To a certain extent, you know what to expect at a Hatebreed show: moshing, meaty riffs and lots of cargo pants.
However, no matter how many tours the band cycles through, they still manage to summon the palpable energy needed for an unforgettable show after more than 30 years together. This stop was part of the Summer Slaughter Tour, which began on July 8 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and runs through July 28 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On Sunday, Dallas witnessed the new era of Summer Slaughter.
Sumerian Records’ annual Summer Slaughter Tour came to a halt in 2020 during the pandemic before being resurrected last year. After backlash about the 2024 lineup choices, Jamey Jasta took part in the decision-making for bands on the roster in 2025.
The result is that subgenres from grindcore to crossover thrash are represented. Incite, Escuela Grind, Gridiron, Creeping Death and Fugitive all brought their own blend of hardcore and metal influences into a well-rounded night.
Leading up to Hatebreed, prominent local metal groups Fugitive and Creeping Death both tore through short but blistering sets to warm up the crowd. They expressed their gratitude for being on the bill for such an influential band, yet also reminded everyone that the local metal scene is standing strong.
Surprisingly, Hatebreed didn’t play any material from 2020’s excellent Weight of the False Self, but the group mixed in crowd favorites and kicked off the set with the hard-hitting “I Will Be Heard.”
The four-piece didn’t need a hefty production for an effective show but did blast the stage with CO2 cannons and also implemented a large, presumably evil character to loom over the band.
At the center of it all were simply the songs. They didn’t need the pomp and circumstance as the crowd reciprocated the band's energy. As Jasta himself said, “Best Sunday night that I can remember!”
See more photos from Sunday at The Bomb Factory:
Gridiron brought its unique hardcore sound.
Kristin Lockhart
Fugitive opened its set with 100% energy.
Kristin Lockhart
