by DAN SOUTHALL
SYNONYMOUS with modern hardcore and a positive mental attitude, Hatebreed have been shouting from stages since the late 90s.Â
Fatal Paradox comes after one of the longest stretches between releases in the band’s history, following guitarist Wayne Lozniak’s battle with a brain tumor and the departure of founding bassist Chris Beattie.
Yet, you would never guess it, because the record is wall-to-wall hits with absolutely no time wasted on every single track. Right from the opening track “Kill Count Increase”, Jamey Jasta sets the stage by roaring about his fury at the world, warning that if you aren’t just as pissed off, you had better get out of the way.
Renowned as one of the most uplifting bands in heavy music, Hatebreed deliver on all fronts. Anthems like “Total Invincible”—which echoes Lozniak’s personal struggle—alongside brilliantly titled cuts like “Still a Threat” and “Truth Is A Lion”, show a band that isn’t interested in hiding behind veiled metaphors. As they grow older, their lyrics get straight to the point and aim directly for the throat.
Among an album full of highlights, “Sacrifice Season” stands out by showcasing the group’s love for death metal. Featuring guest vocals from Obituary’s John Tardy, the track seamlessly weaves two-step beatdowns with classic Florida death metal. This is what deathcore was originally meant to sound like, and it absolutely slays.
Modern hardcore takes many forms and incorporates countless styles today, but sometimes the message hits best when delivered like a baseball bat to the skull. With this album, Hatebreed remind the younger generation how it was done originally, proving that despite all the new trends, the old dog still packs the sharpest bite. If you need any more convincing, skip straight to their cover of Corrosion Of Conformity’s “Poison Planet” for the mic-drop moment of the year you didn’t see coming.
