THE RED CHORD Members Launch New Band JUSTIFICATIONS, Share First Single 'Urge To Kill'

Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, JUSTIFICATIONS is a new band featuring vocalist Guy Kozowyk and guitarist Kevin Rampelberg, both founding members of THE RED CHORD, alongside guitarist Mark MacDonald (AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE),bassist Jason Edney and drummer Tony Hersey. As JUSTIFICATIONS, these five deliver a spirited brand of metallic hardcore, bursting with energy and memorable lyrics, recommended highly for fans of NAILS, TERROR and TURMOIL.

Kozowyk lays out the band's mission statement: "JUSTIFICATIONS is intended to be direct and fun. A knee-jerk reaction to the world around us." Rampelberg concurs: "The music is more direct, and I think that naturally allows it to connect with people in a different way."

Recorded by Kevin Billingslea (LAMB OF GOD, CRUEL HAND) and mixed and mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, ROB ZOMBIE),first single "Urge To Kill" sees the quintet charge out of the gate with an infectious two-minute blitz, packed with double-bass flurries and a ripping guitar solo. Although JUSTIFICATIONS' sound is a far cry from THE RED CHORD, fans of that band will instantly recognize Kozowyk's commanding voice and colorful lyrics, straddling a line between sarcastic wit and blunt reality. "Your face greets me like an ulcer, starts to wreck my day / I'd rather play in traffic than see your stupid face," he barks on the song's verse, enunciating every word and allowing the message to really transmit. Despite the homicidal tint, "Urge To Kill" is ultimately a song about restraining impulses, not following through with them.

"I was on a mission to deliver lines that sounded abrasive but were also legible," says Kozowyk. "I have a great appreciation for vocalists who are both brutal and can enunciate. If you actually have something to say, I want to hear it."

JUSTIFICATIONS will make its live debut on September 19. Stand by for more show announcements and more details about the debut album, coming in 2027 on Kozowyk's label, Black Market Activities.

JUSTIFICATIONS upcoming live shows:

Sep. 19 - Bensalem, PA @ Broken Goblet Brewing (w/ DEADGUY)
Sep. 26 - Henniker, NH @ Henniker Brewing Company (w/ PATHOGENIC)

Photo credit: Karen Jerzyk