Hatebreed – For The Lions (2009)
Normally, I am not a fan of cover albums, finding them lame at best. It’s always been my belief that if a band is going to take the time to go into the studio and record an albums worth of someone else’s material, why can’t they make the extra effort and record their own songs? However, Hatebreed has me rethinking the cover album a little bit.
For The Lions is a slamming disc containing 19 of the hardest covers you’ll ever hear, by bands that are not everyday household names, featuring songs that you do not experience often. That’s what makes this record stand out from the overpopulated crowd of cover albums.
For The Lions opens with a ripping version of Slayer’s Ghosts of War and never lets go from there. Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag, and The Misfits are all covered on this disc as well. Great songs from lesser known bands such as Madball, Obituary, and Bad Brains are included for your listening pleasure.
What is most unique about For The Lions is lead singer Jamey Jasta’s ability to channel the spirit of the frontmen for each of the bands that he is covering. During Metallica’s Escape, there are moments when I could swear that I was listening to the actual Metallica version of the song. The band plays the music note for note and Jasta comes as close as he can to sounding like the original singer. This is more a tribute than a cover, but it works wonderfully.
Other songs are definitely a Hatebreed interpretation as the vocals go more toward the gravelly side that Hatebreed is known for. However, not knowing the original versions of those songs, Jasta could be spot on with those vocal inflections.
The music itself is fast, loud, and raw; music your mother or wife would probably hate. Angry speed and thrash metal with a powerful lead singer belching out the hits. It fills you with a raw energy that makes you want to throw your fist in the air, scream as loud as you can, and shout at that you are alive! Hatebreed channels your inner warrior through the power of music and has a fun time doing it.
Covering 19 of their favorite songs, Hatebreed scores a winner with For The Lions. Incredible guitar work, exceptional vocals, and a ton of raw power and energy highlight this disc as a standout piece that is worthy of adding to your heavy metal collection. If you’ve never heard the original versions of these tunes, then this is an excellent introduction. If you know the songs well, this is a great way to appreciate a new interpretation on these classics. Feel the power that Hatebreed delivers with For The Lions.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Ghosts of War (Slayer) 4:00
2. Suicidal Maniac (Suicidal Tendencies) 3:06
3. Escape (Metallica) 4:38
4. Hatebreeders (Misfits) 2:52
5. Set it Off (Madball) 2:37
6. Thirsty and Miserable (Black Flag) 2:21
7. All I Had I Gave (Crowbar) 3:16
8. Your Mistake (Agnostic Front) 1:43
9. I’m in Pain (Obituary) 4:11
10. It’s the Limit (Cro Mags) 1:41
11. Refuse/Resist (Sepultura) 3:08
12. Supertouch Shitfit (Bad Brains) 2:22
13. Evil Minds (D.R.I) 0:58
14. Shut Me Out (Sick of it All) 2:14
15. Sick of Talk (Negative Approach) 0:39
16. Life is Pain (Merauder) 3:22
17. Hear Me (Judge) 1:55
18. Boxed In (Sub Zero) 2:59
19. A Spoiler (Sheer Terror)
Hatebreed is:
Jamey Jasta – Lead vocals
Chris Beattie – Bass Guitar
Wayne Lozniak – Lead Guitar
Matt Byrne – Drums
Frank Novinec – Guitar
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