Hatebreed has risen to the top of the hardcore heap through incessant touring, a strong work ethic, and above all, some brutally heavy and downright catchy music. When I listen to a Hatebreed album I have no choice but to bang my head and feel the adrenaline flow. This is a typical reaction from a Hatebreed fan, there is something about their music that gets the blood flowing.
Fortunately, there is more to it than that. I would never go so far as to call their lyrics deep, but they do serve a purpose, they speak to the alienated and disenfranchised, makes them feel like a part of a family, something bigger. It is where front man Jamey Jasta came from, and he is doing his part to give back, make sure no one is left behind. Well, maybe that is a bit lofty of an ideal, but I am sure it is not far from the truth, and when you see how much energy they leave on the stage at their shows, it is not hard to believe the genuine affection Jamey and Hatebreed have for their fans and love they have for the music. Live Dominance is a testament to that live show.
My experience with Hatebreed dates back to the early days, shortly after the release of Satisfaction is the Death of Desire. It was back in 1998, they were opening for Soulfly, and I did not care for them. If I remember correctly my thoughts were along the lines of: "They remind me of a low-rent Pantera with no stage presence." Obviously my thoughts have changed over the years. The turnaround began when I ran into my childhood best friend, Matt Byrne. I asked if he was still playing drums and he told me he was in Hatebreed. Of course I had to go out and check them out again. I picked up Perseverance and immediately became a fan. No, not because I know Matt, but because the music was good, and has gotten consistently better over their two subsequent releases. Now, there is a DVD that is worthy of their increasing stature.
Live Dominance was filmed at Harpo's in Detroit, MI, during the Supremacy tour, in front of a sold out crowd. Believe me when I tell you that the crowd was into every moment of the 75-minute set. From the moment the band first appeared onstage to the final notes and goodbye, they pit was moving, swirling, churning, a veritable sea of people in motion from all angles.
page 1 | 2 | 3