Hardcore can take itself too seriously, inspiring debates about what it is and isn’t. Are the riffs too widescreen, too swayed by funk and rap-metal to be considered canon? Turnstile have sparked that conversation in the weeks leading up to their shapeshifting new album, NEVER ENOUGH. Just like 2021’s GLOW ON, the Baltimore greats expand possibilities within the hardcore space, embracing the idea that the biggest mosh can and should happen in arenas, while contemplating what’s been demanded of them since their breakthrough. Either way, it seems like they’re the band that everyone wants to see win. With their latest record dropping last week and a headlining tour on the way, we asked our readers to list off the best Turnstile songs. Find the top fan picks ranked below.
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5. “Real Thing”
If you take a look through their catalog, Turnstile never fail at writing a mosh-inducing opening track, and “Real Thing” continues the tradition. Launching 2018’s Time & Space with a two-minute blast, this song combines everything they’re great at — splintering riffs, distinct harmonies, glossier production — and then goes even bigger. This is the sound of the band becoming more dynamic, better in tune with each other, and looking ahead to the future. It’s quite a song, one that Turnstile still proudly include on their setlists.
4. “HOLIDAY”
GLOW ON lived up to its name, packed with songs so blinding in their vibrancy, so full of PMA and life, that the hooks soar right alongside the clouds on its cover. “HOLIDAY” feels like the album’s centerpiece, delivering crunchy riffs, chest-rattling bass, and an unstoppable refrain (“I can never feel the cold”) that gives way to total joy. Like the rest of the album, “HOLIDAY” is unafraid to wear its pop influences, striking an easy balance with the band’s basement roots. The song is so catchy that it’s soundtracked a Taco Bell ad and a Good Dye Young campaign.
3. “Death Grip”
Our readers went way back to Turnstile’s OG days for this fan poll. While a lot more straightforward than their other songs, the band’s 2013 Pressure To Succeed EP is an early snapshot of their drive, heart, and Rage Against the Machine influences. “Death Grip” is a definite standout, all chugging energy and pointed vocals that’s buoyed by a potent ending: “Death Grip, I slipped/No love, you can’t have me/No love no more.” Early Turnstile were an entirely different band, but they’ve always known how to get a crowd moving.
2. “BLACKOUT”
Across GLOW ON, Turnstile were able to max out each song’s potential without sabotaging themselves. “BLACKOUT” has it all, incorporating power chords, cowbell, tambourine, and a scream-along hook — before turning metallic in the remaining 30 seconds. “BLACKOUT” remains a first-class example of how Turnstile can shapeshift while keeping sight of their roots — a song that sounds just as good stripped back as it does in front of thousands.
1. “Generator”
Even though Turnstile gained massive praise for their past two albums, Time & Space’s “Generator” earned the No. 1 spot from our readers. Its placement on this list just goes to show how much fans love this era. It’s as Technicolor as it is thrashy, flush with overdubs and one of their best riffs. But for all its ridiculous catchiness, Brendan Yates says it’s about “near-death experiences [and] out-of-body happenings” — a testament to their ability to keep it moving through dark times.