Pain of Truth

Americas United States Metalcore Metal

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Band Timeline

2020

Formation and debut demo release amid COVID-19 lockdowns

After the disbandment of his previous band Hangman due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Michael Smith began writing and recording songs individually. He enlisted musicians Chris Rini, Nik Hansen, Ridge Rhine, and Zach Stachura to form Pain of Truth in Long Island, New York. Their debut demo, 'No Blame… Just Facts,' was released in July 2020 by Daze Records. This demo was distinctive for featuring guest vocalists from other notable hardcore bands, reflecting Smith's inspiration from hip hop collaborations.

2021

Split EP release and expanding the band's presence

On March 16, 2021, Pain of Truth released a split EP with Hudson Valley hardcore band Age Of Apocalypse. This release helped amplify the band's reach within the hardcore community. The band continued to build their reputation through collaborations and performances, showcasing their energetic sound and connections to the regional hardcore scene.

2022

U.S. tours supporting major hardcore acts

In 2022, Pain of Truth undertook significant touring activities across the United States. In March, they supported Drain and Ingrown on their tours, enhancing their exposure. In April, they played at Saint Vitus in New York supporting Gulch alongside other hardcore bands. May saw them touring with Terror, Kublai Khan, and Sanguisugabogg. Later in the year, the band joined the Black and Blue Bowl showcase in September and participated in the Triple B Records European Takeover tour, expanding their audience in Europe and solidifying their status in the hardcore circuit.

2023

Debut studio album 'Not Through Blood' and lineup changes

2023 was a landmark year for Pain of Truth with the release of their debut studio album 'Not Through Blood' on September 8. Leading up to the album release, they issued singles featuring prominent hardcore vocalists, including 'Actin' Up' with Steve Buhl and 'You and Me' featuring Freddy Cricien of Madball. The band headlined major hardcore events such as the Black and Blue Bowl festival and performed at This is Hardcore festival. Following the release, longtime drummer Chris Rini departed and was replaced by Nick Barker. They also supported Life of Agony and Sick of It All on tour. Though scheduled to play at Code's World festival, they withdrew due to illness. The band capped the year with their first headline U.S. tour, supported by Life's Question, Vomit Forth, and Momentum.

2024

International touring and growing prominence

Beginning in February 2024, Pain of Truth toured the United Kingdom supporting Malevolence alongside Rough Justice, marking their continued international presence. Tour activities and collaborations in 2024 signal the band's ongoing momentum and influence within the hardcore punk scene, building on their early successes and expanding their fan base across North America and Europe.

Albums

Not Through Blood

11 tracks

2023

Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Chris Rini

N/A

Story of Pain of Truth

Pain of Truth, a hardcore punk band from Long Island, New York, exploded onto the scene in 2020. Emerging from the ashes of Michael Smith's previous band, Hangman, Pain of Truth quickly built a reputation for their raw energy and collaborative spirit. Formed in the crucible of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Smith, initially a solo project, laid down the groundwork with the No Blame… Just Facts demo in July 2020. He then assembled a formidable lineup: himself on vocals, Chris Rini on drums, Nik Hansen and Ridge Rhine on guitars, and Zach Stachura on bass.

Their sound is defined not only by their aggressive hardcore punk foundation but also by their innovative use of guest vocalists. Notable hardcore heavyweights such as Freddy Cricien, Scott Vogel, and Justice Tripp have graced their recordings, adding layers of intensity and influence. This collaborative approach cemented their place in the scene. The band's hard work culminated in their debut album, Not Through Blood, released September 8th, 2023, following a split EP and solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.

Smith's journey to hardcore punk began with witnessing his older brothers, Chris and Danny's band, Backtrack, live. This ignited his passion, leading him through various bands – Stand Your Ground (guitar), Numbskull (vocals), and finally Hangman (guitar). Hangman's 2019 debut, One By One, proved short-lived due to the pandemic, but the experience fueled Smith's drive to create Pain of Truth. The lockdown became a breeding ground for the band’s raw, intense sound, transforming isolation into a creative catalyst.