Hatebreed Guitarist Exits Tour Following Diagnosis of Brain Tumor

Hatebreed guitarist Wayne Lozinak has announced a temporary departure from the group following the discovery of a non cancerous brain tumor.

News of Lozinak’s health update was shared by the band on social media on Tuesday (June 17), explaining that the guitarist had first experienced “mild symptoms that raised concerns of a possible stroke” during their visit to England’s Download Festival on Saturday (June 14).

“Out of an abundance of caution, he sought medical attention the following day upon arriving in Lille, France,” the post explained. After undergoing a CT scan at the ER, doctors discovered a brain tumor, leading to his immediate admission for further testing. 

“Following a thorough 24-hour evaluation, including an MRI, it was determined that the tumor is a benign meningioma—a slow-growing mass that has likely been present for years. We are immensely relieved that Wayne’s diagnosis is the best possible outcome given the circumstances.”

Currently, Lozinak is in the process of returning to the U.S. so that he can “prepare for surgery and focus on rest and recovery.” Noting his determination to return to the band “as soon as he is able,” the group added that in his absence, Lozinak’s role will be filled by Shadows Fall’s Matt Bachand.

Notably, Bachand has performed in Hatebreed since November 2024, having taken over from bassist Chris Beattie following his departure from the band. In a statement shared in February, Beattie clarified that “the decision to leave the band was not mine,” citing “misleading and wrongful statements” as leading to his exit. 

Hatebreed also added that First Blood’s Carl Schwartz has now taken on the role of bassist following Bachand’s move to guitar.

Hatebreed first formed in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1994 and released their debut album three years later. They found widespread fame with 2002’s Perseverance, which reached No. 50 on the Billboard 200, while the group later received a Grammy nomination for best metal performance in 2004. 

Further albums improved on their initial chart showing, with 2013’s The Divinity of Purpose becoming their most commercially-successful when it peaked at No. 20 and additionally topped the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. Their most recent album, 2020’s Weight of the False Self, became their first not to impact the Billboard 200 since their debut, but peaked at No. 12 on the Hard Rock Albums.

Hatebreed’s current Wight of the False Self Tour is making its way through Europe presently, with dates scheduled across the U.K. and North America until October.