JASTA
Jasta
[E1/Century Media Records]
Verdict: 5.5/10

I’m actually gonna start this review off with a personal note. I’m a fan of pretty much everything Jamey Jasta has been involved with, HATEBREED. ICEPICK. KINGDOM OF SORROW and all the various guest vocal spots over the years. I was curious and a little excited to hear he managed to release another project of ‘solo’ material. Stuff he didn’t feel was up to par with either of the aforementioned groups. Cool. To say I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be would be an understatement. Don’t get me wrong. The man is talented and JASTA is pretty good. Just not up to what I was wanting. With that being said, I present to you my review: JASTA is the first official ‘solo’ release from one of metal and hardcore’s busiest frontmen. It’s an exercise in Jamey Jasta’s ever expanding quest to be a well rounded musician. JASTA has songs that weren’t up to HATEBREED or KINGDOM OF SORROW standards. This solo record shows Jamey spreading his wings and doing what he does best. Whatever he wants. The songs here showcase his love of all things heavy. There’s still the hardcore stomp breakdowns and the rapid fire vocal delivery, but unique to this material is his vocals. Previously he showed these chops on HATEBREED’s cover of METALLICA’s “Escape”. The introduction of these vocals shows a huge departure from his usual take no prisoners approach. They are more in league with what BLACK LABEL SOCIETY frontman Zakk Wylde does, more of a croon. Mr. Wylde even has a guest appearance or two on here, as do Phil LaBonte of ALL THAT REMAINS, Randy Blythe and Mark Morton of LAMB OF GOD, Tim Lambesis of AS I LAY DYING and (for some ungodly reason) Mike Vallely. All have proven their worth in the metal communities and have toured with Mr. Jasta at one point or another. The songs themselves arent bad by any means and actually show a great side to an already established frontman. “Enslaved, Dead Or Depraved”, the Randy Blythe track, is as vicious as old LAMB OF GOD material. “With A Resounding Voice”, featuring Tim Lambesis is very worthy of a pit and remains tough as nails. Metal fans will rejoice. Diehards will love it. Will you? — by Jon Hole