ROUGH JUSTICE release new single ‘Backwards Mask’ and announce debut album

ROUGH JUSTICE
RELEASE NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FOR
‘BACKWARDS MASK’ AND ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM

DEBUT ALBUM ‘FAITH IN VAIN’ due via MLVLTD

Today, Sheffield hardcore band ROUGH JUSTICE have released their new single and music video for ‘Backwards Mask’. The track is taken from the band’s recently announced debut full length album Faith In Vain, due via MLVLTD.

Watch the music video to ‘Backwards Mask’ here.
Stream ‘Backwards Mask’ here.

On the new single, ROUGH JUSTICE comment:
“The first single, ‘Backwards Mask’, is a compact piece of classical hardcore songwriting of the highest calibre. The intensity built in the intro is released through an intense yet sophisticated breakdown reminiscent of early Incendiary. This is followed by an opening verse that sees vocalist, James Tippett, deliver a hellish tirade over syncopated guitars. The anger in James’ voice conveys a clear message: ‘Backwards Mask’ is a song about practicing what you preach, highlighting the pervasiveness of outward displays of morality that aren’t substantiated by actual moral action or real care. The band understands that being vocal about things you’re passionate about is important, but that taking practical action to back it up is all the more important.“

Sheffield has become known for producing profound moments in heavy music. The debut full length record from ROUGH JUSTICE, Faith In Vain, is another one of these moments. A semi-discography, the record is interwoven with violent, impactful and introspective material that gives Faith In Vain a unique feel and encapsulates what ROUGH JUSTICE is all about.

ROUGH JUSTICE are rightly known as a hardcore band that were born out of a mutual love of hardcore bands from the north east of Pennsylvania, namely Bad Seed and Dead End Path. As formative artists for all five members, these were the pillars that made the band what it is but, with Faith In Vain, ROUGH JUSTICE pull from far more than these two deep cuts. As huge metal fans, the band has subconsciously introduced more sophisticated guitar parts and structures, without departing from the straightforward heaviness that has maintained their popularity since their inception. The band themselves didn’t target a specific sound or set of influences while writing the record which is arguably what makes it difficult to compare with much else. Faith In Vain is a showcase of unique song structures and riffs that highlight the band’s progression as songwriters without ever losing sight of their hardcore sensibilities.

Listeners will hear the defiant, direct lyrics typical of hardcore bands past and present, combined with more nuanced and ambiguous moments that will stay with you long after listening. It’s this combination of metallic hardcore intensity and a sensitivity and consideration for the lyrics that gives ROUGH JUSTICE a point of difference. From songs about guilt and fear, to others pondering religion and the hidden intentions of others – Faith In Vain shatters all preconceived notions of what a hardcore record can be.

It’s crucial to say at this point that, without all of the graft from friends in Malevolence, this new way of writing wouldn’t have been possible. ROUGH JUSTICE were able to use the newly built DIY space Malevolence created to spend hours demoing the songs that would eventually feature on the record.