10/04/2026

Horror Crush: Sienna Guillory

In the second part of the first ever Horror Crush Database, I promised you that more Crush inductees would be coming. Well, spurred on by the release of the recent and quite enjoyable Resident Evil movie, I have for you the first of this new batch. It's the beautiful British actress Sienna Guillory!

Guillory was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on March 18, 1975. She is the daughter of American folk guitarist Isaac Guillory and English model Tina Thompson. Her parents eventually moved to Fulham, London, and later Norfolk, while Guillory briefly lived in Mexico with cousins at age 10 so she could learn Spanish. She attended Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk, where she took part in various school productions. At 14, she had a horse named The Night Porter, or “Porty,” after the Italian film The Night Porter. She was a huge fan of the film's leading lady, Charlotte Rampling, who horror fans will know from movies such as Orca: The Killer Whale.

In 1997, Guillory was signed to Select Model Management. She worked as a model while pursuing her acting career, which began in 1993 when she made her acting debut in the made-for-TV movie Riders, based on the novel by Jilly Cooper. As a model, she worked for Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, and Paul Smith, while also appearing on the covers of several fashion magazines. By 1999, she had become the face of a Hugo Boss fragrance campaign.

Her first foray into horror came with 2001's Superstition. While I have never seen this supernatural horror/thriller, it did give her the chance to work on a movie featuring Charlotte Rampling, the actress we discussed above who she had been a fan of since she was young.

In 2004, she got her first major Hollywood role in Resident Evil: Apocalypse. It's the movie I first saw her in and what ultimately earned her this induction. A sequel to the hugely successful first action/sci-fi/horror movie and an adaptation of the popular survival-horror video game franchise, Apocalypse picks up where the first film left off, with the zombie plague spreading throughout Raccoon City. The evil Umbrella Corporation attempts to contain and cover up the outbreak, while the surviving Alice (Milla Jovovich) battles her way through the city alongside the other survivors—including her friend who, in the last film, was transformed into the monstrous Nemesis.

Over the years and multiple viewings, this one has become one of my favorites in the long-running film franchise. I actually now prefer it to the first flick, and that's largely thanks to Guillory's portrayal of Jill Valentine, one of the main characters from the video game series itself. She is an example of perfect casting. Not only does she really look like Jill, but Guillory studied the way the character moved and behaved in Resident Evil 3 to prepare for the role. The movie really comes alive anytime she's onscreen. And it is a shame that the following films in the series didn't push this further, as her character was really screwed over in the future installments.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened when Jill returned in Resident Evil: Afterlife. The fourth entry in the franchise, Afterlife came out in 2010 and takes place immediately after Resident Evil: Extinction, which did not feature Guillory. For most of the movie, Jill isn't around either, until the mid-credits scene reveals that she has been brainwashed by Umbrella and sets her up as the main villain of the next installment.

That terrible idea comes to fruition in the next one, Resident Evil: Retribution (2012). Jill battles Alice in a brutal fight, and I genuinely hate that the writers decided to turn her into a villain. It's probably one of the worst ideas in a franchise that has had plenty of them. At least Retribution is slightly better than the previous movie, but neither is actually any good. The fact that Jill doesn't even get her story resolved in the next and final film, the oh-so-imaginatively named The Final Chapter, makes matters even worse.

Jill should have played a much bigger role, fought alongside Alice, or, even better, gotten her own spinoff. But alas, we got this shit sandwich. At least Guillory still shines and does her best with the subpar material she was given.

Between the second and fourth Resident Evil movies, she starred in another genre film, Silence Becomes You (2005). Alicia Silverstone is one of her co-stars in this one, which gives Guillory another interesting connection to an actress I really like. And, despite being a fan of both ladies, I have not seen this one. The reviews are not very kind to it, to say the least. But maybe they're wrong? Maybe?

In 2021, Guillory returned to genre material with A Banquet. She plays Holly, a mother who must deal with her teenage daughter Betsey (Jessica Alexander) developing an inexplicable and horrifying eating disorder. The film itself may be slow-paced, but it is also deeply unsettling and the kind of movie that stays with you. Guillory and Alexander both give amazing, powerful performances in this British dramatic horror film.

In 2016, she appeared in the psychological horror movie Don't Hang Up. Like Superstition, I haven't seen this one either. However, I have at least heard of it. As the title would suggest, the movie involves phone calls, specifically prank calls that take a very sinister turn.

In 2023, she appeared in The Meg 2: The Trench. So while Jessica McNamee did not return, we did get another Crush in the form of Guillory. The film itself is only really fun during the final act, which is filled with giant sharks and giant tentacles, prehistoric reptiles, and a cute, ass-kicking doggy. But, like the first movie, you'll forget most of it once it's over. In fact, while writing this, I said to myself, “Oh yeah! Guillory was indeed in this!”

That brings us to her latest genre outing, the 2026 mystery-horror-thriller One of Us. It deals with members of a family who begin dying one by one at a funeral, while the youngest member of the family searches for the stranger in their midst. The film premiered at the Manchester Film Festival on March 28, 2026, and has since played at least one other festival, but a wide release has been harder to pin down. A UK digital release is currently listed for November 7.

Guillory is one of the film's principal cast members alongside Kit Connor and Douglas Henshall, so at the very least we know she has a substantial role. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to actually see it soon!

Diving into Guillory's filmography, we realize that she has a deeper body of horror work than we may have originally realized. But, even if we only took her performance as Jill Valentine into account, she more than deserves to be in the database. And so, I am happy to welcome this beautiful Brit to the Horror Crushes!

Next on the Master's Chopping Block: Diamante, the Hard Rock Heartbreaker

1:34 PM Giovanni Deldio No comments

On this edition of the Master's Chopping Block, I'm shining the spotlight on an artist who deserves WAY more attention: Diamante!

Diamante has long been one of those artists whose evolution you can see and feel in real time. Way back in 2015, when I first spotlighted her, she was an 18-year-old badass dropping singles and EPs. She had blonde hair and was featured in Revolver's "Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock" issue. It was definitely a different era. Much of the video content I shared in that post doesn't even exist anymore, making it feel very much like a time capsule from the beginning of her career. Interestingly, much of that early material is also no longer available on her official Spotify catalog. Whether that's due to licensing or distribution issues, a deliberate decision to leave some of those songs in the past, or simply a combination of factors, I honestly don't know—and I wouldn't want to speculate. Whatever the reason, it's still an interesting part of Diamante's journey. Those songs capture a very specific moment in her career and, in a way, make that 2015 time capsule feel even more significant.

But the Diamante we have now is something else entirely. She has sharpened her sound, matured her image, and added much more depth to her songwriting. Along the way, she has carved out her own place in the modern hard rock world, going from a promising newcomer to a full-blown powerhouse.

She has the confidence and polished feel that comes with years of experience, while still keeping the rebellious heart that made her stand out to me and others in the first place. That's why this updated spotlight isn't going to rehash the past. Instead, it's a celebration of how far she's come, how much she's grown, and why she is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most compelling artists in hard rock today.

This can be seen by going from her independently released debut EP, Dirty Blonde (2015), to her first full-length album, Coming In Hot (released through Better Noise Records in 2018). There is a huge shift and maturation in both her sound and her lyrics. Tracks like the beautiful, heartfelt "I'm Sorry"—and its Spanish version, "Lo Siento"—show a level of emotional depth and vulnerability that marked a real evolution in her artistry.

It's a huge step forward from the early, fun, tongue-in-cheek tracks like "There's a Party in My Pants (And You're All Invited)," which were catchy and playful but intentionally lighter. Her newer work felt more personal, more mature, and more grounded, reflecting just how much she had evolved both musically and lyrically in those few years.

