Pain of Truth
{{Short description|American hardcore band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| name = Pain of Truth
| image =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| landscape = yes
| alt =
| caption = Pain of Truth performing live at Sound and Fury 2023
| alias =
| origin = Long Island, New York, U.S.
| genre = {{hlist|Tough guy hardcore|beatdown hardcore|metalcore}}
| discography =
| years_active = 2020–present
| label = Daze
| spinoffs =
| spinoff_of = Hangman
| current_members = *Michael Smith
- Nik Hansen
- Ridge Rhine
- Zach Stachura
- Nick Barker
| past_members = *Chris Rini
| website =
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
Pain of Truth are an American hardcore punk band formed in Long Island, New York in 2020. {{as of|2024}}, they have released one demo, two split EPs, and one studio album.
Following the disbandment of his previous band Hangman, Michael Smith began to write and record songs during the COVID-19 lockdowns. These tracks were eventually released as the No Blame… Just Facts demo in July 2020, by which time he had enlisted a band lineup of himself on vocals Chris Rini on drums, Nik Hansen and Ridge Rhine on guitars and Zach Stachura on bass. The group made a name for themselves through their extensive use of guest features, which have included notable hardcore musicians such as Freddy Cricien, Scott Vogel and Justice Tripp. Their debut album Not Through Blood was released on September 8, 2023.
History
Michael Smith was inspired to become involved in hardcore punk after seeing his older brothers Chris and Danny's band Backtrack's debut live show. Following this, he formed the band Stand Your Ground, in which he played guitar, in the following years he became the vocalist in Numbskull then the guitarist in Hangman. Hangman's debut album One By One was released in 2019, however within a few months the COVID-19 lockdowns and the band disbanded. During the lockdown, Smith began to record instrumental demos. After sending these recordings to his friend Andrew "Lumpy" Wojcik, owner of Daze Records, Wojcik encouraged Smith to record vocals. Inspired by hip hop music's use of vocal features, all but one of the five demoed tracks included a feature from another hardcore band: King Nine, Billy Club Sandwich, Forced Out, Simulakra, Life's Question and Scarab. Part of the way through the recording, Smith enlisted Chris Rini to play drums and Nik Hansen to play guitar, who assisted in completing the recording process.{{cite AV media |people=Nik Hansen |date=2023-05-12 |title=Nik Hansen [PAIN OF TRUTH, MISSING LINK] - Scoped Exposure Podcast 249 |type=podcast |language=English |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdd0J3kwpYk |access-date=2024-10-01 |time=23m |quote=[Michael Smith] recorded [the demos] then I came in kinda like half way through the recording process, and it was just Mike and the drummer at the time, that was the only lineup, so to say. I came in and finished recording the EP with him, you know doing backing vocals and everything like that. And when we started to put together a lineup, Mike handpicked everyone more or less.}} These demos were eventually released by Daze Records in July 2020, titled No Blame… Just Facts.{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=HOW PAIN OF TRUTH BECAME THE NEW PRINCES OF NEW YORK HARDCORE |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/how-pain-truth-became-new-princes-new-york-hardcore/ |website=Revolver |access-date=30 September 2024}}
On March 16, 2021, the band released a split EP with Hudson Valley hardcore Age Of Apocalypse. In March 2022, they toured the United States supporting Drain along Ingrown.{{cite web |last1=Hatfield |first1=Amanda |title=Drain announce March tour with Pain of Truth & Ingrown |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/drain-announce-march-tour-with-pain-of-truth-ingrown/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} On April 29, they supported Gulch on the first night of their final two East Coast shows at Saint Vitus in New York, alongside King Nine and All Due Respect.{{cite web |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |title=Gulch announce final East Coast shows (two nights at Saint Vitus included) |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/gulch-add-two-nights-at-saint-vitus-to-final-run-of-shows/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} In May, they toured the United States supporting Terror, alongside Kublai Khan and Sanguisugabogg.{{cite web |last1=RHOMBUS |first1=EMPEROR |title=Terror Announce U.S. Tour With Kublai Khan TX, Sanguisugabogg and Pain Of Truth |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/03/23/terror-announce-u-s-tour-with-kublai-khan-tx-sanguisugabogg-and-pain-of-truth/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} On September 23 and 24, they played the Black and Blue Bowl showcase, organised by Triple B, Streets of Hate, and Daze Records, alongside Sunami.{{cite web |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |title=Sunami, Never Ending Game, Spy, Pain of Truth & more playing BBB/DAZE showcase in NYC |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/sunami-never-ending-game-spy-pain-of-truth-more-playing-bbbdaze-showcase-in-nyc/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} Between June 23 and 9 July, they toured as a part of the Triple B Records European Takeover, headlined by Sunami and No Pressure.{{cite web |title=No Pressure, Sunami, Pain Of Truth, and more announce Triple B Records European Takeover 2023 |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/37783/no-pressure-sunami-pain-of-truth-and-more-announce-triple-b-records-european-takeover-2023/ |access-date=1 October 2024}}
