Hatebreed – Weight Of The False Self

Label: Nuclear Blast   Playing Time: 35 Min  Release 27th November 2020

Hatebreed are some sort of acoustic wrecking ball. Full stop. This is well-known from past releases and it is also demonstrated by Jamey Jasta and his sidekicks on “Weight Of The World”. Hatebreed have often shown an acoustic balancing act between (Thrash) Metal and Hardcore. The played at festivals like Wacken Open Air, supported bands like Slayer and Kreator on tour and have released their last (and also the current) album on Nuclear Blast. This shows their high credibility in the Heavy Metal scene.

“Weight Of The World” fits perfectly into the production line of this band. Fast (Thrash) Metal riffs meet the typical Hardcore like shouts of Jamey Jasta. The result is again a collection of first class wrecking balls, just like the opener ‘Instinctive (Slaughterlust)’, ‘Let Them All Rot’ and ‘A Stroke Of Red’. In comparison with top Thrash Metal bands, I personally miss the element of guitar leads. Besides some short solo parts, there is only ‘Cling For Life’ that features melodic guitar leads. It really provides an upgrade for the song and makes it quite different from the rest. Please more of that! In the second half of the album, the hit ratio is reduced. The riffs become more monotonous and less distinctive and the shouted choruses are less catchy. What a pity. Therefore, all in all, “Weight Of The World” is only on an average level.

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