Hatebreed - Perseverance (2002)Release ID: 5373
So I've been into metal for nearly a decade, including the first 5 years when I preferred power metal. However, the rest of you in this site have only known me for 3 years now in a time when metalcore was dominant in my metal liking. I definitely see more appeal now to lyrics of hate for metalcore fans to love. Rising from Connecticut, Hatebreed, has been active for nearly 3 decades, with the only two founding members still active being vocalist Jamey Jasta and bassist Chris Beattie. This band has been quite strong and successful, having released a solid 9 studio albums since 1997, including their 2002 second album Perseverance!
The artwork is as basic as the album, depicting what appears to be the band's logo with two spiky black maces, all on fire. The name "Perseverance" can be seen below. You can see it as some sort of face! Anyway, the artwork is not bad, but they could've made better effort. The logo stands out the most in the artwork. The name is also suitable for the band's motive to persevere with their sound and career.
The band prove their heavy aggressive metalcore sound in "Proven", blasting through for believers to rock on with them while the doubters are given a big fat "f*** you". This banger can get things moshing in no time and, at two and a half minutes long, the hellfire doesn't last too long. The title track keeps up what the first track had, a blast in the face and b*lls. Enhancing the metalcore approach very well is how clear the vocals sound, so you can hear the lyrical message better. Persevere against these hard times! "You're Never Alone" is for those who don't feel enough appreciation or mental health in life. This would definitely help us more now than 20 years ago, since we have a certain virus going on. You're encouraged to brush aside those issues and come to peace with what you really love. This is why metalcore and other heavier metal genres should not be knocked until tried. This band says a f***ing lot more than lame pop stars. "I Will Be Heard" motivates you to get up on your feet and stab your enemies with your middle finger. Aggressive metalcore greatness! It also appears in the Vin Diesel film xXx, which is one reason why I'm here in this review. "A Call For Blood" changes the narrative into more hate, targeting possibly the 8-year presidential tenure of Bill Clinton. Jamey's words cut sharply like swords in that angry thrasher.
"Below the Bottom" brings the lyrics back to normality while adding a twist. Sure it's about self-belief, but the story is about the enemy sinking below the bottom in the pit of lies while the hero rises out of there. F***ing rad, right?!? A shorter one and a half minute track is "We Still Fight", continuing the theme of belief and dedicated to the military who has helped the country stay safe. Short yet sharp, though slightly forgettable. "Unloved" can be considered the most hateful breakup song in existence. This might or might not be the right song to send to your partner that you're tired of, like a huge "f*** you" to that partner. Moving on, that track is not too bad, but a bit bland. "Bloodsoaked Memories" is a composition I like for the switch in gear. The drumming really drives along here. Riffing is drawn out while staying aggressive. However, the lyrics are just painful to fear, continue the power of hate but with something missing. Rolling on from the last track's riff, "Hollow Ground" opens nicely yet loudly, shouting to the masses for them all to fight back with their fists up high. I'm happy that the album's back on track after the bumpy middle. G****mn it, that's a great fight anthem!
"Final Prayer" signifies the human race being destroyed by greedy leaders fighting for infinite power. It's hard and heavy as usual, ending with killer guitar soloing by Slayer's Kerry King. The lyrical message is quite bleak, since the power would destroy us before we could have a chance to fight back. "Smash Your Enemies" is re-recorded from their hardcore demo EP Under the Knife. The great intro has some of the heaviest growling and vibe here, as the lyrics detail destroying your enemy with the strong power of the previous track, in interesting depth. "Healing to Suffer Again" would have you raising your flag in a battle to protect your mental health, which the vocalist might've been struggling in, considering the lack of the earlier perseverance. "Judgement Strikes (Unbreakable)" is quite decent for another short track, with a clear message of hate. "Remain Nameless" is the final real song, and a more complete one to once more strike down haters. The "Outro" is quick a 40-second jam hinting at what would come next...
I'm glad to enjoy this album. Even though the middle tracks are a bit dull, the ones in the start and end are highlights with clear messages. Hatebreed and Killswitch Engage were competing against each other in the reign of metalcore popularity, but both bands should be checked out by fans of the genre. Hatebreed shall please the metal breed!
Favorites: "Proven", "You're Never Alone", "I Will Be Heard", "Below the Bottom", "Hollow Ground", "Final Prayer", "Smash Your Enemies", "Remain Nameless"