Pain of Truth headlined the Friday of the 2023 Black and Blue Bowl on 12 May, with support from Bulldoze, Merauder and All Out War.{{cite web |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |title=BNB Bowl 2023 lineup (Pain of Truth, Death Threat, Bulldoze, Merauder, End It, All Out War & more) |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/bnb-bowl-2023-lineup-pain-of-truth-death-threat-bulldoze-merauder-end-it-all-out-war-more/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} On June 20, they released the single "Actin' Up" featuring 200 Stab Wounds vocalist Steve Buhl, announcing that it would be a part of their debut album Not Through Blood.{{cite web |last1=MCLENNAN |first1=SEAN |title=NEWS: PAIN OF TRUTH ANNOUNCES NEW LP, SHARES SINGLE ‘ACTIN’ UP’ FEAT. STEVE BUHL OF 200 STAB WOUNDS |url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/news-pain-of-truth-announces-new-lp-shares-single-actin-up-feat-steve-buhl-of-200-stab-wounds/ |access-date=1 October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=HEAR PAIN OF TRUTH ENLIST 200 STAB WOUNDS VOCALIST ON MONSTROUS NEW SONG |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-pain-truth-enlist-200-stab-wounds-vocalist-monstrous-new-song/ |website=Revolver |access-date=1 October 2024}} The album's second single "Under My Skin" was released July 18 featuring Criminal Instinct vocalist Josiah Hoeflinger.{{cite web |last1=MAO |first1=SCOTT |title=Pain Of Truth release second single from upcoming debut album |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/39589/pain-of-truth-release-second-single-from-upcoming-debut-album/ |access-date=1 October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Breiham |first1=Tom |title=Pain Of Truth – "Under My Skin" (Feat. Criminal Instinct’s Josiah Hoeflinger) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2230441/pain-of-truth-under-my-skin-feat-criminal-instincts-josiah-hoeflinger/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=1 October 2024}} On August 5, they played This is Hardcore festival 2023.{{cite web |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |title=This Is Hardcore reveals full 2023 lineup (Deadguy, Bulldoze, End It, Pain of Truth & more added) |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/this-is-hardcore-reveals-full-2023-lineup-deadguy-bulldoze-end-it-pain-of-truth-more-added/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} On August 16, they released the single "You and Me" featuring Freddy Cricien, vocalist of Madball.{{cite web |last1=NIJMEDDI |first1=KAT |title=Pain Of Truth drop new single featuring Freddy Cricien of Madball |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/39890/pain-of-truth-drop-new-single-featuring-freddy-cricien-of-madball/ |access-date=1 October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=HEAR MADBALL'S FREDDY CRICIEN ROAR ON PAIN OF TRUTH'S CRUSHING NEW SONG |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-madballs-freddy-cricien-roar-pain-truths-crushing-new-song/ |website=Revolver |access-date=1 October 2024}} During this time, Rini departed from the group and Nick Barker was brought in to fill his role.{{cite web |title=PAIN OF TRUTH ANNOUNCE "NOT THROUGH BLOOD" LP, "ACTIN’ UP" STREAMING, TOUR COMING UP |url=https://idioteq.com/pain-of-truth-announced-not-through-blood-lp-new-song-actin-up-streaming/ |access-date=12 February 2025}} On August 27, they supported Life of Agony and Sick of It All at the Chance in Poughkeepsie alongside Outburst and Regulate.{{cite web |title=Life of Agony & Sick of It All played Knockdown Center w/ Pain of Truth, Outburst & Regulate (pics) |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/life-of-agony-sick-of-it-all-played-knockdown-center-w-pain-of-truth-outburst-regulate-pics/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} On September 8, they released their debut album Not Through Blood.{{cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Jude |title=Pain of Truth – Not Through Blood Album Review |url=https://www.noizze.co.uk/pain-of-truth-not-through-blood-album-review/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} On September 30, the band were scheduled to perform at Code's World festival organised and headlined by Code Orange,{{cite web |title=E-Town Concrete added to Code Orange's Code's World music festival |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/39368/e-town-concrete-added-to-code-oranges-codes-world-music-festival/comments/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} however they dropped out on the day due to illness.{{cite web |last1=MAO |first1=SCOTT |title=Pain Of Truth drop from Code Orange's Code World hours before doors |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/40364/pain-of-truth-drop-from-code-oranges-code-world-hours-before-doors/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} Between November 2 and December 15, the band toured the United States on their debut headline tour, with support from Life's Question, Vomit Forth and Momentum.{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=PAIN OF TRUTH ANNOUNCE FULL U.S. HEADLINING TOUR |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/events/pain-truth-announce-full-us-headlining-tour/ |website=Revolver |access-date=1 October 2024}}
