Review Summary: The New Generation of Trailblazers
The carnivorous savagery that defines this new Judiciary record excels past the normal threshold of hardcore crossover records with no holds barred riffs accentuated by a gritty, chainsaw-like tonality and an immense Will Putney mix/master job. Each track feels calculated, ranging from death metal inspired chugs to Gojira levels of groove to ripping guitar solos akin to the work of Kerry King, each hyper-detailed layer flexing the group dynamics of this truly standout record. Impressively, at barely thirty minutes in length, this record feels like a rollercoaster in that it’s ebbs and flows are constantly interesting, thrilling and gilded with remarkable individual performances, allowing for a thoroughly jam-packed listening experience. It doesn’t overstay it's welcome and gives the listener everything it desires in its very efficient execution.
In reference to the progression from their debut to this record, bassist Kyle Califin had this to say: “It’s a mashup of old school heavy metal with contemporary energy…we didn’t just change anything for the sake of change—we’ve elevated everything in every way.” With that in mind, I would consider ‘Flesh + Blood’ to be successful in that elevation with every riff sounding massive and powerful, every drum pattern intricate and intense and the vocal delivery feeling immediate, visceral and raw. It’s truly a masterclass in growth of songwriting along with a triumphant success in creating a sound that appeals to multiple generations of heavy music listeners. The pounding brutality and crisp punch of the production will certainly interest newer metal listeners who expect a level of polish, but the old-school guitar solos, riffs and attitude will please those OG-Machine Head/Slayer/Integrity listeners that need convincing to listen to anything pre-2000’s.
In the same interview, commenting on the collaboration with producer Arthur Rizk, Kyle Califin admitted: “Riley Gale [Power Trip] was a huge advocate of us doing a full record with Arthur, so finally being able to do so was an important full-circle moment for us all…Arthur really understands heavy music and writes in a way for his bands [Sumerlands, Cold World, etc.] that we all respect.” There’s certainly parallels between the work of Power Trip and Judiciary, with that speed and intensity translating into this new record and that influence clearly has a lasting appeal with the works of Power Trip held in such high regard. Judiciary do well enough to differentiate themselves however, committing to much higher level of viciousness with an abundance of breakdowns deviating from traditional heavy metal standards. Rizk’s production work is top notch and complements to style that Judiciary achieve so well.
To discuss the actual songs on ‘Flesh + Blood,’ the one-two punch of opening tracks “Flesh” and “Blood” offers the duality of Judiciary with a slow barnburner with apocalyptic undertones that transitions into an absolute rager chockfull of pulsating riffs, complex drumbeats and numerous quickfire switch-ups in tempo and structure. Teaser single “Knife in the Dirt” features poignant guitar leads, a furious pace coupled with excellent grooves and earth-shattering breakdowns. The lengthier closer “Eschatos Hemera,” like the opening track builds up with tons of drama while featuring the only clean-sung vocal excerpt on the record as well as some very atmospheric soundscapes to back-up the chaotic instrumental deliveries. This record easily weaves through various iterations of heavy music supremely outdoing their contemporaries and elevating them into the higher echelons of metal superiority.
‘Flesh + Blood’ offers the best of what modern metal inhabits: big energy, massive production values, and an endless array of colossal payoffs instrumentally. The urgency and excitement that Judiciary have is infectious and I think it’s fair to label them as trailblazers in this newer generation of crossover hardcore bands. I look forward to what comes next!
*Interview excerpts courtesy of Closed Casket Activities*
https://closedcasketactivities.com/products/judiciary-flesh-blood?variant=43816723874046
