Hatebreed at the RMA

Words and photos by Charles Yozgott

Hatebreed brought their 30th anniversary tour to the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, delivering a high-octane celebration of heavy metal that showcased why they continue to reign supreme in the genre. The sold-out venue vibrated with energy from start to finish, featuring a stellar lineup of support acts that included Brazilian death metal quartet Crypta, Chicago hardcore punks Harms Way, and UK extreme metal legends Carcass.

Crypta kicked off the night with an intense performance that instantly captivated the early crowd. Decked out in leather, the all-female ensemble blasted through tracks like "Lord of Ruins" and "From the Ashes," exhibiting both ferocity and finesse. Frontwoman Fernanda Lira’s growls echoed through the auditorium, urging fans to join the fray in the mosh pit. The guitar duo of Jéssica di Falchi and Tainá Bergamaschi dazzled with electrifying solos, while drummer Luana Dametto's double bass beats set a relentless pace. Crypta's spirited set proved they are more than just an opening act—they are a force in the metal scene, leaving a lasting impression on attendees to check out their latest album, Shades of Sorrow.

Next up was Harms Way, whose brutal sound took the energy up a notch. The band’s blend of hardcore punk and metal resonated deeply with the crowd, particularly during tracks from their latest albums Posthuman and Common Suffering. Frontman James Pligge’s commanding presence was impossible to ignore, especially on songs like "Terrorizer" and "Infestation," which prompted an eruption of energy from the audience. Guitarists Bo Lueders and Nick Gauthier, along with bassist Casey Soyk and drummer Christopher Mills, complemented Pligge’s intensity with seamless cohesion, making their set one of the heaviest highlights of the night.

As Carcass took the stage, they delivered a masterclass in melodic death metal. Original members Jeff Walker and Bill Steer, alongside guitarist James Blackford and drummer Daniel Wilding, unleashed a set filled with fan favorites like "Buried Dreams" and "Incarnated Solvent Abuse." Walker’s animated stage presence and generous spirit—throwing out bass picks to eager fans—made their performance all the more engaging. The band also showcased new material from their latest album, Torn Arteries, proving that they continue to evolve while honoring their roots. Carcass's set was a crushing reminder of their legacy and a thrilling precursor to the main event.

When Hatebreed finally took the stage, the crowd erupted in a frenzy of excitement. The evening began with a heartfelt tribute video featuring friends like Corey Taylor and Randy Blythe praising the band’s influence over the past three decades. Drummer Matt Byrne led the charge as the band launched into "To the Threshold”, setting the tone for an exhilarating set that spanned their extensive catalog. Highlights included the relentless "Empty Promises" where the floor transformed into a wild mosh pit, and fan favorites like "A Stroke of Red" and "Looking Down the Barrel of Today" each generating waves of crowd surfing and sheer adrenaline.

The band’s sense of fun was evident when they unleashed the "Ball of Death"—a giant inflatable prop that brought a playful spirit to the heavy atmosphere. With an impressive lineup of tracks from The Rise of Brutality and Perseverance, Hatebreed proved that their energy hasn't waned after 30 years. Songs like "Doomsayer," "This Is Now," and “Seven Enemies" showcased not only their heavy sound but also the strong connection they share with their fans. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Hatebreed has no intention of slowing down, leaving the audience buzzing with anticipation for what’s next. Here’s hoping for 30 more years of their iconic brand of hardcore heavy metal!

Carcass

Harms Way

Crypta