Escape The Fate Dial it Up on ‘H8 MY SELF’ with Revised Lineup & Questionable Cover Art

It’s been in an interesting period for alternative rockers Escape The Fate. Following a series of more melodic records like I Am Human and Chemical Warfare, the Las Vegas group seem to have found comfort in a less chaotic and more mature sound.

However, this isn’t the ‘interesting’ part per se – that’s more about the past few months. Let’s start with the lineup changes. Guitarist Kevin Gruft disappeared and Matti Hoffman has now stepped in for the band. Further to this, touring member Erik Jansen has been appointed full-time bassist. Drummer Robert Ortiz has now been the longest lasting member in the band (since 2004).

The drama doesn’t stop there though. Escape The Fate have been teasing new single ‘H8 MY SELF‘ to welcome their next campaign after their 2021 LP. The band were understandably accused of plagarising artist Cameron Gray‘s artwork (as quoted by Metal Injection) that he originally did for Dead Letter Circus‘ 2010 single ‘Cage‘, and they’ve since changed the album art to the image below, acknowledging the distasteful move.

Drama aside, Escape The Fate have new music out for us to hear. Three-minute single ‘H8 MY SELF‘ is fast-paced and has nostalgic post-hardcore elements dripping through with a dialed up energy and a more gruff delivery from vocalist Craig Mabbitt as well as some albeit not quite an unclean effort. With instrumental heaviness and a couple of lineup changes, there might be a new (or familiar) sound emerging. The hateful lyrics are definitely about someone, did anyone say Ronnie Radke? Although, they do seem to have buried the hatchet.

You might get to hear the new tune on Escape The Fate‘s upcoming The Dead Masquerade Aussie tour this April where they’ll be performing their 2010 self-titled record. Joining them will be D.R.U.G.S. and The Beautiful Monument. Get tickets here.

Words by Ricky Aarons (@rickysaul90)

Stream ‘H8 MY SELF‘ here