Unbridled Communal Power: Pain of Truth — Not Through Blood

Long Island's own soar with an uncompromising release that raises hardcore on a pedestal.

Pain of Truth, 2023

Words by Luis (@HeaviestOfArt):

Debut albums are a definitive moment in any band's career, holding the ability to make or a break a trajectory in the years to come. For some, it cements a signature formula (or lack thereof) for a string of album cycles that set the course for their stay within the respective genre. Pain of Truth stray from the norm and instead of presenting what makes their sole unit great, they capitalize on the expansive family that is hardcore through their debut, Not Through Blood.

Released this September 8th via DAZE, Not Through Blood features a mix of 13 guest features throughout its 11-track runtime, each of which hails from a band of the highest caliber (i.e. Terror, Incendiary, Trapped Under Ice, Mindforce).

High octane selections, such as Actin' Up and In Your Heart, comprise this communal affair of explosive instrumentation. As the album title suggests, Pain of Truth have earned a respected place in the scene at large, resulting in strong camaraderie reflected on each guest performance throughout the family. One goes hard for their family, and every guest musician did so here. Opener Lifeless On The Ground, which features Anthony Didio and Jon Lhaubouet of vein.fm, ensures that Not Through Blood hits hard with razor sharp riffs and moving hooks from the get go. Guitarists Nik Hansen and Ridge Rhine are on a performative high as frontman Michael Smith commands vigorously, as heard in album standout Too Late.

In a stacked hardcore arena known for regional uniqueness, Pain of Truth do more than stand tall, but bring a trailblazing array of talent with them for a remarkable feat that highlights the genre's contemporary strengths on a grand scale. Not Through Blood is a defining statement that brings a new element of individuality to a debut album, astounding from beginning to end with shifting flavors from one track to the next. It's a thrill of a listen meant for the live setting, one that is sure to level venues this fall while highlighting the power that rests in numbers.

Not Through Blood is available now via DAZE (Order).

Cover Artwork by Ridge Rhine

Pain of Truth Tour Dates

11/2 - Boston, MA @ Sonia W/ Soul Blind, Vomit Forth

11/3 - Asbury Park, NJ @ House of Independents w/ Koyo, Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/4 - Phoenixville, PA @ The Polish Club w/ Koyo, Vomit Forth

11/6 - Cleveland, OH @ The Foundry w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/7 - Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/8 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/9- Louisville, KY @ Portal w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/10 - Nashville, TN @ The End w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/11 - Raleigh, NC @ Chapel of Bones w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/12 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/13 - Orlando, FL @ Level 13 w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/15 - Houston, TX @ The End w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/16 - San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Underground w/ King Nine, Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/17 - Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves w/ King Nine, Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/18 - Tulsa, OK @ Flyover Fest

11/19 - St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

11/20 - Cincinnati, OH @ Legends w/ Life’s Question, Vomit Forth

12/5 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction w/ Deadbody, Torena

12/6 - Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Underground w/ Momentum, Torena

12/8 - Denver, CO @ HQ w/ Momentum, Torena

12/9 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Beehive w/ Momentum, Torena

12/11 - Boise, ID @ The Shredder w/ Ingrown, Momentum, Torena

12/12 - Portland, OR @ Mano Oculta w/ Ingrown, Momentum, Torena

12/13 - Tacoma, WA @ Real Art w/ Ingrown, Momentum, Torena

12/15 - Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman St w/ Big Boy, Momentum, Torena