156/Silence

Band History

156/Silence is a metalcore band established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2015. The original lineup included guitarists Jimmy Howell and Ryan Wilkinson, vocalist Jack Murray, bassist Christian Snow, and drummer Max Bradshaw. According to one interview, the band’s name came from an instance in which their original vocalist observed a piece of sheet music at a museum. The notation mentioned “measure 156 – Silence,” and the group decided it was memorable enough to adopt as their official name.

Before 156/Silence became each member’s primary musical project, Howell, Wilkinson, Murray, Snow, and Bradshaw participated in other endeavors. They intended for 156/Silence to be a lower-intensity side project when they started writing together. Despite those early intentions, the members ended up gravitating toward a heavier style that incorporated metalcore, mathcore, metallic hardcore, and post-hardcore elements. They began to focus more energy on 156/Silence, shifting away from their other projects as enthusiasm grew around the band’s direction.

The band is based in Pittsburgh and rehearsed in their hometown during their first months together. They gradually increased their local performances and began to release sample tracks online, introducing their approach to a broader audience. Band members’ previous involvement in heavier styles influenced their creative process and helped steer their sound toward aggressive, faster compositions. Even though they initially planned a softer direction, the emerging style displayed a high level of intensity. This foundation set the stage for their first recorded material.

Early 156/Silence Releases: 2015–2017

156/Silence unveiled their earliest single, titled “Unrequited, Unrefuted, and Undeniably – I’m Alone.,” in 2015. This track was self-released and marked the band’s first official recording. The single introduced listeners to their preference for harsh vocals, dissonant guitar structures, and dramatic dynamic shifts.

Their debut full-length album, And Everything Was Beautiful, arrived in 2016. It was self-released and served as an initial display of the band’s sound, which combined forceful riffing, shouted vocals, and rhythmic unpredictability. These features appeared more frequently on subsequent records, but at this point, they were still experimenting with specific tonal qualities. No formal label supported And Everything Was Beautiful, so the group relied on self-promotion and online networking to distribute it.

In 2017, the band released two extended play (EP) projects. One was titled Karma, and the other was a split release with Hot Gospel, sometimes referred to as The Spicy Boys Split. These EPs came out without label involvement. Karma captured the group’s attempt to refine the louder musical style they had introduced on their full-length debut, while the split format with Hot Gospel gave them the chance to share an audience with another band in a joint release. This period also saw an uptick in local live performances and the start of more frequent touring around nearby regions.

Undercover Scumbag (2018)

By 2018, 156/Silence had gained enough traction to sign with Innerstrength Records for the release of their second album, Undercover Scumbag. This collaboration represented a step forward from their do-it-yourself approach. The band produced promotional materials for the album and worked with the label to schedule live appearances. This partnership exposed them to a broader range of opportunities, including a more extensive marketing platform.

Undercover Scumbag continued the band’s blend of heavy rhythms, harsh vocals, and sections of dissonant guitar work. During this album cycle, 156/Silence began performing alongside bands such as The Acacia Strain, Unearth, Upon a Burning Body, D.R.U.G.S., Signs of the Swarm, and Orthodox. These appearances provided the group with direct support slots and access to audiences that followed the broader metalcore scene. The album was circulated through standard digital channels, physical media, and through the band’s tours.

Irrational Pull (2020)

In 2020, 156/Silence signed with SharpTone Records. However, Irrational Pull—their third album—was self-released, despite their new label partnership being established around this same period. Their songwriting on Irrational Pull further showcased their approach to aggressive rhythms. Publications cited references in their music to mathcore and metallic hardcore traditions. Songs from this album featured irregular time signatures, abrupt transitions, and a preference for harsh, unclean vocals.

Around the time of Irrational Pull’s release, Ryan Wilkinson, who was already active in the group from the beginning, took on additional responsibilities as a second vocalist for specific sections. Statements from band interviews reflect that the members were continuing to approach writing in a systematic manner—tracking early demos, editing song structures, and focusing on capturing a rawer, heavier tone. They developed a consistent habit of self-recording demos to refine their ideas before booking a studio session for final tracking.

Lineup Changes and Adjustments

While 156/Silence maintained its original members for several years, Snow and Bradshaw departed from the band at different points. The group then brought in bassist Lukas Booker and drummer Kyle O’Connell. The timing of these new additions is documented in sources that mention each musician’s role. Official statements from the band indicate that the new members continued the established direction of the music without altering the fundamental songwriting approach.

Narrative (2022)

The group’s fourth album, Narrative, arrived in 2022 on SharpTone Records. Narrative was written and recorded during a period that coincided with global disruptions, though the band did not provide any speculative commentary about the broader situation in their official statements. They focused on implementing a “redesigned outlook,” highlighting a desire to concentrate on listening experiences rather than live performance considerations. This meant that they experimented with analog synths and different recording techniques. Members noted that layering and more textural guitar passages were used, although they did not remove the aggressive traits that first defined the band.

The release of Narrative aligned with a continued push of touring schedules. Public listings show that 156/Silence traveled through the United States. In some documented cases, the band also made appearances in Europe. During these tours, they played festivals and smaller club shows. This contributed to their visibility among listeners interested in metalcore and adjacent styles. There are references to short-run pressings of vinyl for Narrative, though the band also offered digital and compact disc versions.

People Watching (2024)

In 2024, 156/Silence put out their fifth full-length album, People Watching, through SharpTone Records. Recording sessions took place under the guidance of producer Jonathan Dolese, who had previously contributed to records by D.R.U.G.S. and Cane Hill. The album included 14 tracks. According to factual notes from interviews, the songs employed the same foundation of harsh tones and complex rhythmic patterns. The band disclosed that they employed elements of nu-metal and post-hardcore for select passages. They also acknowledged that People Watching included many ideas they had developed across nine years of writing, which they referred to as “the culmination of the last nine years of 156.”

