Jasta – Jasta Review

Jasta - Jasta

Jasta, the 2011 debut album as a solo artist from Kingdom Of Sorrow/Hatebreed’s Jamie Jasta is a fine collection of modern hardcore influenced metal, much in the vein of Hatebreed’s style for which Jasta is one of the two primary songwriters anyway. This album’s line up besisdes Jamie Jasta; of Nick and Charlie Bellmore on guitar, bass and drums are superb professionals and could easily fit into Hatebreed

Usually, when a solo artist releases an album it can be frustrating to try and get an idea of what the album is like without constant references to the artist’s main band. With Jasta, this will likely be doubly difficult because apart from melodic moments on some tracks, this sounds very similar to Hatebreed. If you have heard the melodic `Every Lasting Scar,’ from Hatebreed’s self titled album you will have a very good impression of the sound and direction of this album.

As an album, Jasta is a wholly enjoyable and solid collection of short and simple songs, most of which would have suited the next Hatebreed album in parts at least. Where the album makes its own sound is in the melodic radio-metal choruses which appear on several songs, much less hardcore punk influences, as well as with the frequent use of guest musicians.

The album features guest moments of either guitar or vocals from Zack Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society) Phil Labonte (Shadows Fall/All That Remains) Randy Blythe and Mark Morten (Lamb Of God) Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) and finally Mike Valley the solo artist/Pro Skater.

Highlights include the heavier `Enslaved, Dead Or Deparaved,’ which is probably the harshest moment on the album, as well as the single `The Fearless Must Endure,’ and the strong album opener `Walk The Path Alone.’

Overall, Jasta is not an all time classic album, it is not the single best album ever recorded or any other grand claim. In all fairness it will likely be relatively obscure in a few years if Jamie Jasta doesn’t release any more albums under the Jasta moniker, and it will also likely be overshadowed by a new Hatebreed album when one is released.

If you absolutely hate modern music, radio-metal choruses or metalcore in general then this is not the album for you. Jasta is a good album but there is a strong chance you might not enjoy the actual style.

If you like Jamie Jasta’s voice, lyrics and general attitude you should pick up a copy, this is still a good and fun album with enough catchy riffs to maintain your interest and it is definitely interesting to hear Jasta expand his vocal range in ways that he wouldn’t be able to do in Hatebreed. If you like the sound of it, buy a copy and give it a fair chance.