Album Review: Justice For The Damned – Stay Relentless (Greyscale Records)

With nearly a decade of non-stop touring across Australia, the US, and Europe, Justice for the Damned has forged a reputation for their live shows and their ability to connect with the most intense crowds around the world. Their time on the road has shaped their brand-new record, ‘Stay Relentless’, out August 15th via Greyscale Records.

Every band wants their studio output to give the listener some idea of what a live show might be like, but few nail it the way that Justice for the Damned do here. Delivering a twelve track blast of a record that showcases intensity that reflects their live show (we know, we’ve seen them play before).

Doesn’t it speak volumes about a record when only two of the twelve tracks on offer pass the three-minute mark? This is Justice for the Damned focused on one thing, and one thing alone – causing carnage, and although there’s nothing ground-breaking here, their focus ensures it’s a very memorable release.

Aggressive from the start with a series of short and sharp stomping examples of fury and aggression. Justice for the Damned’s metalcore/deathcore sound is on point as they blaze through the likes of Retribution in Blood, Built to Be Broken, Every Lies You’ve Spoken, and the title track. The first third of the record will leave you feeling like you were smacked in the mouth, several times over, and then kicked in the stomach while you lay on the floor seeing stars.

Fun, right? They excel at this kind of addictive brutishness and there’s very little in the way of changes to the formula as the next part of the album brings even more rabid soundscapes, two-stepping savagery, and pit-inducing violence via the likes The Current, Shattered, Cry Wolf, and Clawing Wounds. The latter of which features Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer.

A short and sharp assault of speed and noise that is borderline nonsensical, from a heaviness perspective, but one that will put a big smile on the faces of those who like their metal to come with some real bite.

You should have killed me when you had the chance!

It’s after that beast that we get the longer of the tracks, although that just gives Justice for the Damned more time to bust noses and lips. First, with the methodical destruction of Ghosts of Tomorrow, then with the vitriolic Eyes of a Killer. I know it makes me sound like a broken record, but fucking hell, this is one heavy record.

Thankfully, desensitisation never hits as the short and sharp approach means it’s over quite quickly. Wrapping up with a handful of stompy and manic efforts that give us thick instruments and brutal vocals delivered with rabid intensity. Both Writhing Mass of Liars and Leave You Behind do the job, and if you’re not already seeing stars, you will be come the end.

Justice for the Damned – Stay Relentless Track Listing:

1. Retribution In Blood
2. Built To Be Broken
3. Every Lie You’ve Spoken
4. Stay Relentless
5. The Current
6. Shattered
7. Cry Wolf
8. Clawing Wounds (feat. Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer)
9. Ghosts Of Tomorrow
10. Eyes of A Killer
11. Writhing Mass of Liars
12. Leave You Behind

Links

LinkTree | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | X