CD Reviews

Hatebreed – The Concrete Confessional (review)

Published

8 years ago

July 6, 2016

Alexa Linger

Hatebreed – The Concrete Confessional (review)

By Alexa Linger

Connecticut metalcore band Hatebreed, made up of Jamey Jasta (lead vocals), Chris Beattie (bass guitar), Frank Novinec (guitar), Wayne Lozinak (guitar), and Matt Byrne (drums), has recently released The Concrete Confessional, their seventh studio album since forming in 1994 (though this is not the original lineup). Combining old school thrash and hardcore punk rock with heavy metal, they have artfully bridged several genres to become a prominent force within the hardcore scene. (They describe their music as ‘hardcore metal’). The Concrete Confessional is exactly what fans have come to expect from their albums – a wild, powerful ride that makes you hold on until the very last second.

As always, Jamey Jasta spits pointed lyrics that you can’t help but sing (or scream) along to. (My husband and I were in the car rocking out to “Looking Down the Barrel of Today” and shouting along to the catchy, sing-along chorus: “Once had a shotgun to my head – they said I wasn’t worth the bullets/ Now, the world is my trigger and I’m here to fucking pull it”). But as catchy and energetic as the album is, there’s a message. In fact, The Concrete Confessional is a social commentary on greed, the rise of terrorism, and the fading promise of The American Dream (the prominent theme in the song A.D.).

The Concrete Confessional has the same passion (and anger) that is a signature of Hatebreed. They’ve channeled their frustration and paired it with shrieking guitar riffs and pounding, busy drumming. Also, each song is brief and focused – it gets in and gets out, but not before shaking things up.

Overall, The Concrete Confessional is a solid and memorable album. It’s cohesive (from the first song to the last – none of the songs feel disjointed or like they don’t belong) and accomplishes its goal of making you feel something. Further, it will keep you interested until the last track and become a staple in your record collection.

About Author

Alexa Linger

See author's posts

Related Topics:Hatebreed jamey jasta THE CONCRETE CONFESSIONAL

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

See author's posts

CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

2 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue

About Author

Ron

See author's posts

CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2024

JJ Ulizio

9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.

Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

See author's posts