Of course, there were legit hard-rockers too—like the driving “Haunted,” with its unforgettable, catchy chorus; the haunting and powerful “Sleepwalking”; and the badass, empowering “Bulletproof,” my personal favorite on the album. As a full-length debut, Coming In Hot is a strong slice of hard rock that showed plenty of promise. But, her best was still ahead of her.

In between her first and second albums, Diamante released various singles, including massively popular collaborations with other hard rock and metal artists. In 2018, she teamed up with metal band Bad Wolves for the emotional “Hear Me Now.” Then, in 2021, she joined forces with hard rockers Breaking Benjamin for a particularly powerful cover of the Goo Goo Dolls' 1998 megahit “Iris” (which would also appear on her next release American Dream) Of course, she also released solo singles, including her stunning rendition of the Scottish traditional song “Auld Lang Syne” released just in time for the holidays. These and her other releases showcased the diversity of Diamante's musical styles and influences. But above all, they highlighted her beautiful, soulful voice and impressive emotional range.

In 2021, Diamante independently released her second full-length album, American Dream, which continued to showcase her growing maturity and ever-evolving sound. As such, I consider it the best of her two LPs so far. It's quality, energetic hard rock filled with songs that I still find myself coming back to over and over again.

Among them is “Wake Up Call,” which has one of the catchiest, most sing-along choruses you're likely to hear. Then there's the moving and heartfelt “Unlovable,” a song that can really pull at the heartstrings, especially for anyone who has ever felt that way. The melodic yet still rocking “Serves You Right” features some of the album's best riffs, along with memorable lyrics about getting what you deserve. And, then there's the absolutely awesome “Ghost Myself,” an empowering, driving track that remains my all-time favorite Diamante song. Other highlights include “Obvious,” the title track, and the aforementioned “Iris.” In short, American Dream is packed with consistently high-quality, hard-rocking music from beginning to end.

In 2022, Diamante independently released an EP of covers, appropriately titled The Diamond Covers. Consisting of five classic pop songs—“Maniac,” “Dancing on My Own,” “Paparazzi,” “Like a Prayer,” and “Running Up That Hill” (my personal favorite of the bunch)—the EP puts her soaring, gritty vocals front and center. Combined with hard-rock guitars and what she calls “sparkle and grit,” these songs become memorable new takes on some of the world's most recognizable pop hits. They also showcase Diamante's love of pop music and the undeniable influence it has had on her sound and style.

Around this time, Diamante also appeared on two soundtracks. This is where her current relationship with Sumerian Records began, a label with some major names in modern hard rock and metal under its wing. The first came in 2024, with her soulful cover of Pat Benatar's classic “Love Is a Battlefield” for The American Psycho Comic Series Soundtrack. A year later, she appeared on the soundtrack to the wrestling biopic The Queen of the Ring with a beautiful and somber cover of Metallica's “The Unforgiven.”

For this one, she collaborated with alt-metal band The Pretty Wild, fronted by sisters Jyl and Jules Wylde. They're one of the most exciting and promising acts in modern metal today, and the combination of their powerful style with Diamante's soulful vocals made for what is, personally, my favorite collaboration she's done so far.

As far as her original material goes, this current era in Diamante's career might just be her most exciting yet. She is fully embracing her glitter-and-glam aesthetic and love of '80s rock, blending pop hooks with a glam-metal-influenced edge that adds yet another layer to her sound and further separates her from her contemporaries.

It all began with the 2023 release of “1987,” an incredibly catchy, pop-influenced track that still packs plenty of driving rock energy. I loved this clear love letter to the '80s from the moment she released it. Four years later, she revisited the track with a “Metal Version,” featuring harder, heavier guitars and harsh male vocals that give the song an extra kick in the ass.

Following that, in 2024 she released the awesome “All for the Glory,” which really feels like it was birthed from the '80s hard-rock sound. Featuring a great sing-along chorus, it's the kind of song that feels like it's begging to be used in a cool movie montage scene.

