Pain of Truth – Pain of Truth
Release Date: 25th September 2026
Label: DAZE Records
Staking their claim on Northeast Coast hardcore, Pain of Truth have been making noise since 2020, born from the ashes of previous bands and the COVID-19 pandemic. The same year, they released their debut demo EP before they’d even played a live show. Following a string of well-received releases on Connecticut independent hardcore label DAZE Records – including a live cassette, debut LP and two split EPs – the pressure was on to deliver with their self-titled sophomore album. The Long Islanders have ensured there’s absolutely no danger of it letting them down – fusing classic hardcore’s relentless pace with the rhythmic grooves and direct aggression of rap metal – making it impossible for you to sit still while listening.
Pain of Truth contains no guest appearances and sees the band adopt a more robust sound – working with new producer Will Putney (known for his work with Body Count, Knocked Loose and the Amity Affliction, to name a few).
Its foundations are built on a torrent of barely restrained anger – sometimes through slowed and seething breakdowns, other times through maniacal, out-the-gate thrashing. Either way, the tempo changes and left turns are all part of the fun. Nik Hansen and Ridge Rhine’s shared guitar duties manage to perfectly interweave sloping alt-metal riffs and sizzling hardcore guitar screeches with an impressive freedom – all as Zach Stachura’s wrangling bass reinforces the menacing tone. Lyrics are resistant and unapologetic: covering injustice, social division and overcoming negative emotions.
‘Obliteration’ offers a rip-roaring start, between hammering riffs, reverbed death-growl backing and a searing midway solo, for good measure. Straight away, hints of nu metal are evident in Michael Smith’s raw delivery. Though the band have now established a sound of their own, you can read between the lines and still clearly hear their Rage Against the Machine and Slipknot influences.
An immediate standout is ‘Done For’ – with Smith’s vocals at their best, fluctuating between bolshy rap-metal quips, chorus cries, deep roars and passionate shouts with slapback echo. It’s a dynamic ride of swinging riffs and warped lead guitar, before the mid-tempo, crunching breakdown.
Another high point, ‘Unforgiven’ takes you on a similar audible rollercoaster – and has you wondering where the hell it’s heading next – between elongated harmonies, industrial drums, scaling guitar, sturdy downtuned hooks and rage-rapping (just think Insolence, Dog Eat Dog and Skindred’s early, alt-metal origins – and you’ll get the idea). Melodic moments directly contrast with bludgeoning vocal fries, and comparisons can even be drawn to classic scenecore bands like Of Mice & Men and blessthefall.
The record’s first half proves superior over the second, though the last few tracks lead up to an epic ending in the shape of ‘Destroy It All’. Accurately summarising the album’s overall sound, it deservedly earns its place on the tracklist – an ultimate anarchic anthem.
Second-album slumps are one of the most infamously difficult hurdles for any band to manage. Not only have Pain of Truth successfully overcome this, but they’re solidifying themselves as one of the modern era’s finest acts, and suitable hardcore torchbearers for (hopefully) many years to come.
Recommended Track: ‘Unforgiven’
Rating: 8/10
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