The Great Lie is a powerhouse hardcore band from Long Island, New York, known for its raw energy and deep roots in the scene. Formed in 2014, the band features seasoned veterans—Kerry Merkle on vocals, Scott Martin on bass, Mike Scarola on guitar, and John Lafata on drums—who bring experience from legendary acts such as Madball, Mind Over Matter, Silent Majority, Sheer Terror, Milhouse, Dmize, and Neglect.

Since its inception, The Great Lie has shared stages with hardcore heavyweights like Pro-Pain, Agnostic Front, H2O, Madball, Pain Of Truth, T.S.O.L., D.I., and M.O.D., solidifying their reputation for intense, uncompromising performances. Their 2020 release, Defying Extinction, was recorded with the renowned Martin Bisi, whose impressive resume includes working with Sonic Youth, Unsane, and Season To Risk—as well as ties to Scott and John’s former band, Mind Over Matter—adding a rich layer of influence and expertise to the production.

Continuing to push boundaries, their 2023 release Vertigo was mastered by Arthur Rizk, whose credits include Cavalera Conspiracy, Jungle Rot, and Road Mutant. The band is now set to ignite the scene once again with their upcoming album Songs For A Monday Morning, led by the electrifying single “Fractured,” which also features Rizk’s distinctive mastering touch.

With a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and relentless energy, The Great Lie continues to defy expectations and redefine the sound of modern hardcore.

The Great Lie’s second single off Songs For A Monday, Rinse and Repeat is a raw, driving anthem about the grind of daily life and the fight to push through. With blistering riffs and unrelenting energy, the Long Island hardcore veterans channel frustration and reflection into a powerful call to survive. Gritty and urgent, the track captures the weight of routine, the passage of time, and the struggle to break free. No matter the pain, the goal remains: Make it out alive. 

The single was released April 4th 2025

The E.P. “Songs For A Monday” will be released April 18th 2025 through Lemmis Records