“I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist”: Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) calls out manipulated numbers and metal’s lack of visibility

Jamey Jasta is frustrated by metal’s lack of representation in the media and public spaces, even as some bands play to huge crowds. In a recent interview, the Hatebreed frontman takes aim at algorithms and decisions made by the music industry and media, which he believes are biased against extreme music and metal.

In an interview with Full Metal Jackie, Jasta explains that metal bands thrive on the live circuit but struggle for representation elsewhere. He says that “some metal bands draw bigger crowds than artists who are thriving in the streaming world. And then you start seeing bots and numbers being manipulated. I’ve seen all of this with my own eyes. I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist.”

He discusses Hatebreed, Slipknot and Slayer, along with the bans and censorship they faced in the United States following the September 11 attacks. Jasta also reflects on the themes and subjects explored in their songs and why they deserve to be heard. He believes that “the songs empower people, they make them stronger. And the message in those songs doesn’t align with the interests of a small elite that controls the world.”

Jasta then points to country music as an example: songs about beer, trucks and girls get played everywhere, while those tackling corruption or the opioid crisis do not. Jasta has nothing against country music, but he finds it frustrating to hear it on repeat while shopping at stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshalls. He would much rather hear the latest In Flames or Trivium.

Hatebreed discusses restrictions imposed by its label

Jasta says he has faced similar visibility issues because of certain words in his music, particularly the word “hate” in Hatebreed. He also discusses social media content restrictions that have triggered warning messages when he searches for bands such as Terror or Suicidal Tendencies.

Jasta believes recent moderation policies have become more relaxed, giving bands such as Hatebreed a little more room to maneuver. This also helps explain the success of the video for The Carrion Choir. The band released Fatal Paradox on November 6 via BLKIIBLK. Jasta confirmed that he had enough unreleased material to consider another album as early as 2027.