Rough Justice is proving their name right by delivering a brutal, hard-hitting, and downright tough collection of tracks on their latest release. The album punches you in the face with raw power and energy, blending moments of groove with devastating intensity. It’s clear from the first note that these guys are not here to mess around—they bring the hammer down when it counts, delivering songs that have a solid backbone of heaviness, yet don’t lose their groove.
The album as a whole has a grand, commanding feel, with each track building upon the next to create a massive sound that resonates throughout the entire release. This colossal sound is driven by the band's heavy hardcore style, but what truly propels it forward are the monstrous riffs. The guitars are tuned low, making them feel even more aggressive and impactful. They churn out thick, chunky chugging riffs that flood the album, delivering sheer devastation.
The vocals match the intensity of the guitars perfectly—raw and unapologetically gritty, they add an extra layer of brutality and energy, amplifying the power of the riffs. It’s like the voice of someone who’s just as ready to wreak havoc as the instruments themselves, and the two work in tandem to create something that feels larger than life.
The drums are a standout feature, showcasing the band’s creativity and attention to detail. Throughout the album, the drumming is more than just a backbone—it adds flair and excitement to each track. Interesting drum fills and cymbal work keep the rhythm dynamic, and when the breakdowns hit, the drums elevate everything to epic proportions, making each one feel absolutely massive.
One area that falls a bit flat, unfortunately, is the bass. Throughout much of the album, it’s hard to pick out any distinct bass lines—it’s buried in the mix and feels a bit underwhelming compared to the other elements. Given how massive everything else sounds, a more prominent bass presence would have really helped tie the overall sound together.
In terms of pacing, the album keeps things moving at a solid pace, with each track flowing into the next without dragging. However, the last song feels somewhat like an afterthought. It doesn’t quite hold up to the intensity or structure of the rest of the album, and its inclusion feels unnecessary, as it doesn’t quite match the energy or level of quality the previous tracks deliver.
Overall, Rough Justice’s latest release is a force to be reckoned with. It's heavy, intense, and filled with moments of sheer sonic power. A few minor issues aside, they’ve crafted an album that delivers exactly what fans of brutal hardcore are looking for—fury, groove, and an undeniable sense of aggression.
RATING: 9/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Coward
Faith In Vain
When It Comes
Backwards Mask