What happens when a tech-death guitarist and a punk drummer decide to start a hardcore band in the remote woods of New Hampshire? You get Stepdäd, a quartet whose sound is as intense as their name is quirky.
Formed in 2024 by Ryan Fisher, former drummer of Off With Their Heads (who just dropped their new EP), and Al Glassman of Job For A Cowboy, Stepdäd is set to release their debut EP Cautiously Pessimistic on November 8th.
The EP was recorded this past summer with Shane Frisby at The Brick Hit House in Massachusetts, and fans can already stream two of its tracks.
The story behind the band’s name is as unconventional as their sound. “We were scrambling for a name,” Glassman recalls. “We wanted something that stirred up mixed emotions. We’re a hardcore punk band, but our singer writes what are essentially love songs. My wife suggested ‘Stepdäd,’ and at first, we laughed, but then it stuck.”
The name might provoke a smirk, but their music demands serious attention. The two tracks currently streaming offer a glimpse into their varied influences.
Vocalist Adam Mason brings grindcore intensity, but the band’s sound lands firmly in the realm of metallic hardcore.
Mason describes “Monoxide Massage” as “a jaded insight into the grim realities of how drug abuse affects the experiences of love and the human condition.” Meanwhile, “Kick Rocks” tackles the acceptance of rejection and the monumental task of moving forward in life without closure.
The band’s chemistry comes from their diverse backgrounds. Glassman notes that no one knew how the music would turn out when they first started writing together. “Ryan comes from punk and thrash, I’m from tech-death. It’s been fun writing together and approaching music differently than I’m used to,” he explains.
Despite the members’ extensive touring histories, Stepdäd is keeping things grounded. “There are definitely no high expectations this time around,” Glassman admits. “We’re just stoked to be getting some music out and playing shows again.”
Stepdäd’s debut show is set for November 15th in Worcester, MA, where they’ll share the stage with Death Gasp at Ralph’s.
For now, they’re embracing the DIY ethos that shaped their earlier years. “All the things we missed about music were from the days before big tours,” Glassman says. “Playing VFW halls, houses, skateparks—wherever someone would have you. That’s what we’re excited to get back to.”
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Living in rural Groveton, New Hampshire, has its challenges, but the band is determined to carve out their place in the scene. “We’re two hours north of Manchester and Concord, so there isn’t much up here,” Glassman notes, “but our buddy Jared from Alchemy started the New Hampshire Hardcore Fest and really built a scene. It’s great to see that kind of energy coming through this area.”
Stepdäd’s blend of punk, hardcore, and metal isn’t just about heavy music—it’s a return to the roots of what makes a scene thrive. With their upcoming EP and plans for future shows, Stepdäd is bringing the noise to a place where the echoes may take a little longer to bounce back, but when they do, they hit harder.
Stepdäd’s new EP Cautiously Pessimistic is set to release on November 8th, with their first concert happening on November 15th in Worcester, MA.
