5 Minutes Alone with WAYNE LOZINAK

Written by: CeeJay Johnson - Sense Music Media

Metalcore giants HATEBREED, from Bridgeport, Connecticut, have held a heavy presence in the scene since their formation in 1994. A crossover act blending punk rock, thrash and metal, they've punched out eight albums of volatile, fist-pumping aggression, combining pummelling grooves with scorched-earth lyricism. On the eve of the release of the band’s latest LP, Weight of the False Self, guitarist Wayne Lozinak had a chat with SENSE.

 How have you been staying sane during the pandemic?

“It’s been tough, but I’ve been managing. [Chuckles] Obviously there’s not much going on.  For me, I’m so used to touring and playing shows all the time. Even when I’m home, I’m going to see the local bands play at bars, so this is a drastic change. The only thing really keeping me sane is going out on my motorcycle.”

That's awesome! What kind of motorcycle do you have?

“It's a Harley Davidson Soft-Tail Custom 2008.”

Oh beautiful! My uncle had a Triumph Bonneville – it was a gorgeous ride. So, when was this album written, and what impact did COVID have on the recording process?

“Well, we actually went in the studio November 2019 for pre-production, setting everything up, and it was finished by January, so it was already done before COVID started or anything happened. It just so happens that some of the lyrics to the new songs really resonate with what’s happening, just by coincidence. So the record was all done and ready to be pressed, and there was just a stop on everything, so we’ve been sitting on it for a while waiting for it to come out.”

Wow! That must have been nerve-racking, not knowing when this would all be over.

“Yeah! We got to at least release a stand-alone single, on Valentine’s Day, which was When the Blade Drops, from the same recording session, but [it] was not on the album, just a stream-only kind of thing. So at least we were able to get that song out.”

This is HATEBREED’s 8th album. Congratulations! In what ways have you seen the band evolve in that time, from a musical standpoint?

“Thank you! Well, I would obviously say that it was a lot more basic and simple when the band first started – you know, kind of straight-in, hardcore, tuned-down and playing heavy, just to get the aggression out. We still stick to the same formula that we always have, but we’ve definitely progressed more and more each album, getting better as musicians. But I think [on] this album, some songs will surprise some people. We took it to the next level – more metal, technical kind of stuff. Like I said, we stick to the same formula – we just go a little more on each album.”

So, what do you miss most about touring?

“Definitely just playing live shows around a lot of people, having a good time and actually being able to see people’s reactions when we play. Hanging out with my friends, not having to be six feet apart. Just normal life and loud music and having fun.”

What have been some of the most memorable tours for you guys?

“Oh, man, there are so many to choose from! One that stands out for me is when we got to tour with Black Label Society [and] Zakk Wylde. I was a fan as a kid, you know? The first time I saw Ozzy, Zakk was playing. So when I got to tour with them, he just walked up to our dressing room and popped his head in and said “Hey, guys, how’s it going?” And then [at] the very last show he actually gave me a vest. You know, that’s a teenage hero, giving me that – [it] was just amazing. I still think about it.”

That's so amazing! I would be a mess!

“Yeah! I tried to hold it in.” [Laughs]

What are some of your favourite songs from the new album, and why?

“Well there’s a song called Cling to Life. It's a little slower and got a bit of a bob-your-head flow, but in the middle there’s this really long guitar solo, and it starts off melodic and then gets faster at the end. We’re not really known for our guitar solos, so any time I get to play one is always fun. This one was longer than we normally have. We worked on it for a bit longer … the solo took the song to a whole new level that wasn't there before. And A Stroke of Red has a lot of different elements that will surprise the fans once they hear it; another one taken to that next level.”

So how does touring in Australia compare to the rest of the world, and what are some of your favourite things to do Down Under?

“Well it’s definitely beautiful down there – the weather and everything is nice. Soundwave Festival was awesome. [It] always went off. The one thing that is definitely different there is normally we have a tour bus; we would drive from state to state, or even country to country if we were in Europe, but in Australia we had to fly everywhere. Going back to the hotel after a show, and then you’re up at four in the morning for lobby call and then flying to the next show. The people are awesome though – it’s always a great show.” 

Have you had the chance to cuddle a koala?

“I don't think I have. I remember seeing some, I don't remember if I held one or not.” [Chuckles]

Well next time you’re in town I’ll have to take you to the koala sanctuary!

[Laughs] “Yeah! We will have to do that!”

Bands commonly point to their latest album to be their favourite. If you weren’t allowed to choose that, which would be your favourite and why?

“I would have to say the one before, The Confessional. It was pretty heavy. I mean, they’re all heavy, but there’s certain elements, like guitar solos, [and] a little more [of a] metal style. And it also has our biggest streaming song, on Spotify, Looking Down the Barrel of Today. A lot of fans don't want to hear the new stuff, they just want the nostalgia, so to have a new song and album that fans like is always a great achievement.”

If HATEBREED ended tomorrow, god forbid, which album do you think would be the most revered by fans?

“I guess that depends. We are kind of a crossover hardcore metal band. I think if you’re a hardcore fan, you’re going to say the first one, Satisfaction is the Death of Desire. I would say Perseverance if you’re more the metal side, because that's when we were playing Ozzfest and we were getting known to more “mainstream” – I guess you would say – fans. So I think those two are very important albums of our career.”

What are some of the albums and artists that have shaped you into the musical person you are?

“Well the first band that I ever got into was KISS, with the make up on and everything – as a little kid it did it for me. And then, as time went on, I would say the two most influential (in how I play) would be METALLICA and OZZY. I would practice playing their solos all day long, and that's what started it all for me. Then, you know, the big bands, JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN, I saw them last year. They’re still headlining arenas, it’s great.”

The last question for you, Wayne: what is your wish for humanity in 2021?

“Oh man, for it to not be like 2020. Here, in the U.S., I’m sure you've seen it all over the news and social media. It’s very divided, people just at each other’s throats, and that just needs to stop. It doesn't matter if you are republican or a democrat, I don't care what side of the fence you’re on. Just be good to each other and kinder, just civil. People need to be working together instead of fighting each other all the time.”

Yeah, where is the love, people?

“Yeah! That's exactly what I want, what you said. More love!” 

Thank you so much Wayne for being my first interview. All the best for the rest of 2020!

“That’s no problem. I’m proud I was the first!” 

HATEBREED’s album Weight of the False Self is out now.

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