156/SILENCE – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & SINGLES REVIEW
Photo Credit Errick Easterday
By Ralph Beauchamp
156/Silence is a nu-age metalcore ensemble from Pittsburg who will be releasing their new album, From A Distance via Pure Noise Records on September 4th. The quintet has so far released tracks “No Arms”, “Proxy Idols” and most recently “Swept From Under (Call of the Void)” along with their accompanying official videos. 156/Silence‘s sound is built on the dichotomy of jagged propulsive grooves and melodic aural beauty. The music contains an atmospheric avalanches coupled with dynamic tension.
156/Silence is comprised of vocalist and lyricist Jack Murray, guitarist and primary songwriter Jimmy Howell, guitarist Ryan Wilkinson, drummer Kyle O’Connell, and bassist Mike Ernst. Their 2024 full length, People Watching was a breakout moment for the band. The album received both positive fan and critical acclaim.
Their music is not for the lighthearted. 156/Silence delivers crushing guitar riffs, annihilating cadences and devastating vocals. There is abrasive power in their music. Their tracks distribute chaotic eruptions mixed with anthemic choruses. Another aspect of their sound is the pure brutality they embed. Yet, their music stills feel relatable and real. In addition, they tackle the underbelly of societal ills. Frustration, isolation, loss and conflict are major themes in their music.
The contrast 156/Silence distributes is easily seen in their vocals. Piercing screams lead to more controlled passages giving 156/Silence a unique singularity. The listener is constantly guessing what comes next. Nothing is set in stone. The guitars also have a contrary feel. They can move from heavy walls of aggression to sharp and poignant riffs. This diversity leads to a sound that contains both emotional weight and an organic denseness.
The three tracks 156/Silence have already released from their upcoming album produced by Josh Schroeder (King 810, Lorna Shore, The Plot In You) spotlight the band’s dynamic evolution. “Proxy Idols” is full of intriguing inflections and avid textures. The song features unexpected tempo changes and an airiness not usually found in their material. “No Arms” pushes the limit. The pace is fast and furious. The vocals are massive with a merciless bend. They are right in your face. “Swept From Under (Call of the Void)” is plainly an aural onslaught of unmitigated fury and stunning strngth.
156/Silence continues to expand beyond the metalcore parameters as they embrace more inventive songwriting, electronic elements and atmospheric overtures while still commanding an explosive punch. 156/Silence is the beast within. Showcasing both carnage and reserve at the same time.
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