The standard of hardcore and its various subgenres is at an all time high. 2023 was a year rammed full of face-smacking riffs and disgusting breakdowns and only 2 weeks into 2024 it seems this standard is set to continue. An important release for Rough Justice before they commence their UK tour with Malevolence and Pain of Truth in February, Faith in Vain demonstrates immaculate growth since their 2019 EP, Hell Is Other People. While maintaining their entrenched metallic hardcore sound, Faith in Vain features complex guitar sections, conscientious structure and impactful lyrics evidencing the band’s passion for metal and hardcore and enabling them to stand out in a saturated genre.
From the off, this record is as passionate as it is ignorant. Opening track ‘Coward’ ruptures the record into life, delivering exactly what Rough Justice are loved for, face-paced groovy hardcore chaos reminiscent of the distinctive Sheffield sound and MLVLTD influence. As the opener finishes with a sample from Dead Man’s Shoes, following track ‘Overruled’ prolongs the pummelling heaviness commencing with a quintessential-hardcore band name call out from vocalist, Jimmy.
“From the off, this record is as passionate as it is ignorant”
Faith in Vain doesn’t lose sight of the band’s heaviness, but it’s the lyrics and underlying themes of guilt, fear, faith and hidden intentions that give this record uniqueness and impact. The title track of this record impeccably demonstrates this, embracing the paramount elements of a great hardcore track, remaining hefty but twists you into a cathartic clean chorus that grapples with the sensitive theme of renouncing faith. ‘Rustling’ comes as an unpredicted surprise, catching you off guard with gentle guitar, piano and even birdsong. Perhaps an odd interlude to have on the record, if the tracks on this album were performed in succession, this peacefulness would serve as a very welcomed breather as you piece yourself back together before the next onslaught.
It doesn’t take long before tranquillity is abandoned as ‘When it comes’ catapults you straight back into belligerence featuring the brutalist, face-churning breakdown on the album while still managing to emulate the emotive rawness felt throughout. The final three tracks of this record act as a memento of how simply ferocious this band are. While not offering much in the way of innovation, in the midst of chunky, melodic riffs in ‘Backwards Mask’ and the brutish breakdown in concluding track ‘Mind_s Eye’, someone is about to get hurt.
Despite making for good listening, bolshie riffs and pugnacious heaviness alone aren’t enough to have an edge amongst the impeccable bands in the UKHC scene. Faith in Vain manages to surpass this benchmark. Marrying hardcore heaviness with poignant themes and innovation, Rough Justice have busted open the parameters of what a hardcore record should be.