Hatebreed - Weight of the False Self Album Review

As fans within the metal community, we run this strange line of punishing bands for straying from their established style, whilst simultaneously vilifying them for releasing the same thing over and over again. However, some bands have a tried and tested no frills approach that works, and they stick rigidly to it. One of those bands is Hatebreed, here with their new album Weight Of The False Self.

A prominent band within the hardcore and heavy metal scene. Smashing out groovy metallic hardcore riffs with reckless abandon over the past 15+ years. Accompanied by vocalist Jamey Jasta‘s calls of inspiration, Connecticut’s angry residents have very much an established style which they have stuck to through to this, their eighth studio album.

I have always felt with Hatebreed that their material particularly comes to life when played live. Simple pounding riffs, chorus’ to shout along to, glorious mosh pit breakdowns demanding you punch random strangers in the face. Going to a Hatebreed gig on a school night takes a particular bravery when you have to explain the black eyes to your boss the next day.

Opening track Instinctive (Slaughterlust) hits like Straight To Your Face of old, for sub 3 minutes of pounding rhythm and we’re back straight into the wheelhouse of what Hatebreed do best. The usual self motivational lyrics are present throughout. “If you want to make a difference in the world it means, you have to be different from the world you see”. I could easily see that in cloudy font on the wall of a hipster coffee shop. With the cycle of division, hatred and persecution throughout the world today, maybe we need these words more than ever.

Cling to Life takes a more melodic approach, breaking things up nicely half way through the album. A Stroke of Red then hits straight out of Machine Head‘s nu-metal phase. It works surprisingly well and again provides just a small change that keeps the album interesting. Dig Your Way Out takes a heavy thrash metal influence. This I Earned ends with a slam breakdown so filthy I need to be hosed down just listening to it.

This album does nothing to break the mould, but that really isn’t the point. Resolutely consistent, Weight Of The False Self delivers exactly what was expected. The little flavours of thrash, slam and nu-metal that pierce the centre of the album keep it fresh for a whirlwind 35 minutes. The more things change, the more they stay the same. If Hatebreed keep delivering, then I shall keep listening.

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