Jasta – Jasta

One of the hardest working men in metal continues to prove the saying “if you don’t have time, make time.”  Jamey Jasta balances Hatebreed, Kingdom of Sorrow, numerous guest appearances and other projects, and personally connecting with fans via social media outlets such as Twitter and has still managed to put together a highly anticipated solo album.  He’s not alone either; he’s brought a few friends.  Guests include Phil Labonte of All That Remains, Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, Zakk Wylde, and Tim Lambesis from As I Lay Dying.

With this solo project Jasta has brought together various elements of hardcore, punk, hard rock, and metal together.  Songs like “Anthem of the Freedom Fighter” and “Walk the Path Alone” pack that familiar Hatebreed hardcore punch while songs such as “Something you Should Know” and “Nothing They Say” reveal a more melodic side.  They also showcase Jasta’s clean vocal ability that has only been briefly hinted at in Hatebreed.  His clean vocals are surprisingly good and help add depth and variation to the songs.  “Something You Should Know” is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album.  I can’t help but love hearing Jamey and Phil Labonte trading clean vocals.
Fans of Jasta’s heavier work need not worry.  There’s plenty of heavy material on this album.  “Enslaved, Dead, or Depraved” with Randy Blythe and “With a Resounding Voice” featuring Tim Lambesis are heavy as hell.  Both definitely stand out among the heavier tracks and bring the metal fire with full force.  “Heart of a Warrior” with Mike Vallely is a rousing stand up and fight style anthem that Jasta has always been so skilled at creating.  Mark Morton and Zakk Wylde add some furious fretwork with their appearances and add to the already talented musicianship found throughout the album.
Jamey Jasta has put out an amazing solo album that commands your attention from start to finish.  It brings together everything we know and love from his previous works and adds so much to it.  Even if you’ve never been a fan of Jamey Jasta you should still check this album out.  It has so much to offer and is quite different than anything he’s ever done before.

Rating: 9.5/10

This is easily one if the best metal albums of the year.