Hatebreed is an American metalcore band from Bridgeport, Connecticut, formed in 1994. Known for their intense blend of hardcore and heavy metal, the band has played a significant role in shaping the metalcore and hardcore punk scenes. They first gained widespread attention with the release of their debut album, Satisfaction is the Death of Desire in 1997, which earned them a dedicated following. Their sound, often described as metalcore, hardcore punk, and beatdown hardcore, has garnered them a reputation as one of the key bands in the Connecticut hardcore scene.

Formation and Early Years (1994–1997)
Hatebreed was formed in 1994 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Shortly after their formation, the band recorded a three-song demo in 1995, which they distributed locally. The songs from this demo were eventually released on a split 7" with New York hardcore band Neglect. Building momentum, the band released their EP Under the Knife in 1996, which they self-released after originally planning for its release through Big Wheel Recreation. Around this time, Hatebreed embarked on their first tours across the East Coast and Midwest, supporting UK hardcore band Voorhees.

In 1997, the band released their debut full-length album, Satisfaction is the Death of Desire, on Victory Records, a label known for its roster of prominent American hardcore acts. The album became a landmark release, selling more copies than any other debut in the history of Victory Records at the time.

Breakthrough and Rise to Prominence (1998–2006)
Following the success of Satisfaction is the Death of Desire, Hatebreed began touring extensively, opening for heavy metal and hardcore bands like Slayer, Deftones, Entombed, and Napalm Death. These tours helped the band gain recognition outside of the hardcore scene and introduced their music to a broader audience. Their sound evolved, incorporating more metal influences, which became apparent on their subsequent albums.

In 2002, Hatebreed released Perseverance through Universal Records, which marked their breakthrough into the mainstream. The album reached the Billboard 200 and solidified their place as one of the leading metalcore bands of the time. The following year, the band released The Rise of Brutality, further cementing their reputation with a heavier, more aggressive sound.

Hatebreed continued to grow in popularity and toured extensively in support of these releases. In 2004, they joined the European leg of the Unholy Alliance tour alongside Slayer, Slipknot, and Mastodon. They also performed at major festivals such as Download Festival in the UK and Ozzfest in the U.S., where they played the main stage in 2006.

Their fourth album, Supremacy, was released in August 2006 through Roadrunner Records. It featured new guitarist Frank Novinec, who had previously played with notable hardcore bands such as Ringworm, Terror, and Integrity. Vocalist Jamey Jasta described the album as an "onslaught of adrenaline-charged brutality." Tragically, former guitarist Lou Richards, who had played on Satisfaction is the Death of Desire, passed away in 2006 at the age of 35.

Continued Success and Evolution (2007–2016)
Hatebreed's momentum continued as they headlined the second stage at Ozzfest in 2007 and performed at major festivals like Wacken Open Air in 2008. In April 2008, the band signed a worldwide deal with Koch Records, leading to the release of their live DVD Live Dominance later that year.

In 2009, Hatebreed released two albums: For the Lions, a covers album that paid homage to the bands that influenced their sound, and their self-titled sixth studio album, Hatebreed. This period saw the departure of longtime guitarist Sean Martin, who left the band to pursue other musical interests. Despite the lineup changes, the band continued to tour extensively and released their seventh studio album, The Divinity of Purpose, in 2013.

In May 2016, Hatebreed released their eighth studio album, The Concrete Confessional, which continued their blend of hardcore and metalcore elements. The album received positive reviews for its intensity and uncompromising sound. Hatebreed was also part of the lineup for the 2017 Vans Warped Tour, playing alongside bands like Gwar, CKY, and Municipal Waste.

Recent Years and Upcoming Projects (2017–Present)
After several successful tours in the late 2010s, including the "Metal Tour of the Year" with Megadeth and Lamb of God, Hatebreed released their ninth studio album, Weight of the False Self, on November 27, 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the band continued to maintain their presence on the metal scene, supporting their album with digital promotions and virtual events.

In 2021, Hatebreed replaced In Flames as an opening act for Megadeth and Lamb of God on their summer tour, due to In Flames facing international visa issues. The band is currently working on their next studio album, which is tentatively scheduled for release in 2024 or 2025, marking their continued influence and relevance in the metalcore and hardcore punk genres.

Grammy Nomination
Hatebreed received significant recognition in 2004 when they were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance at the 47th Grammy Awards. Their song "Live for This," from The Rise of Brutality, earned them the nomination, although the award ultimately went to Motörhead for their cover of Metallica's "Whiplash."

Controversies
Over the years, Hatebreed has been involved in a few controversies. In the mid-1990s, a conflict arose between Hatebreed and Chris Bickel, vocalist of the emoviolence band In/Humanity. Bickel produced a zine critical of Victory Records' business practices, which led to tension with Hatebreed, including an altercation at a show where the band allegedly threatened Bickel.

Another notable incident occurred in 2013 when UFC fighter Chris Camozzi, a longtime supporter of Hatebreed, was required by the UFC to cover the band’s logos on his clothing during an event at UFC 158 in Montreal. The reasons behind this decision were unclear, but it highlighted the band’s visibility outside of the music scene.

In 2016, former drummer Nick Papantoniou, who had been part of the band in the mid-1990s, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for felony murder. However, in 2023, his conviction was overturned after it was discovered that his trial attorney had failed to disclose a crucial deal with the prosecution. Papantoniou's original counsel was deemed ineffective, leading to a retrial.

Musical Style and Influences
Hatebreed's sound is characterized by a fusion of hardcore punk and heavy metal, often described as metalcore, hardcore punk, and beatdown hardcore. They have been a major force in the development of metalcore, blending elements of thrash metal, groove metal, and crossover thrash with hardcore influences. Alongside bands like Earth Crisis, Integrity, and Converge, Hatebreed helped shape the 1990s metalcore movement.

The band draws inspiration from a range of hardcore and metal acts, including Agnostic Front, Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, and Sepultura. Their music is marked by its aggressive vocals, heavy riffs, and breakdowns, which have become a hallmark of their style.

Band Members
Current Members:

Jamey Jasta – Lead vocals (1994–present)
Chris Beattie – Bass (1994–present)
Matt Byrne – Drums (2001–present)
Frank Novinec – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2006–present)
Wayne Lozinak – Lead guitar, backing vocals (1994–1996, 2009–present)
Former Members:

Larry Dwyer Jr. – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1994–1996)
Dave Russo – Drums (1994–1996)
Nick "Nickel P" Papantoniou – Drums (1996–1997)
Matt McIntosh – Lead guitar, backing vocals (1996–1999)
Jamie "Pushbutton" Muckinhaupt – Drums (1997–1999)
Rigg Ross – Drums (1999–2001)
Lou Richards – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1996–2002; died 2006)
Sean Martin – Lead guitar, backing vocals (1999–2009); rhythm guitar (2002–2006)
Discography
Satisfaction Is the Death of Desire (1997)
Perseverance (2002)
The Rise of Brutality (2003)
Supremacy (2006)
Hatebreed (2009)
The Divinity of Purpose (2013)
The Concrete Confessional (2016)
Weight of the False Self (2020)
Hatebreed continues to be a dominant force in the hardcore and metalcore scenes, with their intense performances and dedication to the genres they helped pioneer. Their upcoming album is highly anticipated, ensuring their ongoing influence on the music world.