Most metal & hardcore fans are well familiar with the name Jamey Jasta, who happens to be the lead singer of the popular band Hatebreed. Here he is on his first solo album, simply titled Jasta. Much of what you'll hear on Jasta doesn't stray too far from the Hatebreed formula, though it's a bit more melodic in an All That Remains sort of way, with clean choruses mixed in between the brutal hardcore shouts and pummeling riffage. Look for plenty of massive breakdowns, though thankfully Jamey doesn't overfill the arrangements with them like so many other bands do these days. Surprisingly, despite the fact that much of this CD is quite heavy & extreme, it's very catchy in spots, with tunes such as "Anthem Of The Freedom Fighter", "Walk That Path Alone", "Nothing They Say", and "Something You Should Know" (featuring a guest appearance by Phil Labonte of All That Remains) very memorable and with hooks to match their pummeling nature. Phil's not the only guest star, as members of Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, and Zakk Wylde himself put in guest appearances as well.
Jamey Jasta's first solo record is not going to win any awards for originality, but damn if this isn't catchy & crushing metalcore that's a hell of a lot more fun that much of what you'll hear out there, and honestly, it's more memorable than the last few Hatebreed releases. His extreme vocals are what you'd expect, but for these ears, his clean vocals are what makes this a step above the tried and true Hatebreed formula.
Track Listing
01
Walk That Path Alone
02
Mourn The Illusion
03
Screams From The Sanctuary
04
Nothing They Say
05
Anthem Of The Freedom Fighter
06
Something You Should Know (Ft. Phil Labonte of All That Remains)
07
Set Your Adrift
08
Enslaved, Dead or Depraved (Ft. Randy Blythe of Lamb of God)
09
With A Resounding Voice (Ft. Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying)
10
The Fearless Must Endure (Ft. Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society)
11
Heart Of A Warrior (Ft. Mike Vallely)
12
Death Bestowed (Ft. Mark Morton of Lamb Of God)