Between February 2 and 13 2024, the band toured the United Kingdom, supporting Malevolence alongside Rough Justice.{{cite web |title=Malevolence announce UK tour with Pain of Truth and Rough Justice |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/40614/malevolence-announced-uk-tour-with-pain-of-truth-and-rough-justice/ |access-date=1 October 2024}} Between May 11 and 26, they supported Kublai Khan on their United States headline tour alongside Harm's Way and Justice For The Damned.{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=KUBLAI KHAN TX Announces US Dates With HARM'S WAY, PAIN OF TRUTH & JUSTICE FOR THE DAMNED |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/kublai-khan-tx-announces-us-dates-with-harms-way-pain-of-truth-justice-for-the-damned |access-date=1 October 2024}} Between June 25 and July 7, they supported A Day To Remember on their United States headline tour.{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Emily |title=A Day To Remember announce huge North American tour |url=https://www.kerrang.com/a-day-to-remember-announce-huge-north-american-tour |website=Kerrang! |access-date=1 October 2024}} From August 22 to 30, they toured Australia supporting Speed alongside High Vis and Fuse.{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Emily |title=Speed announce ONLY ONE MODE Australian tour |url=https://www.kerrang.com/speed-announce-only-one-mode-australian-tour |website=Kerrang! |access-date=1 October 2024}} Between October 7 and 31, they will tour the United States on a co-headline tour with Dying Wish.{{cite web |last1=KEENAN |first1=HESHER |title=Dying Wish and Pain of Truth to Co-Headline U.S. Tour |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2024/07/24/dying-wish-and-pain-of-truth-to-co-headline-u-s-tour/ |access-date=1 October 2024}}
Musical style
Critics have categorized Pain of Truth's music as tough guy hardcore,{{cite web |last1=Breiham |first1=Tom |title=Album Of The Week: Pain Of Truth Not Through Blood |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2234730/album-of-the-week-pain-of-truth-not-through-blood/reviews/album-of-the-week/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=10 November 2024}} beatdown hardcore{{cite web |last1=Corcoran |first1=Nina |title=Hardcore Expanded Its Boundaries in 2023—and the Scene Embraced It |url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/hardcore-expanded-its-boundaries-in-2023-and-the-scene-embraced-it/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=30 September 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=5 ARTISTS YOU NEED TO KNOW: MAY 2022 |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/5-artists-you-need-know-may-2022/ |website=Revolver |access-date=1 October 2024}} and metalcore.{{cite web |last1=Breiham |first1=Tom |title=Hear Pain Of Truth & Age Of Apocalypse’s Insanely Heavy New Split |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2120622/hear-pain-of-truth-age-of-apocalypses-insanely-heavy-new-split/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=1 October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=BEYOND CODE ORANGE AND KNOCKED LOOSE: 10 RISING METALLIC HARDCORE BANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/beyond-code-orange-and-knocked-loose-10-rising-metallic-hardcore-bands-you-need-know/ |website=Revolver |access-date=1 October 2024}} Their music is indebted to heavy 1990s hardcore bands who put an emphasis on groove and the influence of hip hop like Dog Eat Dog and Biohazard.{{cite web |last1=Musilli |first1=Mike |title=Pain of Truth: New Hardcore Outfit Gets Our Attention with Debut EP |url=https://www.noecho.net/features/pain-of-truth |access-date=1 October 2024}} Revolver writer Eli Enis described their sound as "if Hatebreed came up on Trapped Under Ice instead of Madball". Noizze writer Jude Bennett described their sound as "Taking the best of Hatebreed and other classic hardcore bands and mixing it with metal and a dash of hip-hop."
Discography
Albums
- Not Through Blood (2023)
EPs
- Pain of Truth / Age of Apocalypse (2021, split EP with Age of Apocalypse)
- Coast to Coast (2025, split EP with Sunami)
Demos
- No Blame… Just Facts (2020)
Members
Current
- Michael Smith – vocals (2020–present)
- Nik Hansen – guitar (2020–present)
- Ridge Rhine – guitar (2020–present)
- Zach Stachura – bass (2020–present)
- Nick Barker – drums (2023–present)
Former
- Chris Rini – drums (2020–2023)