Gridiron announce new album ‘Poetry From Pain,’ share “Mascot”

Gridiron, the hardcore-scene rap metal band that includes members of Never Ending Game, Simulakra, and Scarab, have announced their sophomore album, Poetry From Pain, which arrives May 30 via Blue Grape Music (pre-order). The album features guest appearances from Mike “TRUCK” Ryan of NYHC band Missing Link, emo-rap star nothing, nowhere., Action Bronson associate Big Body Bes, and what looks like an Umbrella Collective remix of 2022’s “Playin’ For Keeps” (called “Still Playin’ For Keeps”) featuring Daniel Son, Pro Dillinger, and Jay Royale. It includes recent single “Talk Reel,” and the just-released “Mascot.”

The new song sounds like Gridiron took the ’90s rap-rock boom and injected it with Slayer riffs, and it comes with a Dan Centrone-directed video that finds the band cruising around LA in a Rolls Royce. Vocalist Matthew Karll says it’s “about people who say they are going to do things and don’t follow through with them, no matter what it is.” Check it out below.

Tracklist
“26/9”
“Mascot”
“Army Of None”
“Best Served Cold”
“Tombstone”
“Still Playin’ For Keeps” (Big Umbrella Remix Feat. Daniel Son, Pro Dillinger, and 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)

Griiron — 2025 Tour Dates
4/11 — Richmond, VA — United Blood
5/9 — Chicago, IL — Metro#
5/11 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/14 — Virginia Beach, VA — Peabody’s*
5/15 — Columbia, SC — New Brookland Tavern*
5/16 — Athens, GA — Georgia Theatre*
5/17 — Pensacola, FL — The Handlebar*
5/18 — Orlando, FL — Will’s Pub*
5/20 — Raleigh, NC — Lincoln Theatre*
5/31-6/1 — Detroit, MI — Tied Down Detroit

#With Power Trip
*With Sanguisugabogg + 200 Stab Wounds