Jamey Jasta, the ubiquitous frontman of Hatebreed and resident metal ambassador, returns with his fourth solo album, “And Jasta For All.” This release finds Jasta reuniting with his longtime collaborators, the Bellmore brothers (Nick on drums and Charlie on guitars), resulting in a potent blend of thrashy aggression, catchy hooks, and the vocalist’s signature gruff charm.
A Track-by-Track Rundown with Jasta:
- Opening Onslaught (Intro): A brief instrumental intro explodes with furious drumming and searing guitar riffs, setting the aggressive tone for the album.
- The Distortion (ft. Scott Ian): The album proper kicks off with a full-throttle thrash assault. Guest shredder Scott Ian of Anthrax adds fuel to the fire with a scorching guitar solo, while Jasta delivers his signature venomous vocals. The lyrics are a celebration of the distorted guitar sound and the mosh pit energy it inspires.
- For the ’90s (feat. Chuck Billy & Zetro): This track throws it back to the golden age of thrash. Guest appearances by Testament’s Chuck Billy and Exodus’ Zetro add a layer of nostalgia and veteran swagger. The lyrics are a tongue-in-cheek ode to the decade that gave birth to thrash metal.
- Brutality Builds Character: A return to pure thrash fury arrives here. Relentless drumming and a pummeling riff create a headbanging frenzy. The lyrics offer a darkly humorous take on the cathartic power of metal music.
- The Enemy (ft. Joey Concepcion & Phil Demmel): This track injects a dose of melodic death metal into the mix. Guest vocalists Joey Concepcion of Arch Enemy and Phil Demmel of Vio-lence bring a different flavor to the album. The lyrics explore themes of societal division and the importance of finding common ground.
- Something Wrong With Everything: A brief acoustic interlude provides a moment of respite before the next sonic assault. Jasta’s clean vocals shine here, delivering a dose of introspective lyricism.
- Paradigm Shift: The album explodes back into high gear with this furious track. The music is a maelstrom of thrash riffs and blast beats, while Jasta unleashes his most aggressive vocals yet. The lyrics grapple with the rapid pace of change in the modern world.
- High Road: A return to a more mid-tempo groove emerges here. The track is a headbanging anthem with a strong chorus, perfect for live singalongs. The lyrics offer a message of perseverance and overcoming challenges.
- This Is Me: A heavy and brooding track closes the album. The music is a slow-burning dirge, showcasing a different side of Jasta’s vocal range. The lyrics offer a moment of self-reflection and a defiant statement of individuality.
Overall Impression:
“And Jasta For All” is a celebration of everything Jasta does best. The album is a potent blend of thrash aggression, catchy hooks, and a touch of self-aware humor. The collaborations with metal veterans add another layer of excitement, making this a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Final Verdict:
With its impressive musicianship, guest appearances from metal royalty, and a blend of aggression, melody, and humor, “And Jasta For All” is a satisfying thrash experience. While some listeners might find the formula familiar, for fans of Jasta and classic thrash metal, this album delivers exactly what it promises: a headbanging good time. (4 out of 5)
Leave a Reply