And speaking of the '80s, 2025 brought the release of the soaring and rocking “Silver Bullet.” This song never fails to get me moving! It's got such a cool, badass riff, accompanied by Diamante's amazing vocal range, full of soul and emotion. The song is elevated even further by some excellent layering and production, giving it an even bigger and more powerful sound.

This brings us to her most recent release, “Cool Down.” Catchy in the best way possible, it's one of those welcome earworms that you'll find yourself singing even when you're not listening to the song. I haven't been able to stop listening to it since the day it was released.

I love that, while it has a very melodic rock sound, there's a great heavy riff that comes in during the breakdown, adding a nice metallic edge. I remember Diamante previewing that riff on Instagram, asking, “What if I added a heavy part?” And I was like, “Fuck yeah!” So when I finally heard it in the finished song, it felt like the riff fit perfectly.

Then there's the lyrics, which are about stepping back and avoiding a heated confrontation with someone who means something to you. Lord knows I've had plenty of moments where I've had to “cool down” so I wouldn't “say something” I'd "regret". That personal connection makes the song hit even harder for me.

And honestly, that's probably a good place to talk about what Diamante's music means to me personally. As I mentioned in the previous piece, I've been a fan of hers since the beginning of her career. In fact, I remember that after I published that original article, a fellow writer, who covers metal and hard rock, asked me, “Who is this girl you wrote about?” It was one of those moments when I realized I wasn't just discovering Diamante for myself—I was introducing her music to other people, too.

I find that I can listen to her music whether I'm feeling good or down. Whether I'm at the gym pumping iron, relaxing in my room, writing an article (like I am right now), or dealing with the pain of a particularly difficult moment in my life, her music always seems to fit. Her lyrics are relatable whether she's singing about having a good time or dealing with the hardships of relationships. A song like “Unlovable” is especially easy to connect with for someone like me who hasn't always had the best luck finding love. Then there's “Ghost Myself,” which feels so empowering that I knew it was the perfect song to share with someone I knew had gone through a horribly difficult time herself. I was right.

I've said many times that music isn't just music to me. It has a much deeper connection to who I am. It's a part of me—part of my own DNA. There are certain artists whose music simply speaks to me on a deeper level, and Diamante is one of them.

Earlier this year, I shared her music with someone I had very deep feelings for. When she connected with Diamante's songs, especially the aforementioned “Ghost Myself,” it felt incredibly special. Here was an artist who meant so much to me, and someone I cared about was connecting with her music, too. It hit a special place in my heart that very few artists or musical moments have reached in my life.

We are no longer in each other's lives, but in many ways, that experience became part of the impetus for writing this piece in the first place. The fact that I loved “Cool Down” only sealed the deal. I realized that after all these years of following Diamante's career, her music had become connected not only to different eras of my life, but to some of the people and moments that have meant the most to me.

And, there's one more little piece of that connection that has followed me all these years: I actually won Diamante's autograph some years back. I hung it up, and it has moved with me through two different houses. I have tons of autographs, but hers is the only one that has been on my wall continuously since I got it (well, aside from the brief periods when it was packed away during the moves). There's something pretty special about that. After all these years, Diamante's music has continued to be a part of my life—and so has that autograph.

One of the other things that made me want to write this is how, despite having songs with millions of streams and collaborations that have racked up HUGE numbers on Spotify, Diamante still feels very much under the radar to me. Which is both a shame and a crime, if you ask me.

She has all the ingredients that make an artist great—and, ideally, hugely successful: catchy and memorable songs, lyrics that can be fun, empowering, and/or relatable, all delivered by a voice with soul, grit, range, and power. Add in her cool and provocative look, along with the fact that she really takes full advantage of promoting herself in memorable ways on social media, where she's very active, and you have the full-blown package that just screams: superstar!

But enough of me telling you how awesome she is. Why don't you hear it for yourself with some choice tracks!

