The joys of freedom ring out loud and clear on Regional Justice Center's latest release, a blistering 13-minute blast of fury that never wastes a single second. This Washington based powerviolence band comes in hot, delivering a chaotic yet finely-tuned assault on the senses. With unhinged vocals, precision drumming, a groovy low-end bass, and riffs that hit like a sledgehammer, the band proves they know how to make every minute count.
One of the standout elements of this release is the drumming. The fills here are some of the most impressive I've heard in a while—complex, fast, and incredibly tight. On tracks like “Diplomatic Solution,” “Sweet Freedom,” and “Weight,” the drums are not only technical but also highly memorable, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already high-energy music. The snare, in particular, has a punchy, sharp sound, especially on “Weight,” while on “Comfort of Addiction,” it takes on a deeper, more menacing tone, matching the track's darker vibe. The drumming anchors the entire record, keeping the band locked into a groove that is as unrelenting as it is tight.
Equally relentless is the sheer force of the vocals. It's no small feat to scream with such raw aggression and still manage to enunciate the lyrics clearly, but the vocalist pulls it off effortlessly on tracks like “Diplomatic Solution” and “Pariah.” The words themselves are fueled by an intensity that matches the music—a powerful call for freedom and resistance. Lyrics like “Freedom can’t be gained, not if you stay the same / Freedom can’t be gained, someone else decides your fate” are not just shouted, they're felt. The emotional weight behind these words, paired with the unhinged delivery, makes it impossible to ignore their message. The addition of gang vocals later in the album amplifies the sense of urgency and communal struggle, turning these already heavy lyrics into anthems for the disillusioned and the defiant.
The bass is another standout element, adding a rich layer of depth to the overall sound. On tracks like “Moral Death Sentence” and “Pariah,” the bass thunders with a dense, weighty tone that complements the frenetic pace of the drums and guitars. It’s both powerful and perfectly placed, enhancing the intensity of the music while still allowing the rest of the band to shine through.
The riffs here are nothing short of savage. They rip through the mix at a blistering pace, with moments of groove that give the songs a unique flair. Tracks like “Weight” showcase a snazzy, almost funky groove, while others, like “Take A Step Away,” feature menacing, larger-than-life riffs that shake the very foundation of the record. It’s clear the band has mastered the art of balancing speed and groove, creating a dynamic listening experience that never feels monotonous or predictable.
The album’s flow is exceptional, never bogging down despite its short length. The production helps create a seamless listening experience, one that emphasizes both the raw aggression and the subtle nuances of the music. One of the most intriguing moments is on the track “Curse,” which features a rap interlude that feels both unsettling and brilliantly placed. The way it transitions into the next track, “Unnerving,” is smooth yet jarring, capturing the album's overall sense of discomfort and urgency.
From a technical perspective, the production on Regional Justice Center is solid. Everything is well-mixed and clear, allowing each instrument to shine through while maintaining a wall of sound that keeps the energy levels high. The balance between clarity and chaos is perfect—nothing gets lost in the mix, and each instrument is given the space to breathe without losing the record’s overall intensity.
In the end, this album exudes an overwhelming sense of hate and aggression, but it's not the aimless kind. There’s a purpose here, a fury directed at the injustices of the world, and the band channels it all into a 13-minute statement that leaves no room for complacency. Regional Justice Center demands freedom, and with this release, they're making it clear that they won’t stop until they get it—one way or another.
RATING: 9/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Freedom
Moral Death Sentence
Weight
Rewire
Curse