Hatebreed
Sugarmill, Stoke
24 February 2010

Queues going round the building, angst-filled fans and the smell of stale beer were some of characteristics of the Sugarmill as it prepared to be truly abused by the almighty Hatebreed. All rushing in to either claim position at the front of the stage or running off to quench that nicotine demon, the venue filled up nicely with people of all ages.

Once the crowd had settled down Exhibit A hit the stage, and for the first band up they did a pretty good job of revving up the crowd. With enough dreads in the band to put Bob Marley to shame, they blitzed through savage songs with sickening drum beats and breakdowns that blew your face off. Despite the painful and out of place singing that was sewn into some of their unique songs, they were confident, enjoyable and were responsible for a wall of death half way through the set.

Sworn to Oath were up next to bat, and from the get go their energy levels were through the roof. Sworn To Oath unfortunately had barely any screaming in their songs but had plenty of killer pinch harmonic riffs to boot. With a front man that could tear you a new one with a single glance and a guitarist that had James Hetfield”s voice box on loan for the night, the band held their own and shredded like there was no tomorrow.

With the stench of sweat and excitement in the musky air, the lights dimmed and as the members of Hatebreed filtered on stage the crowd went mental. Kicking the show off with “I Will Be Heard” hoody-clad Jamey Jasta took command of the crowd, swaying and growling “Now is the time for me to rise to my feet.”.Blatantly on form Hatebreed delivered a humble yet ferocious performance, with the entire audience bouncing in time to the diabolical riffs. Fist raised high, Jamey continued the onslaught with “In Ashes They Shall Reap” making the crowd erupt with sheer mayhem and mosh. Igniting an automatic circle pit, epic anthem “Live For This” ripped through the speakers shattering at least several spines and fracturing a few skulls. Old-school favourite “Straight To Your Face”, “As Die Hard as They Come” and “Merciless Tide” were also among the ear-shattering tunes. After a few technical difficulties and Jamey having to change mics several times he announced “Take these out back and burn them!”, receiving a hefty cheer from the fans. Saving the crowd pleaser for last, the band finally played “Destroy Everything”, and the audience took those words literally. As soon as the sickening bass line kicked in like an apocalyptic bowel movement, bodies surfed over people”s heads, plastic cups took flight and at least 35 people probably had a near-death experience. Earlier on in the set Jamey admitted to the crowd, “If you guys don”t leave here a little bruised up… then we haven”t done our job properly”.

Job done. Enough said.

Review by Becki K