Image: Missing Link [Official Press Photo]
Hailing from New York State, Missing Link combine crushing guitar riffs, merciless breakdowns, and plenty of aggression to create a sound that pulls no punches. The US band draws heavily on the tradition of New York hardcore while giving it a modern, metallic edge.
Since forming during the COVID-19 pandemic, Missing Link have steadily made a name for themselves in the international hardcore scene. Their debut album, Watch Me Bleed, marked another major milestone in 2024, followed by the Miracle Smile EP in 2025. That's reason enough to take a closer look at the band as part of our Next Gen series!
Who Are Missing Link?
Missing Link formed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the musicians had known each other for much longer. As vocalist Mike Ryan explained in an interview, the band members had been connected through various other bands since their teenage years. The first songs originally came from bassist Victor Klipp and drummer Paul Dove, before Ryan joined as vocalist and the group officially took shape.
The band hail from New York State and are closely connected to the local hardcore scene. The members' musical backgrounds speak for themselves, too: They have been or are currently involved in acts such as Internal Bleeding, Pain Of Truth, Recon, and Blood Runs Cold. That experience is evident in Missing Link's sound. Rather than getting caught up in lengthy experiments, the band focus on what hardcore is all about: energy, intensity, and a dynamic live attitude.
The current lineup consists of Mike Ryan (vocals), Jack Xiques (bass), Evan Perino, Nik Hansen, and Chris McCarthy (guitars), as well as Paul Dove (drums).
Between Classic New York Hardcore and Modern Metallic Hardcore
Musically, Missing Link operate somewhere between classic New York hardcore, beatdown, and a healthy dose of metal. Downtuned guitars, angular riffs, and crushing breakdowns meet aggressive vocals and hard-hitting drums. The songs are generally short, direct, and designed for maximum impact – just as you'd expect from hardcore.
The band's connection to a long-standing hardcore tradition is no coincidence. Mike Ryan cited Irate, All Out War, Stout, Crowbar, and Cold As Life as some of the band's influences. At the same time, he described their own sound as a form of heavy hardcore that is deliberately intended to stand apart from many other contemporary acts.
The lyrics of Missing Link are equally uncompromising. Their releases so far have explored personal experiences and observations. This fits the raw nature of the music: Nothing is sugarcoated or dressed up unnecessarily. If you're into bands like Pain Of Truth, God's Hate, or Never Ending Game, there's a good chance you'll find something to love about Missing Link.
From My Time on the Cross to Watch Me Bleed
Missing Link made their first musical mark in 2020 with the My Time on the Cross EP. No Saving Grace followed in 2022. Across six tracks, including “Unchained,” “Impulse,” and “Dark Passenger,” the band further refined their sound and increasingly attracted attention within the scene. A split release with Two Cent Circus followed in 2023, before Missing Link signed with Triple B Records that summer.
With the label behind them, the band's career continued to gain momentum. Their debut album, Watch Me Bleed, finally arrived in June 2024. The eleven tracks were recorded with Andy Nelson at Bricktop Recording Studios in Chicago and deliver everything metallic hardcore fans could ask for. Songs like “New York Minute,” “Scraps for the Dog,” and “Glory or Death” bring aggressive riffs and hard-hitting rhythms.
Miracle Smile: Five New Songs, No Compromises
Things didn't slow down for Missing Link after their debut album, either. Following extensive tours across the US, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia, the band returned on September 19, 2025, with the Miracle Smile EP. Its five new tracks pick up right where Watch Me Bleed left off.
The EP was once again recorded with Andy Nelson at Bricktop Studios in early 2025, with Brad Boatright handling the mastering. Miracle Smile is not just another treat for fans of the debut album; it's also a sign that Missing Link are determined to keep following the path they've chosen.
Missing Link Live: Touring with Sunami
If you want to experience Missing Link live rather than just listening to their records, November offers the perfect opportunity. The band will hit the road across Europe alongside Sunami, Desolated, and Extinguish. The hardcore outfit will also play five shows in Germany:
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November 20 – VEB Bandhaus, Erfurt
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November 22 – Bandhaus, Hamburg
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November 23 – Cassiopeia, Berlin
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November 24 – GLEIS 9, Bochum
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November 25 – Mergener Hof, Trier
Why You Should Have Missing Link on Your Radar
Missing Link are not a band that do things by halves. The New York outfit deliver metallic hardcore shaped equally by the classic NYHC sound and modern beatdown influences. The musicians also benefit from years of experience in the scene, bringing an energy that comes across both on record and on stage.
With Watch Me Bleed, Missing Link delivered a strong debut in 2024, then followed it up convincingly with Miracle Smile in 2025. If you're into heavy riffs, massive breakdowns, and hardcore without any unnecessary frills, this is definitely a band worth checking out.
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