Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta has questioned why metal’s live following doesn’t translate into more mainstream exposure, asking why he rarely hears bands such as In Flames and Trivium in everyday settings.
Speaking with Full Metal Jackie in an interview published by Loudwire, Jasta argued that heavy music’s ability to draw crowds isn’t reflected in the attention it receives outside the scene.
He pointed to the music playing in shops, explaining that while he enjoys country songs about beer, trucks and relationships, he would like to hear a wider selection.
“I don’t drink, but I love the idea of someone just drinking on their flatbed truck. But why do I have to walk into TJ Maxx or Marshalls and hear it 150 times? Why can’t I walk in and hear the new In Flames or Trivium or whatever?”
His argument extended to country itself. Jasta questioned why songs tackling subjects such as the opioid crisis and political corruption receive less promotion than those built around familiar, lighter themes.
“I think it’s important for us to say let’s push those positive songs forward. Let’s push songs with a message forward.”
Hatebreed ‘The Carrion Choir’ video
The conversation also covered Fatal Paradox, released on Friday, November 6th through BLKIIBLK. Produced by Chris “Zeuss” Harris, it is Hatebreed’s ninth studio album and their first since 2020’s Weight Of The False Self.
Jasta said recording before approaching labels gave the band time to develop every song as a potential single, rather than concentrating their efforts on one obvious choice. They were prepared to fund and distribute the album themselves if the offers weren’t right.
Speaking with us recently, drummer Matt Byrne described the same freedom in our interview about making the record: “There’s no timeline, there’s no deadlines, you’re doing it for you.”
The sessions also left Hatebreed with plenty of unused material. Jasta said they probably have another album’s worth of songs, leaving open the possibility of a Fatal Paradox follow-up. No second release has been announced.
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