Artist: Jasta
Title: Jasta
Genre: Metalcore / Hardcore
Release Date: 22nd July 2011
Label: Century Media
Album Review
Jamey Jasta! Those who know that name probably recognize this performer as part of the legendary band HATEBREED, which has been known as one of the more prolific hardcore bands of early 2000. Ever since ‘Perseverance’, Jasta and crew have strove to create meaningful hardcore music that is not only catchy, but also deeply emotional; almost all the songs are based on Jasta’s personal life, beliefs, and his own battles with inspiration to overcome. Jasta is also part of the sludge Metalcore group, KINGDOM OF SORROW, which at first felt like a HATEBREED knockoff, but by their sophomore album they developed into something a little more unique. Now, Jasta is unleashing his own solo album that is a mix between both bands, with a little something more to make it stand out on its own. At first, it may feel like HATEBREED all over again, considering the first track ‘Walk That Path Alone’ just hits hard and heavy with the same chugging type of rhythms, but it gets better over time.
Aside from the large slew of guests such as vocalist Phil Labonte from ALL THAT REMAINS on “Something You Should Know” or guitarist Zakk Wylde on ‘The Fearless Must Endure’, Jasta also tries to add his own depth of cleaner vocals, which sound a lot better than they did on the last HATEBREED or KINGDOM OF SORROW album. When coupled with a guest vocalist, it’s clear that his roar is better than his singing (save for on ‘Enslaved…’ with the help of Randy Blythe of LAMB OF GOD, whose growls are equally ferocious), but on a track like ‘Mourn The Illusion’ he sounds pretty decent, similar to PANTERA or even a band like DIVINE HERESY, with the Bellmore brothers working their instruments between a Metalcore chug with some more technical ‘stop and go’ moments thrown in for fun. ‘Anthem Of The Freedom Fighter’ has a great message to the music which usually lives up to the usual Jasta lyrical expectation with a trudging sound that sounds a bit like the sludge Metalcore from KINGDOM OF SORROW. And who could forget the pummelling ‘Death Bestowed’ which is almost completely instrumental in a Metalcore sense, save for a bit of vocal work in the beginning.
For those who really like HATEBREED, they’re going to love this album. For those who hate HATEBREED and think it is just generic hardcore metal, they still might enjoy this album simply because Jasta tries to step outside the box of his usual music boundaries to try and create something a bit more while still maintaining a strong message. If one cannot appreciate the man for his musical arrangement, at least appreciate him for the importance he stresses on inspiring hope through it. Jasta usually includes some sort of background explanation for every track to try and get his point across, so expect a few important linear notes to go along with the music (if one picks up a physical copy). The album is a bit brief, but that is typical with a lot of hardcore genre based music. Even so, this is probably to be one of the better hardcore albums of 2011!
Tracklist
01. Walk That Path Alone - 2:16
02. Mourn The Illusion - 3:15
03. Screams From The Sanctuary - 3:04
04. Nothing They Say - 4:01
05. Anthem Of The Freedom Fighter - 3:41
06. Something You Should Know (featuring Phil Labonte) - 2:53
07. Set You Adrift - 3:23
08. Enslaved, Dead Or Depraved (featuring D. Randall Blythe) - 3:04
09. With A Resounding Voice (featuring Tim Lambesis) - 3:05
10. The Fearless Must Endure (featuring Zakk Wylde) - 3:13
11. Heart Of Warrior (featuring Mike Vallely) - 1:57
12. Death Bestowed (featuring Mark Morton) - 3:32
Line-up
Jamey Jasta - Vocals
Nick Bellmore - Drums, Percussions & Guitar
Charlie Bellmore- Guitar & Bass
Website
http://www.jameyjasta.com
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Total 8.5 / 10
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