Album Review: The Divinity of Purpose by Hatebreed

Accurately described by longtime frontman Jamey Jasta as "All pit, no shit," Hatebreed's sixth long-player, their first since 2009's covers extravaganza For the Lions, and eponymous fifth studio album, is as reliable as black electrical tape and as brutal as the current it shields. Meatier and more hardcore-centric than their last offering, the 12-track Divinity of Purpose holds true to the band's penchant for crafting punk-infused, motivational slabs of workout metal (the audio equivalent of barbells) that bridges the gap between "Institutionalized"-era Suicidal Tendencies, Pantera, and Converge. Jasta's intense delivery remains unchanged, relying on a conversational, Henry Rollins-esque cadence that flirts with melody without ever closing the deal.

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For those familiar with the past output of hardcore legends Hatebreed, the band’s founder, vocalist and lyricist, Jamey Jasta, is like having a personal trainer in your life—you don’t actually want him spitting motivational diatribes in your ear-hole as you sweat profusely, but your sure as hell feel the benefit afterwards. Hatebreed are a hardcore institution, and comparisons to drill sergeants, stern leaders etc. have all been leveled at the feet of Jasta since the band’s formation in 1994.

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Review Summary: It's Hatebreed doing what they do best. Take it or leave it.Supremacy was the culmination of Hatebreed’s effort to create the perfect blend of metal and hardcore. The album was unrelenting yet catchy and powered through its short runtime with nary a bit of filler in sight. With that success under their belt, the band moved towards a more metal-dominated sound on their self-titled release; and who could blame them? It wasn’t like there was much chance of them surpassing Supremacy, and it was probably time for a change anyway.

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