For Your Listening Pleasure: Hatebreed "The Divinity of Purpose"

By: Tim Grzecki
@TJetski971
Hatebreed The Divinity of Purpose 01/29/13 Razor & Tie

I've never gotten into Hatebreed.  When they broke out in the late 90's I was still just getting into heavy music…and at the time they were too heavy for me.  Over the years I have seen them numerous times live, always finding them to be a good live band, but not something I've felt compelled to buy.  Much like AC/DC or Nickelback, Hatebreed songs all kind of sound the same to me.  But my appreciation of heavy music has expanded and progressed…much like my waistband and age.  So, I decided to check out The Divinity of Purpose.

Front man Jamey Jasta describes Divinity as "all pit, no…." Well I can't put the last word but use your imagination and your ability to rhyme…I'm sure you will figure it out.  After I read that quote my first thought was "HELL YEAH!!!"  My second thought though was "isn't that every Hatebreed album?"  Either way, this album delivers plenty of opportunities to thrash around wildly in a circle of drunken sweaty men.

Divinity sounds like how I imagine it feels to receive rapid and repeated stiff jabs to the chin.  This album hits hard from front to back.  It's a 12 track 37 minute ass whipping.  Everything I've come to expect from seeing Hatebreed live is on this album.  The riffs are quick and heavy.  The drums are pummeling.  The band does manage a couple surprises inside the formula.  "The Language" has a guitar solo.  The beginnings of "Indivisible" and title track "The Divinity of Purpose" are bass driven as opposed to guitar.

Jasta barks his way through his lyrics, straight forward and aggressive, while being backed by catchy gang vocals.  For a man that sounds so angry, his message is uplifting.  "Own Your World" starts off by asking "who has more heart than you?' and answers with a resounding "NO ONE!!"  "Honor Never Dies" preaches standing for your own beliefs, even if it means going against the crowd.  If you can't believe in yourself after Jasta berates you, seek professional help.

The content of Divinity will be a good addition to Hatebreed's live set, though I don't think it's a great listen from front to back.  Not too surprising for an album that's made for moshing.  Those stiff jabs to the chin unfortunately begin to blend together.  The songs are all solid however, so they would make great additions to your gym or road trip soundtracks.

Final Grade: C