HATEBREED is an American metalcore band from Bridgeport, Connecticut, formed in 1994. They have released nine albums, most recently ''Weight of the False Self'' on November 27, 2020. This is the first full-length album since ''The Concrete Confessional'' that was released back in May of 2016.

I discovered them back in the late 90's-early 2000's because a friend of mine from College was listening to them. Metalcore was obviously not something I was aware that much and was in my metal bubble for such a long time. I was deeply impressed by the attitude and drive of the band and how aggressive it could be with the breakdowns and harsher vocals. I was thoroughly impressed by HATEBREED and we listened to all the albums that he had, I think it was only two of them and they were solid.

I can compare the experience with this album, solid yet unspectacular. The musical evolution between 2000 and 2020 is pretty much non-existent. It's like listening to the same album back in the day, I mean it's really a good album but you obviously don't need to listen to it again and again. You can shuffle a lot of songs from their discography and it can be from various albums and it's mostly the same song and dance. I like the band, I am a fan of them but in small doses nonetheless.

This album has their best lyrics yet, that has always been one of their forces and for a band that does Metalcore, they are above and beyond anyone in that field. They are thought provoking and this album is about someone that is living someone's else's life. A person that is on a high pedestal, living the high life to the detriment of other people. It can be a cult leader or religious zealot, you live a fake life to take advantage of others and at one time or another, you will hit a brick wall.

People can abuse their power and the guilt of it can be such a burden and it becomes heavier and heavier. Sometimes people will collapse and it's going to be shown to the whole world what they were really about. The album also talks about people pretending to people that they are not and that's one thing I hate in humanity as a whole so I guess those lyrics hit home.

The most positive message from this album is to say that it's not too late to be a better person, to right the wrong, to right the ship. You can be a bad person or try to live the high life but it's never too late to change and be a better person in life for others, it can be family, friends, coworkers or even your followers. ''Dig Your Way Out'' and ''Set it Right'' are prime examples of a positive message, uplifting message that it can be sorted out if you have the will to do it.

''From Gold to Gray'' and ''The Herd Will Scatter'' are the two songs that talk about hitting rock bottom after living a false life for so long. The message is not about hope but what can happen to someone that is portraying something that he is or she is not. The pressure of being that false god or that false best friend, lover and whatnot can get too you and you will hit rock bottom no matter how hard you try. From riches to rags, from false prophet to follower of a nameless god, you will feel alone like you never felt before.

The message is powerful, the lyrics are strong yet the music is redundant and it could have been written back 20 years ago because it sounds pretty much the same. Their music was revolutionary back in the day but it hasn't evolved (or barely evolved). This is a solid album but it lacks creative output unfortunately. It's a one and done yet the band you can listen to them here and there and be happy about it but it's not something you will listen to each day. A good band in small doses...