Regional Justice Center, the powerviolence band led by Militarie Gun’s Ian Shelton, are back with news of their first album since 2021’s Crime and Punishment. Freedom, Sweet Freedom is set to land on September 20 via Closed Casket Activities. Listen to the new singles ‘Freedom’ and ‘Take a Step Away’ below, and scroll down for the album’s cover art and tracklist.
Shelton started Regional Justice Center in 2016 after his younger brother Max was incarcerated. Max was released in 2022, and he joins his brother on the new album, along with Taylor Young of Twitching Tongues and Nails.
In a statement, Max said: “Eight years ago to the day, I woke up in county jail. I was confused, I had zero recollection of what events took place to land me there, and I didn’t know how long I’d be gone or when I’d be able to see and hug my family again. To be able to reclaim these dates and put something positive and hopeful in place of the trauma and anxiety that had always been wrapped around it all — that is the most beautiful full circle moment to me. Even a lotus can grow in mud. Freedom, sweet freedom.”
Ian added: “When Max went away, I started RJC as a way of unpacking everything that was happening, so he’s been a defining part of the band from the start — but the plan was always for him to be even more involved when he got out. I never knew exactly what that would mean until we started making this album and it became clear: he’s the singer of the band. RJC has always been about Max’s story and I’m happy for him to finally be able to tell it with his own voice.”
Freedom, Sweet Freedom Cover Artwork:
Freedom, Sweet Freedom Tracklist:
1. Freedom
2. Diplomatic Solution
3. Moral Death Sentence
4. Weight
5. Rewired
6. Comfort of Addiction
7. Take a Step Away
8. Pariah
9. Prying Eyes
10. Curse
11. Unnerving
12. Sweet Freedom
