By Keith Walsh
Given punk rock’s opposition to marketing and hype, it’s ironic to call The Hanging Judge a super group. Yet it’s accurate, considering this Atlanta-based band features members of The Queers, Anti-Heros, Antagonizers ATL, and Patriot.

Just as you’d expect, the band delivers punchy, fiery anthems documenting life on the edge.

Their new album, the eponymous The Hanging Judge launches off with a blistering protest against hypocrisy, “No More.” “Not Alone” is a paeon to solidarity, the kind that punk comradery offers all so perfectly. “Emergency” is an all-out anthem with an explosive chorus and a raging pace.

Awesome guitars abound on The Hanging Judge, for example the intro to “End Of The Day” features smart use of a flanger effect, and like other spots on the album, like “Burning Bridges,” there’s plenty of use of melody as well. So while The Hanging Judge have tons of hardcore credibility, there’s no aversion to hooks – they’ve taken the time to craft memorable songs.

“Vultures” is a raging anthem against the routines of work, propaganda, and consumerism, while “Life Is War” is a rousing call for punks to remember that life is a struggle calling for positive action.

“Rat Race” is a completely dark take on society, as is “Pawns,” with it’s stellar lead guitar. “Year Zero” is another catchy anthem, so is “9 to 5” with its familiar theme of the drudgery of employment. The album’s closer “Fatique (Blitz)” is perhaps the most direct attempt at a pop punk hit, even featuring an organ keyboard sound in the choruses.

There’s vinyl, on two labels our of Germany: Sunny Bastards and LakeTown Records, now in a second pressing. And Bandcamp once again proves that it’s a place packed with cool indie music. The Hanging Judge was recorded at Scabby Road Studios by Joe Queer and mixed and mastered by Matt Washburn at Ledbelly Studios.

The Hanging Judge are playing the Punk Rock Bowling Afterparty on May 31 in Las Vegas with: Deviates, Endless Struggle, Jugheads Revenge, and Hans Gruber & The Diehards.

The Hanging Judge On Bandcamp
The Hanging Judge On YouTube

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