The gym rat in me just loves this video! The song obviously kicks ass, too!

My favorite song of hers, I also love the video. She looks so cool and badass in it. And, the whole female Fight Club aspect is especially ass kicking!

This song needs an official video. I hope we get one and soon!

SICKSENSE Unleash “Seller’s Remorse” Video Alongside New EP Funerals

4:22 PM Giovanni Deldio No comments

SICKSENSE have just released a new video for the groove-laden “Seller’s Remorse,” which made me want to jump into the pit—even though I am in my room. It coincides with the release of their hotly anticipated EP Funerals.

Order / Stream 'Funerals' HERE!

Purchase Tour Tickets HERE!

Reinvigorated and reinvented, modern metal act SICKSENSE return with the new EP release Funerals. Comprised of a ferocious collection of tracks that demonstrate a fresh sonic direction, SICKSENSE present a nu-metalcore dynamic with hints of melodic prog and djent. Alongside the arrive of Funerals is a new official music video for the aggressive and unapologetic "Seller's Remorse."

"'Seller's Remorse' calls out hypocritical backstabbers." The band explain.

"Without giving away any spoilers, we had a fun day of laughs out in the sun filming the music video for this one!

The lyrics take a dig at the ones who are too lazy to build up anything meaningful themselves. So they decide to tear down harder working people instead, as a cope for their own shortcomings.

Sicksense is never shy to tell it like it is through sarcasm and blunt honesty."

Order Funerals HERE: http://funerals.sicksense.com/

Watch "Seller's Remorse" HERE: https://youtu.be/-sv6Gq2DknE?is=ZRHWsRF0zhjs34do

Nu-metalcore quintet SICKSENSE are preparing to bring Funerals to live stages across North America beginning this November. With eight headline dates in the Midwest and Eastern Canada, SICKSENSE will also be appearing as support for MUSHROOMHEAD & FEAR FACTORY, HEAL THE HURT, PRIMER 55, 40 BELOW SUMMER and EYES SET TO KILL.

Tour Dates:

NOV 05 — DAVENPORT, IA @ REDSTONE ROOM
[COMING SOON]
NOV 08 — TOLEDO, OH @ FRANKIE’S
NOV 09 — CHICAGO, IL @ THE WC SOCIAL CLUB
NOV 10 — SAUGET, IL @ POP’S ^
NOV 11 — NASHVILLE, TN @ THE BASEMENT EAST ^
NOV 12 — GREENVILLE, SC @ THE RADIO ROOM +
NOV 13 — RALEIGH, NC @ CHAPEL OF BONES #
NOV 15 — RICHMOND, VA @ THE CANAL CLUB #
NOV 17 — HAMDEN, CT @ SPACE BALLROOM #
NOV 18 — QUEBEC CITY, QC @ L’ANTI BAR & SPECTACLES
NOV 19 — MONTREAL, QC @ PIRANHA BAR
NOV 20 — OTTAWA, ON @ DOMINION TAVERN
NOV 21 — MILLERSVILLE, PA @ PHANTOM POWER ~#
NOV 22 — LAKEWOOD, OH @ THE FOUNDRY
NOV 24 — LINCOLN, NE @ BOURBON THEATRE
DEC 03 — LUBBOCK, TX @ JAKE’S BACKROOM *
DEC 04 — AUSTIN, TX @ COME AND TAKE IT LIVE *
DEC 05 — HOUSTON, TX @ SCOUT BAR *
DEC 06 — DALLAS, TX @ THREE LINKS DEEP ELLUM *
DEC 08 — DENVER, CO @ HQ *
DEC 11 — SEATTLE, WA @ EL CORAZON *
DEC 12 — PORTLAND, OR @ HAWTHORNE THEATRE *
DEC 13 — BOISE, ID @ SHRINE SOCIAL CLUB *
DEC 15 — LAS VEGAS, NV @ GREY WITCH *
DEC 16 — WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA @ WHISKY A GO GO *
DEC 17 — ANAHEIM, CA @ HOUSE OF BLUES (THE PARISH) *
DEC 18 — TUCSON, AZ @ THE ROCK *
DEC 19 — PHOENIX, AZ @ CRESCENT BALLROOM *

