy guitar riffs and mosh-inducing breakdowns. Lyrical content provides food for thought on societal issues.

Examination of Common Setlist Songs

Having toured for nearly two decades, Stick to Your Guns has amassed an extensive back catalog. While setlists vary from tour to tour, there are certain staple songs that make frequent appearances. Let's look at some of their most-played live songs.

"Against Them All"

Appearing on 2003's Comes From the Heart, this was one of Stick to Your Guns' earliest songs. An aggressive hardcore anthem, Jesse Barnett's raw vocals urge the listener to stand tall in the face of opposition: "Against them all, I won't fall." The lyrics rail against corruption, capitalism and the abuse of power.

"This Is More"

The opening track from 2010's breakout album The Hope Division, "This Is More" embodies the band's message of self-empowerment and inner strength. The lyrics tackle feeling lost and depressed but ultimately finding purpose through embracing positivity and activism. The song's driving rhythm and infectious chorus make it a live favorite.

"Bringing You Down (A New World Overthrow)"

This scathing critique of greed, pollution and political corruption appears on Diamond. With group shouted vocals in the chorus, Barnett roars: "What we need is a new world overthrow!" The song rails against the idea of sacrificing the environment and humanity for the sake of profit and power.

"Universal Language"

The opening track from 2017's True View, this song speaks to unity and finding common ground. In a divided world, Stick to Your Guns reminds us "we're all blood and bones." With nuanced guitar work and Barnett's insightful lyrics, "Universal Language" has become a setlist staple and fan favorite.

"Doomed by You"

Featured on 2003's debut album Comes From the Heart, the raw energy of "Doomed by You" makes it a concert mainstay. Clocking in at just 88 seconds, this hardcore rager sees Barnett aggressively calling out bands who pretend to be something they're not. It's a bold introduction that showcases what Stick to Your Guns is all about.

Overview of Setlists from Recent Tours

To provide an idea of what fans can expect from a current Stick to Your Guns show, let's look at some example setlists from their recent tours.

Against the World Tour - Fall 2021

In support of their 2021 album Spectre, this tour saw the band playing mid-sized venues across the United States. Setlists averaged around 16 songs.

Example setlist from September 18, 2021 in Austin, TX:

1. "Gatekeeper's Axe (Intro)"
2. "Lockstep (Spectre)"
3. "Sunwave"
4. "Doomed by You"
5. "Hatchet Man"
6. "Left You Behind"
7. "Amber"
8. "Against Them All"
9. "Beyond the Sun"
10. "RMA (Revolutionary Mental Attitude)"
11. "Disobedient"
12. "We Still Believe"
13. "Bringing You Down (A New World Overthrow)"
14. "Against Them All"
15. "Universal Language"
16. "Against Them All"

European Tour - Winter 2022

During this multi-country European tour, the band played 45 minute festival sets as well as longer shows in small club venues:

Example shortened festival setlist from December 12, 2022 at Dome of Rock Festival in Germany:

1. "Amber"
2. "Doomed by You"
3. "Beyond the Sun"
4. "Universal Language"
5. "Disobedient"
6. "We Still Believe"
7. "Against Them All"

Example full headline setlist from December 15, 2022 in Prague, Czech Republic:

1. "The Gatekeeper's Axe"
2. "Suffer"
3. "Amber"
4. "Doomed by You"
5. "Universal Language"
6. "Left You Behind"
7. "Beyond the Sun"
8. "RMA (Revolutionary Mental Attitude)"
9. "Dis

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.