Review: Hatebreed- The Concrete Confessional

The Concrete Confessional is the seventh studio release from Hatebreed. In the months prior to its release, The Concrete Confessional was surrounded by a fairly large cloud of media hype. Partially, because it had been three years since the release of The Divinity of Purpose as well as this being their debut release on their new label, Nuclear Blast. I will admit, I wasn’t quite sure if the folks over at Nuclear Blast would have much of an influence on Hatebreed. I certainly didn’t lose sleep over it though since a band that is at the height of their success and continually climbs with each release typically holds all of the cards. Needless to say, Hatebreed, in typical fashion, has once again has out done themselves with The Concrete Confessional.

Vocally, Jamey Jasta is rock solid. His syncopated delivery punches through the music and stimulates the listener like few other front men in heavy music. The combination of guitar players Wayne Lozinak and “Florida” Frank Novinec is a 1-2 punch of thunder and thunder. Within the rhythm section of Chris Beattie (bass) and Matt Byrne (drums) there is a cohesion that’s not just seen, but felt within the depth’s of your soul. Beattie’s bass line is thick and calculated while Byrne is one of the hardest hitters in the business. The beauty in the Hatebreed sound is that each instrument line melds into one fiber, while not overstepping to offset the balance. If I had to choose three songs that carried the most weight either socially or personally they would be:

• A.D – The perfect choice to start out The Concrete Confessional. The song metaphorically carries the pain of a nation on its back. Calling for reform, not only in the aspects of actions but in thoughts as well.

 

• From Grace We’ve Fallen – This song highlights the decline of moral qualities and the repercussions from it. With it’s opening verse, it’s obvious what Jasta is eluding to.

\”Sickness has come Disorder comes in many forms See the faces of angels deformed Moral decay, icons razed Witness another glimpse into the darkest age\”

 

• Remember When – Heading the record into the home stretch.. This is bass driven ode to those that live in the “good old days” and refuse to see the damage that it causes versus benefits that living in the present has.

    Bottom Line: In its entirety, The Concrete Confessional fits in common form within the entire Hatebreed catalog and is amazing addition to it as well. All thirteen tracks can each stand on their own and also stand the test of time. -Cooper-