Poetry from Pain finds Gridiron doing exactly what they do best: delivering heavy grooves, mean riffs, and that signature fusion of hardcore aggression and hip-hop swagger that has become their calling card. From the opening track, the record hits hard, maintaining punchy rhythms and tight performances that demand attention. While the last stretch of the album loses a touch of creative spark, the overall impact is undeniable—cleaner, tighter, and more forceful than much of what’s coming out of the scene right now.
The album kicks off with “26/9,” a track that sets the tone with precision. Tight drumming, thick basslines, and riffs that bounce seamlessly between hardcore punch and death metal crunch give the song a commanding presence. The spoken-style vocals cut through the mix with attitude over melody, perfectly suiting Gridiron’s raw aesthetic.
“Mascot” ramps up the swagger, pairing playful drum patterns with groovy chugs and even a hint of DJ scratches. It’s punk and hip-hop energy distilled into pure impact—like nu-metal stripped of irony and rebuilt for sheer force. By the time tracks like “Army of None” and “Best Served Cold” arrive, Gridiron sound completely in their element. Dense, inventive riffs meet smooth cymbal work, and every breakdown pulses with groove.
“Tombstone” stands out as a highlight, anchored by a bass-driven bounce that’s impossible not to nod along to. The gang vocals, crisp snare hits, and cohesive movement make it one of the band’s finest tracks to date.
The record does falter slightly with “Still Playin’ for Keeps (Big Umbrella Remix).” Guest features interrupt the album’s flow, creating a sense of disconnection from Gridiron’s natural rhythm. It’s not a failure, but it stalls the momentum. Thankfully, “Copycat League” reasserts the band’s strengths, bringing slick two-step grooves and sharp wordplay—reminding listeners why Gridiron’s straightforward approach works so effectively.
From there, the back half of Poetry from Pain settles into familiar territory. “Poetry from Pain” and “Roses” groove reliably, with guest contributions adding texture without fully elevating the material. “Talk Real” and “Paydirt” are classic Gridiron: tough, no-nonsense, and built for movement. By the closing track, “Heavy Metal Money (Seen It All Before),” the energy has cooled, but the band remains confident in their lane.
Poetry from Pain isn’t about reinvention—and it doesn’t need to be. When Gridiron are locked in, they deliver precision, attitude, and a sense of fun that keeps their sound from ever feeling stale. The album’s first two-thirds rank among their best work, while the final third coasts rather than climbs. Still, it’s a strong statement from a band that knows exactly who they are and how to hit hard. Tough, groovy, and unapologetically confident, Poetry from Pain proves Gridiron’s formula remains potent—even if the fire dims slightly toward the end.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Army Of None
Tombstone
Copycat League