Hatebreed’s 30th Anniversary Home State Show in Wallingford, CT – March 17, 2024

The Kings of Hardcore, Hatebreed, celebrated their 30th Anniversary with The March Metal Matinee – a very special St. Patrick’s Day one-day-only show, with support from Shadows Fall, 100 Demons, Sworn Enemy, Shadow Of Intent, With Honor, Dead By Wednesday, Eyes Of The Living and Demonscar.

Fans entered the Oakdale Theater early, with doors opening at noon. The event featured 2 stages, The Dome Stage and the Theater Stage. The Dome showcased Demonscar, Eyes Of The Living, Dead By Wednesday, With Honor and Shadow Of Intent, while the Theater featured Sworn Enemy, 100 Demons, Shadows Fall and Hatebreed. This day was well thought out, as no band overlapped another. Fans were able to walk in-between stages and not miss a song. Demonscar opened the show at 12:35pm, while Hatebreed finished their set by 8:15pm – an early night for a concert.

Eyes of the Living

Dead by Wednesday

Sworn Enemy

Founded in NYC in 1997, Sworn Enemy opened the Theater Stage with “Sworn Enemy,” from their 2003 album As Real As It Gets. During their set, founding member and lead singer Sal Lococo said “It’s an amazing feeling to be here celebrating Hatebreeds 30th Anniversery.” It was a special set for Sworn Enemy who has known Hatebreed for over 25 years.

With Honor

100 Demons

Founded in Waterbury, CT in 2000, 100 Demons opened their set with “Suffer” followed by “Never Surrender Virtue (No Desit Virtus,)” from their 2000 album In the Eyes of the Lord. Guitarist Jeremy Braddock “Bubba” celebrated his birthday during the show. Rick Brayall was playing a beautiful pink metallic guitar during their set. Rich Rosa wore a UCONN basketball jersey playing the drums. 100 Demons is a band who is very proud to be from the state of Connecticut. 

Shadow of Intent

Shadows Fall

Founded in Boston, MA in 1996, Shadows Fall opened their set with “The Power of I and I” from their 2004 album The War Within. Shadows Fall followed with “Thoughts Without Words” from their 2002 album The Art of Balance. During their set, lead singer Brian Fair said “It’s a party so act accordingly. Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Cheers to 30 years of Hatebreed! Here’s to 30 more. We’ll all be playing in a nursing home!!” The energy Fair displayed while swinging his dreadlocks that touched the floor around during their set must be witnessed in person. 

HATEBREED

Moments before the curtain dropped, a tribute video celebrating Hatebreed’s 30th Anniversary played with many fellow music artists congratulating the band on such an achievement. Hatebreed opened their set with “To the Threshold” from their 2006 album Supremacy. Hatebreed followed with “A Stroke of Red” from their 2020 album Weight of the False Self. Original Hatebreed band members Dave Russo and Larry Dwyer joined the band on stage to perform “Not One Truth” and “Under the Knife.” With the crowd already in awe, Hatebreed had another surprise planned when former guitarist Sean Martin joined the band for “Proven,” “This Is Now” and “Beholder of Justice.” After celebrating Wayne Lozinak’s 50th birthday onstage, Hatebreed closed out the night with one of their biggest hits, “I Will Be Heard.” For a band from Bridgeport, CT that has played in basements, backyards and VFW’s, being able to headline a St. Patrick’s Day 30th Anniversary show at the Oakdale Theater will leave a special mark on not only the band members, but everyone that was in attendance, as well.