LimeWire Music Blog

The last time I saw Hatebreed was on the mainstage at Ozzfest and the 20,000-seat amphitheater was packed with maniacal fans of the Connecticut hardcore machine. So it was much to my surprise – and delight – that they turned up at a secret show last night at Harper’s Ferry, a small Boston club usually reserved for baby bands and up-and-comers. Jamey Jasta and co. came on early and ignited the small club with a tight one-hour set that had old-school thugs and new-school hardcore kids alike slamming.

Hatebreed may hail from hardscrabble Bridgeport, Conn. but they’re honorary members of Boston’s legendary hardcore scene as they made their bones playing the region’s all-ages halls and clubs in the 1990s. It was their relentless touring in Massachusetts – and Jasta’s local show promoting – that helped foster the Boston scene that spawned bands like Unearth, Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall. The locals rabidly paid their respects and the show had a decidedly hometown feel.

They blasted through several tracks from their new self-titled disc, giving the songs a dry run in preparation for a national tour. It was classic Hatebreed – all muscle, groove and pit-inciting pummel. Jasta’s voice was in top form – how this dude hasn’t busted his vocal chords is a mystery. But it wasn’t just his hardcore roar that sent chills shooting up spines – it was also his infectious energy, riveting stage presence and knack for turning gang chants into catchy anthems. And they continued to bound outside the hardcore box into more metal territory as guitarists Frank Novinec and Wayne Lozinak churned out thrashy riffs and traded off face-melting solos all night. Yes, they can pack arenas but really a club is the best place to feel this band’s crushing impact.

images by Dave Wedge