Rising Pennsylvania melodic hardcore band One Step Closer is rapidly making a name for themselves, adeptly combining emo, '90s grunge and hardcore, and with their penchant for bold and unexpected experimentation.

Brooklyn Vegan dubbed the Wilkes-Barre four-piece "one of the most promising new melodic hardcore bands around," and the band has released a series of critically acclaimed EPs since they formed in 2016, as well as their 2021 debut full-length album, This Place You Know.

Espousing an ethos of being, as it reads in an essay written by Patrick Flynn of Fiddlehead, "a source and force of seeking the freedom to be as you are and dream to be," One Step Closer's dedication to making their own lane and staying true to themselves is garnering them a huge and dedicated fan base across the globe. Don't miss the chance to see their energetic and unforgettable live shows when they come to a city near you.

One Step Closer Live in Concert

Fronted by vocalist Ryan Savitski, One Step Closer came together as high school students in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 2016. Savitski had played with drummer Tommy Norton in a couple of bands prior to One Step Closer, but things gelled when he heard the band Turning Point for the first time and texted Tommy to say that they should start a band like the influential New Jersey hardcore late-'80s punk outfit, but more melodic. They soon brought in some other friends who played music and began jamming. A few lineup changes ensued, but that was the foundation for what was to become One Step Closer.

Savitski grew up with a father who loved listening to classic rock and hair metal. He was later introduced to exciting local bands by a friend's older brother, including The Menzingers, Cold World and Title Fight, to whom One Step Closer has often been compared. These groundbreaking local bands heavily influenced his own outlook on music.

One Step Closer released a series of well-received, critically acclaimed EPs, including their self-titled, self-released 2017 EP, and From Me to You on Triple-B records. Their 2021 full-length debut album, This Place You Know, showcased a band living up to their potential.

One Step Closer FAQ

What type of music does One Step Closer play?

One Step Closer plays melodic hardcore music that combines emo, '90s grunge, and hardcore.

Who are the members of One Step Closer?

The members of One Step Closer include vocalist Ryan Savitski and drummer Tommy Norton, along with Ross Thompson and Colman O'Brien.

What band inspired the creation of One Step Closer?

One Step Closer was inspired by the band Turning Point.

What is the band's ethos?

One Step Closer's ethos is to be a source and force of seeking the freedom to be as you are and dream to be.