If there’s one thing I always look forward to, it’s the first hype release of the year. You know the ones I’m talking about: The albums from fairly obscure to midsized bands that seemingly overnight, everybody and their mom are saying they can’t wait to drop. A little over 2 months into 2023 and it’s Judiciary’s sophomore outing, Flesh + Blood, that takes this year’s honors for “first hype release”. While I’ve heard their name in passing over the last 5 or so years, especially within hardcore circles, I’ve never taken the time to explore this band or their output, which up until now consisted of a demo, EP, split, and full length, in that order.
Considering the recent crossover success of other metal/hardcore hybrids like Power Trip and Gulch, I can’t say I’m too surprised by Judiciary’s overnight superstardom. They check off virtually every box within this niche. Beatdown riffs, two-step riffs, thrash riffs, militant tough-guy vocals with emphasis on socially conscious lyrics: You name it, this band has it. However, like with every post-Integrity hardcore band, there’s the underlying concern. It’s one thing to have “it”. The question is, does Judiciary do “it” well? I guess that depends on who you ask.
Hardcore kids with oversized hoodies and X’s tattooed on their hands will likely be all over this album. So will your neighborhood hipster “metalhead” who finds any heavy act before 1990 besides Black Sabbath to be “problematic”. Me? I listened to Flesh + Blood with an open mind and open ears, and while it has its moments, it just doesn’t cut the mustard for me in the long run. Now when this album thrashes, it thrashes hard. One need not look further than cuts like “Engulfed” with its abysmal breakneck riffs and Mercyful Fate-esque leads, or “Steel Hand God” with its savage death/thrash reminiscent of Beneath the Remains era Sepultura.
It’s not simply the speed that made this an interesting listen at first, but also its massive production and bleak atmosphere, characteristic of early 90s metalcore. Whether it be the opening one-two punch of “Flesh” and “Blood”, or the arm-swinging insanity of “Cobalt”, one can’t help but draw comparisons to Integrity, All Out War, Ringworm, etc. Unfortunately, while the similarities are sonically present, the band lacks the hooks and memorability that made these veterans such scene staples. The one-time punishing beatdown passages become more tired and one-dimensional with each song, and the incorporation of desperate MySpace-core tendencies on “Knife in the Dirt” and “Stare into the Sun” come off as tired in an age where it’s all of a sudden “cool” to like nu metal and metalcore again.
Overall, Flesh + Blood is OK for what it is, nothing more, nothing less, and certainly bound to please those of a more hardcore disposition than I. Even so, is it really worth the hype its been getting from bigger metal outlets? I think not. Then again, I seldom see eye to eye with my much larger peers, the same ones who will try to convince you Carcass is still putting out worthwhile material in the 2020s. Excuse me while I laugh so hard that I pass out from lack of oxygen.
5 out of 10
Label: Closed Casket Activities
Genre: Metalcore
For fans of: Integrity, Ringworm, Jesus Piece