For the Lions (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Hatebreed’s For the Lions takes on various metal subgenres by covering songs from bands such as Slayer, Sepultura and of course Metallica. Opening with “Ghosts of War,” Hatebreed give the South of Heaven-era Slayer number a tune-up; everything sounds bigger and newer, and though frontman Jamey Jasta’s guttural growls are as impressive as they are intimidating, Tom Araya’s post-adolescent sneering vocal seethe remains the more evil sounding of the two. Hatebreed’s update of Metallica’s “Escape” puts more doom and gloom in the mix, while that instantly catchy chorus sounds like someone brought a vocoder into the studio. But the punk covers here sound noticeably fiercer and tighter, especially when taking on a punch-throwing rendition of their namesake with the Misfits’ “Hatebreeders” and a blood-spitting version of Black Flag’s “Thirsty & Miserable.” The bonus track version offers up two videos and a behind-the-scenes making-of “Ghosts of War.”