Whether we are referring to the chemical element or to the music, the word metal often leads to the same question: ‘what kind of metal?’ Tonight the answer is Metalcore (metallic hardcore). This is a compound of extreme metal and hardcore punk.
Sometimes it’s difficult to fully understand the labelling system given to some of these sub-genres. Basically, Hatebreed have the aggressive grooves and gigantic riffs of a metal band like Pantera with the spirit and lyrics of a hardcore punk band like Sick Of It All. Their style of music is a fusion of genres and we recognise the influence of many different bands.
The dress code for Metalcore consists predominantly of short hair (preferably bald), baseball cap, three-quarter length jeans and beard. This applies to both men and women. Heavy metal conventions, such as longhaired men wearing denim and leather or studded cuffs, have been abandoned. During their nineteen years together Hatebreed have developed a style of their own with music that is unique in the field and embodies the generic prototype. Fans know roughly what to expect and like most metalheads, we enjoy the familiar vibes.
Vocalist Jamey Jasta has a great connection with the crowd. His lyrics are hostile and direct not unlike the rantings of The Exploited’s Wattie Buchan (when his band went from street punk to hardcore in the 90s). Jasta´s raw, throaty vocals and the loud, foot-stomping power of the music combine with a contagious energy. Jasta encourages us to break out into a huge circle pit throughout the gig. Levels of action vary but everybody in the Concorde is nodding, moshing or jittering frantically to the speedy grooves.
Hatebreed’s set contains a healthy selection of tracks from throughout their career with some emphasis on the first two studio albums. We hear ‘Burn The Lies’ and ‘Burial For The Living’ from the first LP ‘Satisfaction Is The Death Of Desire’, as well as ‘Last Breath’ in tribute to their late guitarist Lou Richards who committed suicide in 2006. They play ‘A Call For Blood’, ‘Proven’ and the anthem ‘I Will Be Heard’ from 2002’s ‘Perseverance’. The crowd’s chant to the chorus of ‘In Ashes They Shall Reap’ is a highlight and promises to remain in our head for the week of work ahead:
“Born to bleed / Fighting to succeed
Built to endure what this world throws at me”
Hatebreed have an impressive history of slots on big festival bills; they’ve toured with huge bands and even had a Grammy nomination. After nearly two decades it seems there is very little this band can’t achieve. Hatebreed kick off the UK leg of their 2013 tour in full force and Brighton´s metal massive happily accept the impact.
Concorde2, Sunday 28 April 2013
Words by John Mclean
Photos by Charles Shepherd
