The hardcore of Hatebreed is back for their 7th full length record and first ever for Nuclear Blast, “The Concrete Confessional.” The new album is their first since 2013’s “The Divinity of Purpose” and a great combination of old school thrash and modern punk breakdowns.
“A.D. (American Disease)” kicks off a solid collection of 13 tunes that are loud and relentless in their pace. Frontman Jamey Jasta is aggressive as ever, spitting out his signature growls amidst the absolutely crushing guitars of Wayne Lozinak and Frank Novinec. Bassist Chris Beattie provides the underlying grooves and drummer Matthew Byrne is a beast with the double bass.
“Looking Down the Barrel of Today” is a song that speaks about getting through life and will have live crowds completely pumped up. “Something’s Off” touches on the trials of dealing with anxiety and has a huge, shout out loud chorus that is a bit more on the melodic side. Produced by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Soulfly) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Megadeth), the record has a real, raw feel paying homage to thrash masters like Slayer without losing their modern, metalcore edge. A not to be missed track is “Dissonance.” You can practically feel the anger seething through your speakers when you crank this one up.
With “The Concrete Confessional,” Hatebreed has given us the best of the old with the best of the new for an album that is a true testament to the catharsis of heavy music. If you like your riffs with ridiculous speed and need an outlet for your pent up aggressions, this is the album for you!
