| Perseverance | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 26, 2002 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 38:33 | |||
| Label | Universal | |||
| Producer | Matt Hyde | |||
| Hatebreed chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Perseverance | ||||
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Perseverance is the second studio album by American metalcore band Hatebreed. It was released in 2002 by Universal Records. It is the band's last album to feature Lou Richards on guitar before his departure in 2002 and suicide in 2006.
Prior to the album Hatebreed recorded a demo in New York that contained the song “I Will Be Heard” which was demoed in New York. Lead singer Jamey Jasta who was looking to get the band off of the indie labels they sent the demo to several major labels and began interviewing 10+ major record producers. [1]
The demo became well liked by multiple major labels and Hatebreed eventually signed with Universal Records. [1] The group then hired Matt Hyde to produce the album and began recording at Long View Farm Studios in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, during late 2001. [2]
Many tracks are short, explosive bursts rather than long compositions — a common trait in hardcore/metalcore of that period. Lyrically and tonally, Perseverance emphasizes resilience, fighting against adversity, not giving up, themes of strength in the face of opposition. The track “I Will Be Heard” is especially iconic for its call-to-action / motivational tone. [3] Jasta stated in an interview “I knew it was definitely different from what we had done on the first album, and I knew that we'd have to grow as a band and get away from some of that stuff that we did on the first album so that people would take us a little more seriously.” [1]
As for the lyrics AllMusic wrote “Jasta seems to have a bone to pick with an assortment of unnamed characters, as almost every song on Perseverance is made up of lyrics that communicate the fact that Hatebreed will remain despite any ill words or empty threats.” [4]
The album debuted at number 50 on the Billboard 200, and as of 2022 it has sold over 250,000 units. [5]
The lead single from Perseverance, "I Will Be Heard", was accompanied by a music video which was directed by Amazing Spider-Man director Marc Webb. The video, which featured intense live performance footage and aggressive imagery, ended up getting banned from MTV which was a huge blow to the band. However the song eventually got significant play time on MTV2's Headbangers Ball , when vocalist Jamey Jasta became the host in 2003. [6] The title track also got a music video which was directed by Dale Resteghini. [7]
"I Will Be Heard" is featured in the film XXX and on its soundtrack. "Below the Bottom" appeared in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre soundtrack.
The band held North American celebration tours in honor of the albums 15th anniversary in 2017 and it’s 20th in 2022. [8]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [9] |
| Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal | 10/10 [10] |
| Lollipop Magazine | Positive [11] |
| Ultimate Guitar | 10/10 [12] |
| Lambgoat | 7/10 [13] |
| sputnikmusic | 3/5 [14] |
Perseverance is a celebrated album in the hardcore genre and received positive reviews upon release. Jason Taylor of AllMusic wrote “Perseverance is an excellent introduction for those who have not yet experienced Hatebreed and matches the group's debut -- possibly even bettering past efforts.” [4] A reiview from Ultimate Guitar simply stated “ This album is a great hardcore album” adding “Jamey Jasta should be the most celebrated hardcore lyricist.” [15] Sputnikmusic praised the albums energy, but also mentioned that it might get repetitive to a regular listener. [16] Geoff Harman of Lambgoat claimed “This release marks a milestone for the hardcore community and surpasses every possible expectation you could have for a band that is returning after such a long time without new material.” [17]
The album was named #64 on Decibels list of The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the 2000s. [18]
In 2014 the album was inducted into Rock Sound Hall of Fame.
In 2020 Metal Hammer named it to their list of the top 20 best metalcore albums of all time. They stated “Perseverance leans in more on the metal side of things far more than ever before – particularly their love of Slayer riffs – it was a huge breakthrough for Jamey Jasta and co. It’s hard to imagine a Hatebreed set without the likes of I Will Be Heard, Proven or the title track, and it’s this album that kicked the hardest at the doors of the mainstream just before metalcore’s early 00’s commercial boom happened. [19]
All tracks are written by Hatebreed.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Proven" | 2:35 |
| 2. | "Perseverance" | 2:20 |
| 3. | "You're Never Alone" | 3:21 |
| 4. | "I Will Be Heard" | 2:58 |
| 5. | "A Call for Blood" | 3:05 |
| 6. | "Below the Bottom" | 2:25 |
| 7. | "We Still Fight" | 1:35 |
| 8. | "Unloved" | 2:37 |
| 9. | "Bloodsoaked Memories" | 2:52 |
| 10. | "Hollow Ground" | 2:39 |
| 11. | "Final Prayer" | 2:12 |
| 12. | "Smash Your Enemies" | 2:09 |
| 13. | "Healing to Suffer Again" | 2:49 |
| 14. | "Judgement Strikes (Unbreakable)" | 1:25 |
| 15. | "Remain Nameless" | 2:50 |
| 16. | "Outro" | 0:38 |
| Total length: | 38:33 | |
Writing, performance and production credits are adapted from the album liner notes. [20]
| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Albums (OCC) [21] | 195 |
| UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) [22] | 22 |
| US Billboard 200 [23] | 50 |
| Chart (2002) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Alternative Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) [24] | 149 |
| Canadian Metal Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) [25] | 74 |
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