Hatebreed celebrated their 30th anniversary as a band in Wallingford, Connecticut at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre on St Patty’s Day 2024 with The March Metal Matinee. This show was extra special as it was the band’s biggest “hometown show” in the band’s amazing history and also guitarist Wayne Lozinak birthday.
The matinee show was stacked with some of Connecticut’s best home-grown talent that has included Dead By Wednesday, Demon Scar, With Honor, and Shadow Of Intent.
Opening the main stage were New York powerhouse Sworn Enemy. Guitarist Jeff Cummings was a head-banging machine that barely stopped during the 30-minute set. The band were impressive in depth straight raw New York hardcore metal.
Connecticut legends 100 Demons were on next. It’s been so long since I’ve seen this band live and my anticipation was high waiting to see them take the stage. Playing a perfect set in my opinion, with classic material brought me back to my younger days. The moshers packed the pit, slamming into each other throughout the performance.
Reunited Massachusetts favorites Shadows Fall delivered an incredible batch of songs from the group’s long career. Frontman Brian Fair was a ball of chaotic energy that included 6-foot dreadlocked windmills. The twin guitar attack of Matt Bachand (Living Wreckage) and Jon Donais (Anthrax, Living Wreckage) laid waste to the fans in the packed general admission pit. Drummer Jason Bittner pummels his drum kit with unwavering ferocity. I recommend if you get a chance to see them in your area, go see this band!
Shadows Fall announced at the end of their set they will do one more “The War Within” full album playthrough in 2024!
30 years is a long time to be a band and Hatebreed celebrated that milestone this year. As I mentioned earlier they were playing the band’s biggest show in Connecticut in theie history. Delivering an extensive set list of 23 songs from their career, no one was disappointed at all. Guitar Wayne celebrated his 50th birthday on stage (Editor’s Note and Ghost Cult co-owner Omar Cordy). There was guest appearances from former members Sean Martin, Dave Russo, and Larry Dwyer. It was a true observance of the band’s history. The mosh pits and crowd surfing were intense throughout the set. Happy anniversary to Hatebreed on 30 years, and I’m honored to have been included.
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Buy Shadows Fall music and merch:
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