Review Summary: Chip away at a mountain; they’re there to stand the tests of time. Unchanging and resolute in their attitude Hatebreed have once again proven that it’s good to do what they do.
Hatebreed have more-or-less become a staple of the genre. This metallic hardcore group have been at it for almost two decades. Without a compromise in neither their attitude, nor their sound; this is what makes Hatebreed well… Hatebreed. It’s been four years since the release of their last studio full-length and considering that Hatebreed have largely relied on the same formulaic approach to their music it was probably a good idea to have a bit of a break and freshen them ol’ bones. At just under forty minutes the resolute and next to un-changing metallic hardcore group present what the listeners expect; an affair with no frills, wankery or simply any unnecessary frivolous attitudes that would in turn limit this established acts straight-forward, fists out approach.
One thing that’s noticeable on a first listen is that
The Divinity Of Purpose is a largely live album. Not in the sense that someone rigged up a microphone and camera catching all the action and the crowds rambunctious response. Rather, the even passages, gang chants and thick grooves all promote a head-banging, moshing affair in a live setting. This can only be considered a positive thing for a band that has always paid homage to their fans and supporters. Sit back and find yourself drawn into that constant thumping tempo.
As for content,
The Divinity Of Purpose does not really defer from past Hatebreed records. Highly charged themes along the lines of ‘Honor Never Dies’ where context is roughly about standing up for friends and family and ‘Nothing Scars Me’ where getting through life and deflecting negativity of others seems to be the main premise on which the album is built. Jasta it seems, has built off the same lyrical content and is stronger and more adamant about his approach. Along with the mid-to-fast tempo that seems to maintain itself throughout the entire of the record Hatebreed has managed to create an emotive, fist-swinging album full of super-charged hooks and straight-forward progressions.
Overall, there’s not a lot to say on an album that was released by a band largely unchanged over the course of their career. For Hatebreed,
The Divinity Of Purpose promotes everything the band itself has achieved over the years, highlighting the fact that a band shouldn’t have to do anything revolutionary when their fan base is calling for the same thing over and over again. Hatebreed are on par with albums such as the sophomore
Perseverance and acclaimed release
Rise Of Brutality and depending on the preferences of the listener
The Divinity of Purpose may just surpass in terms of consistent quality. Hatebreed are truly the mountain of the hardcore genre, infusing metal to craft one of the most consistent catalogues in the genre. The band is stronger than ever resolute, un-moving and here until they say otherwise.
