Alright, at last I got over the title's double entendre... So, Justice Theory hail from Central Finlan's capital, Jyväskylä. They've been around for a decade, putting out several single cuts and EPs, of which 'Beaten Will Rise' is the second. It's the same old song with me and the band: I never knew about them before I got to hear this.

Justice Theory perform modern thrash/heavy metal compounded with some metalcore elements. First, the songs here are catchy. Anarchistic intro with pounding rhythm section and fine lead guitar line reminds me about Arch Enemy's resistance against modern society. 'Fight until You Die' on the other hand sounds very Finnish, strongly smelling of Ville Laihiala's music after Sentenced was dead and buried. Hard-hitting, burly riffing and driving rhythm section, and gruff yet melodic vocals. The chorus is highly addictive and catchy, and show the capability of the band in a fine way. Gang shouts add exploding energy into the song. 'The Abandoned' is a fast piece, with highly tenacious riffing and lead guitar work. The vocals are now screamed, and gang participating, and some rhythms, bring in the metalcore traits. 'End of Chapter' has some modern In Flames stylings within its guitar melodiousness, but also Finnish dolefulness. Generally, the band do not show thrash metal side here as much as on some earlier songs (e.g. 'Welcome to the Family').

The song structures are in "pop" style, with choruses repeated often, as well as containing slower/calmer part towards the ending, before final chorus repeating. While this serves nothing new to the table, I really want to emphasize how catchy songs these fellows can write. Despite it is easy to associate Justice Theory with several big(ger) band, but these songs deserve the credit. And it is all delivered with "ooomph" embodying production job, so it stoutly strikes in.

If you are not allergic to modern elements, this shortish EP is very much a worthy piece of music to try out and bang your fist to. It's as sturdy as the band's logo.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/12/2022 19:17