Hatebreed – Jamey Jasta

Hatebreed are one of very few successful hardcore bands that have lasted the last 15 years in the industry. With 5 studio albums, a recent covers album and various live compilations, they have made a firm footprint in the heavy metal scene.  Metal Obsession recently got the chance to speak with Jamey Jasta about the band’s new self titled album and of course their upcoming Australian tour with Machine Head, Bleeding Through and Emmure.

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Metal Obsession: Hey Jamey, welcome to Metal Obsession.

Jamey Jasta: Thanks for having me.

MO: Hatebreed recently finished a massive tour of Europe with Machine Head. How was that tour received?

JJ: It was amazing. It was really interesting there. We played a lot of great shows with Machine Head and we sold out a lot of venues and played some arena shows as well. It’s been really incredible!

MO: The new self titled album has been out for a little under 6 months now. What’s been the reaction from fans towards the new album?

JJ: I think this one has been received the best compared to our previous albums. As far as absorption of songs, lyrics and whatever. There has been some great crowd reactions towards the new album, so we’re really pleased.

MO: Do you think this is Hatebreed’s best album so far?

JJ: I would like to think so, yes. I’ve listened to it the most out of any record we’ve done and I’m pretty happy with it.

MO: Could you tell us how the new album come about. Was there a concept behind it that you wanted to get across to the fans?

JJ: Not really. It had been 3 years. We put out our new live DVD ‘Live Dominance’ and our covers album ‘For the Lions’. Wayne Lozinak rejoined the band, so it seemed like the right time to get back into the studio and make a new album.

MO: Has the song writing dynamic changed much on the new album, or is what you write still heavily driven by aggression and personal ideals?

JJ: Yeah, totally! It’s more of the same recipe there. I like to think that the identity is firmly intact when someone puts it in the CD player, they instantly know it’s Hatebreed. There is new elements and new dimensions in the new material , but you know it’s still Hatebreed and that’s what we wanted to get across to our fans all along.

MO: Have you thought about delving into other song writing avenues with Hatebreed. Maybe going into something you’ve never tried before, or do you feel more comfortable writing an aggressive song?

JJ: We feel more comfortable in the aggressive state when writing music. We seem to be happier that way.

MO: Are you planning to work with any other bands, or do collaborations with other artists in the near future or is Hatebreed your main priority?

JJ: Its Hatebreed all the way. [laughs]

MO: …So no chance of another Icepick release?

JJ: Oh wait, there is! Everything is up in the air right now with other stuff. This tour takes us to Japan, Australia and then we go back to Europe then go to the US for a couple of dates. There is A LOT of touring planned for the new Hatebreed album,  so it will be sometime before I get the chance to work on the next Icepick release.

MO: I’m sure most metal fans know that Hatebreed have been around the scene for over 15 years. Are you at all surprised that Hatebreed has lasted this long in the scene?

JJ: Yeah man! We’re just grateful and very happy that we are able to have this longevity and to keep coming back to our solid fan base. We play for these people who just want to sing along to our music and it just feels great.

MO: What do you think has driven the band to survive the last 15 years?

JJ: Well, coming from nothing you have an appreciation for being able to play all these big shows across the world and you just really want to maintain that feeling. We go out and put on a good show every night. We want to give the fans something of value and just keep carrying the torch.

MO: Hatebreed have been to Australia quite a few times now. What’s one of the main attractions that you enjoy about the country?

JJ: To tell you the truth. EVERYTHING! We love it all. It’s one of our favorite places to tour. It’s just a great place. You have the people, the culture, the summer, the awesome weather…everything.

MO: Are you familiar with the Australian metal scene at all. Do you follow any underground or well known Australian bands?

JJ: Well I’m a big fan of Rose Tattoo. I don’t know if that counts?

MO: That’s a definite yes!

JJ: [laughs] Cool.

MO: Have you seen Rose Tattoo live?

JJ: Not since Pete Wells passed away, but we did do a festival with them in 2005 in Belgium which was great. Angry sounded better than ever!

MO: On that note I better let you go. Anything you want to share with us before we leave?

JJ: Thank you so much for the support. Sorry it’s been almost 3 years, but we are stoked to come back to play for you all. Make sure to check us out on Twitter, Myspace, Facebook…we got all that. Thanks so much for the interview.

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Q’s: Anwar Rizk
A’s: Jamey Jasta
Date: 22/03/2010
Origin: America
http://www.myspace.com/hatebreed

You can catch Hatebreed on tour with Machine Head, Bleeding Through and Emmure in Australia starting this week!

MONDAY 22 MARCH PERTH, METRO CITY – 18+

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849, www.bocsticketing.com.au 78 Records, Mills & Planet Video.

WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH ADELAIDE, THEBARTON THEATRE – Lic A/A

www.venuetix.com.au & Venuetix outlets

THURSDAY 25 MARCH  MELBOURNE, FESTIVAL HALL – Licensed and

www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100         Unlicensed areas available

SATURDAY 27 MARCH BRISBANE, THE HiFi – 18+

www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100

SUNDAY 28 MARCH  SYDNEY, LUNA PARK BIG TOP – Lic A/A

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849, Luna Park Box Office 1300 Big Top & Utopia