Chicago thrashers Diamond Plate have begun recording their new studio album, due later in the year via Earache Records. The as-yet untitled follow-up to Diamond Plate's 2011 debut, "Generation Why?", is being recorded with producer Neil Kernon (Judas Priest, Nevermore, Deicide, 3 Inches Of Blood) at Studio Chicago in the band's hometown.

Diamond Plate lead guitarist Konrad Kupiec comments: "We are beyond excited to announce that we are in the studio recording our second album! The legendary Neil Kernon is helping us capture the new songs and the new energy of the band in the traditional way that classic records were made. We decided to step away from the modern approach to albums by recording the band playing live in the same room together and keeping everything real. Everybody can expect this record to be faster and heavier than ever, but most of all they can expect the unexpected."

Diamond Plate last year recruited Matt Ares as their new vocalist and bassist following the departure of Jon Macak.