Hatebreed is beyond the pale for me. I always thought I liked metal (I do), I know I like progressive rock, and I always thought I liked music that challenged the perception of what music can be. However, this music pushes my definition of the envelope so far that the envelope may have popped. After a discussion with the person that loaned me this CD, I realize that this group is likely much better in concert with a nearby mosh pit in which you can express the adrenaline generated by this music. The music is loud, very loud, in fact. The lyrics are yelled, not sung. The riffs are continuous, and the bass is heavy. The sound never lets up from beginning to end.

If you like metal, but your idea of metal is groups like King Crimson, Led Zeppelin and early Black Sabbath, this music may be too far out for you. Certainly it is not for us old guys that thought we were keeping up with the times. I think the times have passed me by. Three stars because the music is good, but the lyrics are not challenging, and the singing style has no variation. I wonder where this group will evolve to?


Get ready. . .   March 27, 2002
Tyler Durden (Amherst, MA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

HOLY ...! I'm just finishing my second run through on Hatebreed's new record, and I'm going to have to go and get some tissues pretty soon, because me ears won't stop bleeding. If you want your socks knocked off by the some of the heaviest music around, pick this up. . .and then go and buy it. Don't just stand in the record store with the album in your hand. Now, unlike a lot of other heavy music, and I won't start pointing fingers (cough. . .slipknot. . . sneeze. . mudvayne. . .) this record, and these guys, are able to maintain a sense of dignity. With intelligent and honest lyrics, such as "I have respect, honor and dedication for my family and friends" (Proven), and "We must unlearn the prejudice, we must unlearn the lies," (Hollow Ground), this album manages to rise above the fabricated, thug-oriented, ... music impregnating the metal scene at present(actually, I'd call these guys hardcore, but I think I'm in the minority there.) Of course, don't get the idea that this record is a whining, self-glorifying piece of emo [stuff]. . .oh no. Hatebreed is still [mad], and vocalist Jamie Jasta lets it be known, with a vengeance, with proclamations along the lines of "Every bone in my body will ache 'till I destroy everything you love" (A Call for Blood)and "My empathy has turned to rage. My pity has turned to hatred." (Below the Bottom.) The music itself is great, with some ripping speed metal that at times borders on punk, wonderful, classic hatebreed breakdowns that get out the old aggressions, Mr. Jasta's signature growl/howl (I heard someone call it a bark. . . not the word I'd use, but whatever), and a true artist on the double bass drum backing up the band. All in al this is an amazing hardcore record, so what are you waiting for, go and buy it, [dang it], before they come for you. . .if there's one thing you don't want, it's hatebreed [mad] at you.


Serious metal ear candy   December 29, 2002
N. Durham (Philadelphia, PA)
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

It was inevitable that after Hatebreed's indie smash "Satisfaction is the Death of Desire" that they would soon make the jump to a major label. Most of Hatebreed's fans felt that this would see the selling out of the band. Thankfully though, Hatebreed has maintained their integrity, and has released one hell of a wicked major label debut with "Perseverance". Lead singer Jamey Jasta belts out rhythmic screams while the rest of the band carries on a death metal/grindcore-esque rhythm that is very reminiscent of later Slayer material (Slayer guitarist Kerry King offers his guitar talents on the track "Final Prayer"). Those who have never listened to Hatebreed before, and are more suited to listen to schlock rock bands like Linkin Park, Creed, and Limp Bizkit, will find Jasta's voice grating and annoying, but for older metalheads who remember the days of greatness from Slayer, old Sepultura, early Fear Factory, and Pantera will dig it immediately. "I Will Be Heard", "Your Never Alone", "Final Prayer", "Unloved", and "Smash Your Enemies" are great grinding songs that actually have a real meaning behind them and aren't pretend, phony, or religious. All in all, "Perseverance" might not be as good as the indie classic "Satisfaction is the Death of Desire", but this is one of the best metal albums of the year.


100% pure audio aggression   March 17, 2003
jake smith (Anywhere but here.)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Hatebreed's major label debut "Perseverance" brings in a much more polished sound than the band's past releases. J. Jasta's voice is louder than ever, the guitars are cinder block heavy, and the album is not recommeded for those looking for something in the way of "easy-listening." The fact of the matter is that "Perseverance" is one of the most aggressive albums to come from U.S. shores in quite sometime. The band itself derives many influences ranging from hardcore, heavy metal, and thrash genres. The lyrical content of each song deal with a variety of issues ranging from aggression, hatred, loss, and even goes as far as songs of encouragement and inspiration. The shining moments include songs like "I Will Be Heard", "Below the Bottom"(my top pick), "Hollow Ground", "Final Prayer"w/ a guest guitar solo from Slayer's very own Kerry King, and so on. This CD is great for fans of the hardcore genre, Slayer, Pantera, and so on. Depending on how you look at it, "Perseverance" will either make you wanna rock, or it'll just beat you senseless. Judging by the sound Hatebreed has to offer on this album, I see a bright future ahead for these guys, don't be left in the dark. I also recommend the band's 1997 debut "Satisfaction is the Death of Desire."


Ultra-generic, ultra-cliche nu metal.   April 22, 2003
D. K. Malone (earth)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful

I know there are people out there who happily buy releases from a hundred different bands who all sound exactly the same, with no interest in innovation or originality or creativity. This one's for you, enjoy.