Pittsburgh metalcore band 156/Silence returns with From A Distance, a 12 track album released September 4 through Pure Noise Records. It is the band’s sixth full length and first album for the label, following 2024’s People Watching. (Pure Noise)
Formed in 2015, 156/Silence has never been a band that sounds comfortable staying in one place. Their music pulls from metalcore, hardcore, post hardcore, mathcore, and other heavy influences, and From A Distance continues that progression without losing the aggression that brought listeners to the band in the first place.
One of the album’s biggest strengths is the vocal variety. Jack Murray moves between excellent cleans, screams, and deep growls, and all three work naturally together. The cleaner moments give the songs room to breathe without sacrificing their weight, while the harsher vocals hit with the intensity you want from 156/Silence.
And when the breakdowns arrive, they hit.
Songs like “No Arms” and “Proxy Idols” bring an almost industrial hardcore feel into the record. There is a cold, mechanical edge to parts of these songs that works especially well against the chaotic guitars and aggressive vocals. It gives From A Distance another layer instead of allowing the album to settle into the same metalcore formula for 12 tracks.
Then you get something like “Cannon Fodder,” which shows how much more is going on here. The beautifully mixed piano adds atmosphere before being surrounded by the heavier elements of the song. Featuring Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada, the track is a great example of how 156/Silence can add melody and texture without weakening the impact of their music.
The album also features Tony Castrati of Crippling Alcoholism on “Collateral” and Alex Reade of Make Them Suffer on the title track. The three guest appearances complement what 156/Silence is doing rather than feeling like names added simply for attention. (Pure Noise)
“From A Distance” is one of the album’s standout moments. Reade’s voice is soothing and fits beautifully with the way the song gradually builds. That softer presence works especially well against Murray’s harder vocal delivery. The contrast gives the song an emotional weight that would not be there if both vocalists approached it the same way.
Throughout the album, the production deserves recognition as well. From A Distance is well mixed and produced, especially considering how many different sounds the band is bringing together. Piano, electronics, clean vocals, screams, growls, crushing guitars, and breakdowns all have space without the album becoming cluttered.
The current lineup consists of Jack Murray on vocals, Jimmy Howell and Ryan Wilkinson on guitars, Kyle O’Connell on drums, and Mike Ernst on bass. The band’s own materials also continue to honor late bassist Lukas Booker, who passed away in 2025, with the simple statement, “Lukas Booker Forever.”
From A Distance finds 156/Silence expanding what their version of metalcore can be. There are plenty of punishing moments and breakdowns for longtime listeners, but the cleans, industrial influence, piano, atmosphere, and carefully chosen guest vocals give the record considerably more depth.
If you like heavy music that is willing to experiment without forgetting to be heavy, From A Distance deserves a listen.
156/Silence is currently active on the road, so catch them at a show near you and experience these songs the way heavy music is meant to be heard, live. Their official site maintains the band’s current tour information. (156silence.com)
