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14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Extreme Music - One Style Only, February 27, 2003
"Perseverance" is fast, hard, metal, hardcore, and basic. Thrash metal, death metal; whatever you may call it, the first CD for a major label by this group is just as unrepentant as any self-produced metal group ever thought to be.Hatebreed is beyond the pale for me. I always thought I liked metal (I do), I know I like progressive rock, and I always thought I liked music that challenged the perception of what music can be. However, this music pushes my definition of the envelope so far that the envelope may have popped. After a discussion with the person that loaned me this CD, I realize that this group is likely much better in concert with a nearby mosh pit in which you can express the adrenaline generated by this music. The music is loud, very loud, in fact. The lyrics are yelled, not sung. The riffs are continuous, and the bass is heavy. The sound never lets up from beginning to end. If you like metal, but your idea of metal is groups like King Crimson, Led Zeppelin and early Black Sabbath, this music may be too far out for you. Certainly it is not for us old guys that thought we were keeping up with the times. I think the times have passed me by. Three stars because the music is good, but the lyrics are not challenging, and the singing style has no variation. I wonder where this group will evolve to?
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get ready. . ., March 26, 2002
HOLY ...! I'm just finishing my second run through on Hatebreed's new record, and I'm going to have to go and get some tissues pretty soon, because me ears won't stop bleeding. If you want your socks knocked off by the some of the heaviest music around, pick this up. . .and then go and buy it. Don't just stand in the record store with the album in your hand. Now, unlike a lot of other heavy music, and I won't start pointing fingers (cough. . .slipknot. . . sneeze. . mudvayne. . .) this record, and these guys, are able to maintain a sense of dignity. With intelligent and honest lyrics, such as "I have respect, honor and dedication for my family and friends" (Proven), and "We must unlearn the prejudice, we must unlearn the lies," (Hollow Ground), this album manages to rise above the fabricated, thug-oriented, ... music impregnating the metal scene at present(actually, I'd call these guys hardcore, but I think I'm in the minority there.) Of course, don't get the idea that this record is a whining, self-glorifying piece of emo [stuff]. . .oh no. Hatebreed is still [mad], and vocalist Jamie Jasta lets it be known, with a vengeance, with proclamations along the lines of "Every bone in my body will ache 'till I destroy everything you love" (A Call for Blood)and "My empathy has turned to rage. My pity has turned to hatred." (Below the Bottom.) The music itself is great, with some ripping speed metal that at times borders on punk, wonderful, classic hatebreed breakdowns that get out the old aggressions, Mr. Jasta's signature growl/howl (I heard someone call it a bark. . . not the word I'd use, but whatever), and a true artist on the double bass drum backing up the band. All in al this is an amazing hardcore record, so what are you waiting for, go and buy it, [dang it], before they come for you. . .if there's one thing you don't want, it's hatebreed [mad] at you.
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Serious metal ear candy, December 28, 2002
It was inevitable that after Hatebreed's indie smash "Satisfaction is the Death of Desire" that they would soon make the jump to a major label. Most of Hatebreed's fans felt that this would see the selling out of the band. Thankfully though, Hatebreed has maintained their integrity, and has released one hell of a wicked major label debut with "Perseverance". Lead singer Jamey Jasta belts out rhythmic screams while the rest of the band carries on a death metal/grindcore-esque rhythm that is very reminiscent of later Slayer material (Slayer guitarist Kerry King offers his guitar talents on the track "Final Prayer"). Those who have never listened to Hatebreed before, and are more suited to listen to schlock rock bands like Linkin Park, Creed, and Limp Bizkit, will find Jasta's voice grating and annoying, but for older metalheads who remember the days of greatness from Slayer, old Sepultura, early Fear Factory, and Pantera will dig it immediately. "I Will Be Heard", "Your Never Alone", "Final Prayer", "Unloved", and "Smash Your Enemies" are great grinding songs that actually have a real meaning behind them and aren't pretend, phony, or religious. All in all, "Perseverance" might not be as good as the indie classic "Satisfaction is the Death of Desire", but this is one of the best metal albums of the year.
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