Football riffs. Hardcore bars. Zero f**ks given.
Gridiron just body slammed the genre line with their new full length album Poetry From Pain, out now via Blue Grape Music. If you’re looking for finesse, you’re in the wrong lane, this record is built for pit veterans, armchair linebackers, and anyone who thinks a spin kick is a valid emotional outlet.
The Philly/Delaware/Michigan crew Matthew Karll (vocals), Will Kaelin (guitar/vocals), Xavier Wilson (guitar), Lennon Livesay (bass), and Tyler Mullen (drums) have dropped a title track with a visualiser ripped straight out of Madden’s nightmares. Think NFL Blitz with breakdowns and enough bounce to tear your ACL!
Karll says the record’s about “teamwork, brotherhood, never settling for less than your best” and it shows. This thing hits like a locker room pep talk laced with blast beats and street level bravado.
Formed in the chaos of COVID lockdowns and Call of Duty benders, Gridiron were never meant to be a footnote. With members from Never Ending Game, Simulakra, and Scarab, they came correct from day one, hitting harder than most so called heavyweights with their 2022 debut No Good At Goodbyes. Now they’re back with even more teeth.
Poetry From Pain is all bounce, bark, and bruises, equal parts hardcore muscle and hip hop swagger, sitting somewhere between OZZfest ‘97 and Rolling Loud 2027. Their sound’s as chaotic as a two minute drill and just as calculated.
Gridiron will be out all summer crushing stages, including a stop on the Summer Slaughter. Catch them in the flesh or stay soft forever.
Check out the “Poetry From Pain” visualiser here:
Gridiron – Poetry From Pain (2025)
- 26/9
- Mascot
- Army Of None
- Best Served Cold
- Tombstone
- Still Playin’ For Keeps (Big Umbrella Remix)
feat. Daniel Son, Pro Dillinger & Jay Royale - Copycat League
- Poetry From Pain
feat. nothing,nowhere. - Roses
feat. Mike “TRUCK” Ryan - Talk Real
- Paydirt
- Heavy Metal Money (Seen It All Before)
feat. Big Body Bes
Get your copy here!
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