Whenever a cover CD comes out, weather it’s from Metallica, Guns and Roses, Tool, or Hatebreed you generally get mixed reactions from fans. Some will love it, others will not. Some will say it was merely a copout to release a collection of cover songs, while others will realize it for what it is. A bands way to pay homage to all the different bands that had an influence on their sound, and upbringing. For the Lions is a tribute of sorts and should be considered as such. When one listens to a band like Hatbreed you begin to hear all the many different musical influences. Thus on For the Lions you will hear a wide array of cover songs that fit this bill. You will hear music by the likes of Cro-Mags, Suicidal Tendencies, Madball, Obituary,Slayer, and yes even Metallica. Listeners should appreciate this cover CD for what it is, an honorable tribute to all the different bands that influenced on Hatebreed.
For the Lions was released in early May 2009. It has over 48 minutes of music and I’m here to tell you it’s one hell of a ride. The best pieces of course come at you fast and furious. You will no doubt recognize covers from classic Misfits like “Hatebreeders" which leads me to wonder if that song had a role in this bands name. They also blaze through classic Black Flag's "Thirsty and Miserable," Agnostic Front's "Your Mistake" and D.R.I.'s "Evil Minds." Make no bones about it; those songs belong on this CD. I was especially impressed with Metallica's "Escape" and Slayers’ “Ghosts of War.” My favorite track is “Suicidal Maniac” by Suicidal Tendencies, they drilled that one perfectly.
Though these are all cover songs, Hatebreed took some serious risks by making them all their own. Frontman Jimmy Jasta should get a lot of credit here. He clearly ventures away from his normal vocal style, and sounds a lot like the bands he is covering, but all the while sounding like himself in the process. This is not an easy thing to do, but he executes it perfectly.
For the Lions has a wide range of music. You will find punk, rock to hard rock, metal to modern metalcore, groove, and death metal, and even some speed metal. Another special treat is the return of Hatebreed's original guitarist Wayne Lozniak after the exit of Sean Martin. Hatebreed has been hitting it hard since 1994. Being a cover CD and the bands 9th release this album feels very much like a fresh release to me. It’s clearly something new and different from Hatebreed. Once again many bands like Tool, Guns & Roses, Metallica have released cover CD’s in the past, so why not Hatebreed? I can’t come up with a good reason why they shouldn’t.
Cyrus Rhodes – Muzikreviews.com Staff
June 28, 2009
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