People Watching was accompanied by an official publicity campaign through the label. The band released music videos for certain tracks, issued a single called “Unreasonable Doubt” in 2024, and performed at events to mark the album’s release. They did not offer broad interpretations about the record’s impact but indicated that it met their goals from a production standpoint. The group has continued to maintain a schedule of show bookings in support of People Watching since its release. Public statements from 156/Silence describe a desire to continue exploring different sounds. They have not confirmed any official departure from their core style.

EPs and Singles

In addition to their full-length albums, 156/Silence has produced several EPs and singles. After And Everything Was Beautiful, they released Karma in 2017. That same year, they put out a split EP with the band Hot Gospel. They joined SharpTone for the 2021 EP Don’t Hold Your Breath, though they had self-released earlier projects. In terms of singles, 2015 saw the release of “Unrequited, Unrefuted, and Undeniably – I’m Alone.” In 2024, “Unreasonable Doubt” followed in conjunction with People Watching.

Tours and Live Performances

156/Silence has toured through the United States and Europe. Over the years, they have performed with The Acacia Strain, Unearth, Upon A Burning Body, D.R.U.G.S., Signs of the Swarm, and Orthodox. In 2025, they were set to co-headline a tour with VCTMS. There is no official statement regarding the reception of these tours within the band’s own announcements, other than confirming dates and mentioning that they intended to bring their recent records to live audiences.

During some tours, the band played house shows in addition to standard venues. One anecdote mentioned a house in which the band planned to spend the night. Upon entering, they observed a substantial cockroach presence, leading them to seek different lodging. Another instance involved local authorities shutting down a house show in Bakersfield, California, after about four songs of their set.

Sound and Documented Influences

156/Silence describes its sound as aggressive and chaotic, in line with metalcore, mathcore, metallic hardcore, and post-hardcore. Members have cited influences such as Converge, Botch, Poison The Well, Norma Jean, The Chariot, Daughters, Deftones, Glassjaw, and Thrice. Band interviews have indicated that the group also sometimes draws on movie soundtracks and horror games, especially for textural and atmospheric elements. On the album Narrative, they experimented with analog synths.

Some reviewers have noted shifts in the band’s production choices from album to album, including the layering techniques employed on Narrative and the incorporation of nu-metal and post-hardcore traits on People Watching. 156/Silence has not issued broad statements about why they incorporate these stylistic elements, beyond mentioning the desire to expand the scope of their sound from record to record.

Challenges and Anecdotes

During various interviews, the group has discussed logistical challenges related to touring and self-releasing material. A story was outlined in which a crowd or local authorities cut a performance short, though there is no indication that it caused any legal issues. Another anecdote detailed how one of the group’s songs, “Say the Phrase,” was reportedly played by a SWAT team during a raid. This scenario was mentioned in passing without any commentary on the event’s significance.

Personnel changes represent another documented challenge. The band had to replace Snow and Bradshaw after the group’s direction and schedules evolved. Apart from noting that they parted ways with former members, the band did not provide further explanation regarding those departures. No legal disputes or official controversies have been documented in public sources.

Recent Projects and Activities

As of 2024 and early 2025, 156/Silence has continued to promote People Watching through live performances and digital outreach. They have appeared in various publications and have made social media posts announcing new merch, video releases, and behind-the-scenes footage. They have also participated in online platforms to discuss new music.

SharpTone Records continues to list the band’s albums in its official catalog. The band remains based in Pittsburgh, although they spend extensive periods on the road. No announcements have indicated major stylistic changes beyond the elements already mentioned for People Watching. The group’s members have expressed an intention to keep writing and recording new material at their own pace. They have not specified any targets for a future release.

Summary of Albums and EPs

Below is a concise summary of 156/Silence’s major recorded output:

•And Everything Was Beautiful (2016): Self-released

•Undercover Scumbag (2018): Innerstrength Records

•Irrational Pull (2020): Self-released

•Narrative (2022): SharpTone Records

•People Watching (2024): SharpTone Records

EPs include:

•Karma (2017): Self-released

•156/Silence, Hot Gospel – The Spicy Boys Split (2017): Self-released

•Don’t Hold Your Breath (2021): SharpTone Records

Singles:

•“Unrequited, Unrefuted, and Undeniably – I’m Alone.” (2015): Self-released

•“Unreasonable Doubt” (2024): SharpTone Records

Observed Lyrical Topics

Several interviews and articles state that 156/Silence’s lyrics revolve around frustration, disillusionment, and navigating difficult personal experiences. The band has not provided extensive commentary on these topics outside of occasional references to darker themes. They have mentioned that their music sometimes draws on moods found in horror films and games. However, official statements do not attempt to place the band within any broader trend of lyricism.

Verifiable Live Collaborations

Multiple accounts confirm that 156/Silence has shared stages with The Acacia Strain, Unearth, Upon A Burning Body, D.R.U.G.S., Signs of the Swarm, and Orthodox. These shows took place in various U.S. regions and certain European dates, though the exact details of each location are not compiled in a single document.

Ongoing Activities

The band continues to issue announcements about additional tours. They also confirm on social media that some of their events involve co-headlining or support slots. They plan to co-headline with VCTMS in early 2025. No other tours have been described in extensive detail within the public sphere.

156/Silence has remained consistent in its decision to self-produce many aspects of their releases, even when affiliated with labels. They have stated that they keep a hands-on approach in the studio and during post-production. The band has posted on various forums, occasionally conducting question-and-answer sessions to discuss new or upcoming releases.