Review: “Faith In Vain” by Rough Justice

Born out of a mutual love of North East Pennsylvanian Hardcore bands Bad Seed and Dead End Path, Sheffield Hardcore homewreckers Rough Justice made their first impact with 2019 EP “Hell Is Other People“. A well received record, that opened the doors and windows for a myriad of shows as well as a deal with Malevolence run label MLVLTD, in whose newly built DIY space the band would spend hours demoing the songs that would eventually feature on the record. Curiously when the title track was premiered in the build up to the albums release the band were seemingly at pains to point out that it doesn’t depict the overarching theme of the record…

In evolution rather than revolution, Rough Justice have introduced more complex guitar work to their previous blend while taking absolutely nothing away, something which becomes almost immediately apparent as opening cut “Cowards” hits like being broadsided by a juggernaut on the freeway. Effectively going from Hardcore to Metallic Hardcore in under 60 seconds, if it wasn’t for the accent of vocalist James Tippett, you’d swear the band were from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Neck snapping grooves are undeniable, Josh Baines powerhouse kit performance unstoppable and the closing sample adding that grit of old school British Gangster movies. What’s interesting is that the riffs aren’t all out heavy with Elliot Reynolds and Ed Armitage adding some melodically tinged moments in the vein of Counterparts to keep us on our toes. After that statement piece of an opening, “Overruled” flies out of the gate like a bullet departing the barrel in classic Hardcore style before taking a momentary break for some seemingly ethnic inspired riffs before the final onslaught. A straightforward call to the mosh pit with a couple of tasty breakdowns, this one has instant appeal while making great use of vocal layering before the title track “Faith In Vain” flips the script almost entirely.

A cut that depicts guitarist Elliot Reynolds’ resentment of his Christian upbringing while diving into the anger and confusion felt when faced with the existential upheaval that came from renouncing his earlier faith, it finds the band introducing a sing-a-long clean chorus supported by rich melody. Fortunately the quintet have aired on the side of caution and kept the verses punchy and hard hitting to give the track a solid balance because instead of being a cathartic vent, this one almost feels like a shrug of the shoulders in comparison with how heavy and dark it could have got. That’s not to say that it’s not a decent tune, just that it had more potential. Instrumental interlude “Rusting” feels like the morning after the night before, a piece of reflective music to cleanse the palate before the second half… which fits perfectly because “When It Comes” goes off like a nail bomb in packed elevator. A deep and intense Metallic Hardcore blast which has a couple of incendiary downtempo moments, this one is an absolute tour de force of what the band have been about since their inception. A tornado of percussive battery and down tuned riffs, it leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of inciting mosh pit violence.

Cut from the same cloth “Boa Constrictor” roars into life with a the same savage qualities while adding a couple of fleeting Mosh ‘n Roll licks to keep things fresh. After racing away like a Cheetah chasing a heard of wilder beasts, the slow down in the mid section for some pummelling Hardcore sensibilities is very well worked, the bass solo parts a nice touch. Bringing the Kublai Khan style heat in the riff department “Backwards Mask” is a call to the two-steppers as Trippett roars in anger and frustration and the message couldn’t be clearer. Practice what you preach because actions speak louder than words. It’s a hellish tirade over syncopated guitars from a firebrand vocalist and that rage felt deep inside brings out an extra five percent in the performance. “Mind’s Eye” then repeats the pattern with more classically styled Metallic Hardcore riffs adding fuel to the already raging fire; the album closing out with a statement piece of as solid as a tombstone. The problem with this album is the ordering of the tracks. If you made instrumental “Rusting” the opening cut and the title track the closer and you’d have a stronger album with a better flow as a result… [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Cowards
2. Overruled
3. Faith In Vain
4. Rusting (Instrumental)
5. When It Comes
6. Boa Constrictor
7. Backwards Mask
8. Mind’s Eye

“Faith In Vain” by Rough Justice is out 12th January 2024 via MLVLTD