SUPPORTING:
^ MUSHROOMHEAD & FEAR FACTORY
+ HEAL THE HURT
# PRIMER 55
~ 40 BELOW SUMMER
* EYES SET TO KILL

Purchase tickets HERE: https://sicksense.com/pages/tour-dates

About SICKSENSE:

SICKSENSE is a modern metal force blending the aggression of metalcore, the groove of nu metal, and the precision of djent into a sound that is entirely their own. Fronted by the dynamic vocal duo of Vicky Psarakis and Robby J. Fonts, the band has built a reputation for explosive chemistry, genre-defying songwriting, and an unapologetic DIY mentality that has fueled their rise from independent newcomers to one of heavy music’s most exciting emerging acts.

Originally formed in Montreal, Canada, SICKSENSE began taking shape after Vicky and Robby first met backstage at Heavy Montreal in 2015. At the time, Vicky was fronting melodic death metal powerhouse THE AGONIST, while Robby had recently served as the vocalist for rap metal pioneers STUCK MOJO. Their mutual love for heavy music with no creative boundaries sparked an immediate connection, eventually leading to the creation of SICKSENSE.

The band officially launched with their debut single “Make Believe” in 2021, quickly turning heads with their intense vocal interplay, emotionally charged songwriting, and fearless fusion of styles. Their debut EP, Kings Today (2022), and follow-up EP, Fools Tomorrow (2023), established SICKSENSE as a rising name in the modern metal scene while earning praise from fans and creators alike, including Tank The Tech, who famously called them “the best nu metal band you never heard of.”

Built around the contrast and chemistry between Vicky’s soaring melodies and vicious screams and Robby’s aggressive delivery, rap-infused cadences, and raw intensity, SICKSENSE draw influence from bands such as LINKIN PARK, LIMP BIZKIT, SLIPKNOT, KORN, EVANESCENCE, UNDEROATH, WHITECHAPEL, PERIPHERY, and MONUMENTS while carving out a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Atmospheric keys, cinematic sound design, and layered production further elevate the band’s identity.

In 2023, SICKSENSE signed with Earache Records before releasing their debut full-length album, Cross Me Twice, in 2025. The album marked a major breakthrough for the band, peaking at #10 on the UK Rock and Metal Album chart and #33 on the UK Independent chart. During this era, the band toured extensively across the United States, opening for ESCAPE THE FATE, SNOT, THE UNION UNDERGROUND, SPINESHANK, and CALVA LOUISE, while also appearing at major festivals including Louder Than Life 2025.

Never content to stay stagnant, SICKSENSE announced in 2026 that they would return to their independent roots for future releases, embracing complete creative freedom as they enter a new era with a lineup featuring guitarist Jackson Snowden, bassist Richard Regier, and drummer Sam Neumann. The band worked closely with producer Joey Doherty on the EP, continuing to push their sound into darker, heavier, and more experimental territory while staying true to the emotional honesty and intensity that define SICKSENSE.

Outside the band, both Vicky and Robby have built impressive resumes across music, gaming, and entertainment. Vicky provided voice work for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and portrayed Ada Wong in Dead by Daylight, while also contributing vocals to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Robby voiced Jonathan Byers in the original Stranger Things chapter for Dead by Daylight and even graduated from WWE Superstar Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy in 2019.

At their core, SICKSENSE represent resilience, individuality, and fearless self-expression. Whether through brutally honest lyrics, high-energy live performances, or their hands-on approach to every aspect of the band’s creative vision, SICKSENSE continue to prove that heavy music has no boundaries when authenticity leads the way.

SICKSENSE is: