by Wayne Lozinak recently opened up about his brain surgery recovery and Hatebreed’s upcoming plans in an interview with The Mike James Rock Show.
The guitarist detailed his challenging recovery process following surgery to remove a tumor from his brain’s speech center. The procedure resulted in temporary complications.
“I got the surgery August 4th… I couldn’t even talk when they first took [the tumor] out,” he said. “‘Cause it was in my speech center, so I actually had a mild stroke when they took it out. So I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t write. It was almost like I just forgot how to speak. So I needed speech therapist, all this stuff.”
Lozinak explained that his recovery progressed faster than expected. However, doctors gave him one specific warning about returning to performing.
“They said I should probably be doing normal things withing four to eight weeks. And then I was, like, ‘Well, can I go on tour?’ And they were asking me questions and doing tests,” he continued. “They were just, like, ‘Don’t headbang too crazy.’ That my one thing. I’m, like, ‘I’ll try not to.’ It’s hard, but, yeah, that was about it. But I’m pretty good now, so I’m happy. The brain had to relearn after the disruption.”
Regarding Hatebreed’s new album, Lozinak provided an update on the band’s progress and potential release timeline.
“I really don’t know but I mean the music is done. James got to do the vocals finished but there’s a lot of songs ready,” he said. “Might even go record some more in January. We’ll see. But it should be coming out I’m hoping next year.”
Lozinak’s health challenges come at a crucial time for the band. Hatebreed has been actively touring and working on new material following their last studio release.
The Rockpit reported that Hatebreed’s most recent album “Weight of the False Self” was released on November 27, 2020, via Nuclear Blast. This marks nearly five years since their last full-length release. The upcoming album would continue the band’s consistent discography that includes landmark releases such as “Satisfaction is the Death of Desire” (1997), “Perseverance” (2002), and “The Divinity of Purpose” (2013).
Lozinak has been a key member of Hatebreed’s lineup for over a decade. Wikipedia noted that the lead guitarist originally joined the hardcore metal band in 1994 but left shortly after. He then rejoined in 2009 and has remained active with them since. He grew up in Connecticut and began playing guitar around the age of 12 or 13. He initially taught himself before taking formal lessons to improve his skills.
During Lozinak’s recovery period, the band has continued their touring commitments with temporary lineup adjustments. Consequence revealed that Hatebreed is currently touring in Europe and performing in the U.S. during festivals like Louder Than Life and Aftershock. Matt Bachand temporarily took over guitar duties while Lozinak recovers from his benign brain tumor surgery.
The band continues working on new material as Lozinak completes his recovery. Fans eagerly anticipate both his full return to the stage and the release of Hatebreed’s next studio album in 2026.
