Hardcore metal band. Members included Dave Huntt (lead vocals) replaced with J.R. Glass (vocals), Mike Ayers (guitar), Aaron Martinek (bass ex-Corrupted), and drummers included Mike Kelleher, Chad Rush (drums), Damon Stowell… Martinek was replaced with Jon Sampson. Later bass guitarists included Walt McKenny, and Doug Williams, and second guitarists Bruce Greig, and Josh Hart (ex-Revelation, concurrently with Unorthodox).
Seen at The Rev, Ottobar, D.C. clubs, tours of U.S. east coast, Europe, Asia…
In addition to record releases noted below, their song “Heavy” was included on 1993 Reptilian/Kwality comp “Baltimore, The City That Breeds.”
Stowell later with Downtime, Together We Fall… Martinek later with Harsh Truth… Willams and Hart later with Stout…
Next Step Up reunited in 2006 playing a show with contemporaries Gut Instinct, and Just Cause at the Ottobar.
1993(LP) Shadow/Endgame 1 Heavy
1994(EP) Gain Ground Next Step Up
1995(CD) Gain Ground Fall from Grace
1996(CD) Gain Ground Intent to Kill
Cover photo Carlos A, Bates, Back cover photo Mike Knauer
