Date Signed: January 2026
Label: BLKIIBLK
Band Members: Jamey Jasta, lead vocals; Matt Byrne, drums; Frank Novinec, rhythm guitar, backing vocals; Wayne Lozinak, lead guitar, backing vocals
Type of Music: Heavy Metal
Management: steve.ross@nonameworldwide.com
Booking: Tim Borror - Sound Talent Group
Legal: Scott Bradford
Publicity: Amy Sciarretto - Atom Splitter PR, amy@atomsplitterpr.com
A&R: Mike Gitter
Web: hatebreed.com
Metalcore titans Hatebreed have had deals with numerous labels throughout their 32 years of making noise, enjoying stints with Victory, Universal, and Razor & Tie among others. Now a staple on the hardcore circuit, Hatebreed has reportedly played over 3,000 shows since its inception.
One figure in the metal world they met during their travels is Mike Gitter. As Director of A&R at Roadrunner Records during Hatebreed’s tenure with the label, they had a great working relationship back in the day. “He’s been a part of heavy music and hardcore for like four decades,” notes Matt Byrne, the group’s drummer since 2001. “He’s a friend. He gets the band and understands us.”
Having most recently released a trio of albums with Nuclear Blast, Hatebreed wanted to make a change. “They’re a great team,” Byrne diplomatically points out. “We just wanted to switch it up a bit.”
Gitter’s latest endeavor is BLKIIBLK Records, a metal and hard rock-focused arm of Frontiers Label Group. Word got around fast about the GRAMMY-nominated band being a free agent, and it wasn’t long before Gitter reconnected with the kings of hardcore. “It made the most sense to land with him and BLKIIBLK,” explains Byrne. “We felt they would give us the push and direction that we need.” FLG made the grand announcement as part of its 30th anniversary celebration.
Hatebreed feels at home being on the same roster as other hardcore legacy acts Megadeth, Cro-Mags, and Biohazard. They’re also confident that Gitter will be able to honor Hatebreed’s history while simultaneously helping them carve out their future. Artists with the longevity of Hatebreed are likely to experience diverging goals with their labels over time. “We’re more apt to do one-album deals now,” Byrne reveals, and that’s ultimately what they got with BLKIIBLK.
The group is in the midst of recording a new album due this fall; it will be their first since 2020’s Weight of the False Self. “They’re not pigeonholed into a certain style or genre of music,” observes Byrne regarding BLKIIBLK’s artistic mission. “Obviously, they’re dealing with heavy bands, but it’s fresh energy. Let’s work well together and see where we go.”
