For seven years, Jamey Jasta has been keeping the same entourage. Why change something that works, right? This is Hatebreed’s third album that Jamey recorded with the same lineup, so it doesn’t surprise that The Concrete Confessionals was created, released and promoted with the ultimate self-confidence.
I have a feeling like they have made a step forward after the solid The Divinity of Purpose without compromising their sound and narrative. They are still singing about social injustice, revenge of the brave ones, and PMA. Positive Mental Attitude surrounds their hardcore world which is going to bounce to the riffs and guitars that Us Against Us and The Apex Within bring.
The intro represents one of the strongest moments of their career. American dream is reprimanded in A.D., a song that goes head-to-head with Slayer’s Repentless. Looking Down the Barrel of Today infects you with the groove tempo. Needles to say, guitar riffs are perfection, especially when combined with empowering verses.
Once had a shotgun to my head
They said I wasn’t worth the bullets
Now the world is my trigger and I’m here to fucking pull it
I’m the Walls and From Grace We’ve Fallen are enhanced by thrash riffs, while Something’s Off brings extraordinary and bizarre attempt of singing.
You served your masters well
Now serve your masters in hell
This is the closing memo of the record. It proves nothing really change for Hatebreed. They still have a lot to say about the society we live in. This time they hit you directly in the head with the terse, direct and powerful album.
I think this is the first time after Supremacy that they have metalcore hymns that are going to make them stand out. Bravo, boys!
