Silverstein Celebrates 25 Years of Noise in Madison

By Bryan McCabe

Silverstein’s “25 Years of Noise” tour is currently underway, commemorating a quarter-century of their impactful presence in the post-hardcore scene. Their recent stop in Madison, WI, solidified that this band, 25 years into their career, still delivers a live show packed with raw energy and the deep emotional resonance that defines them. This leg of the tour is packed with solid support from top to bottom.

Kicking off the night was Greyhaven. From the moment they launched into their opening track, “The Welcome Party”, the band was a whirlwind of energy. Greyhaven packed an immense amount of intensity and musicality into their time on stage, letting their performance speak for itself.

Next up was Broadside. The Richmond, Virginia quintet instantly proved to be an engaging and dynamic live act, winning over the audience with catchy hooks and frontman Ollie Baxxter’s vibrant stage presence. He possesses a natural ability to connect with the crowd, constantly moving, dancing, and encouraging participation. His enthusiasm is infectious and plays a significant role in elevating the band’s performance beyond just playing the songs. Broadside’s live energy was a major highlight. They delivered their set with tight musicianship and a palpable sense of fun.

In direct support, Real Friends delivered a compelling set that balanced material from their latest album, Blue Hour, with beloved fan favorites from earlier in their career. Under the spotlight, vocalist Cody Muraro was a compelling frontman. His energetic presence was infectious, driving the momentum of the set with dynamic movement and powerful delivery. Muraro’s ability to connect with the audience was a standout element. A particularly notable moment in their set was when Muraro ventured into the audience during “I’ve Given Up on You,” creating an intimate and powerful singalong surrounded by a sea of phone flashlights.

At last, the “25 Years of Noise” that passionate fans had been waiting for. The tour’s unique premise takes the audience on a “journey back through time,” as singer Shane Told described it, presenting their discography in reverse chronological order. This allows the band to showcase their evolution, starting with potent new tracks like “Skin & Bones” and “Confession” from Antibloom and moving backward through their extensive catalog. It’s an effective way to highlight both their continued creativity and the enduring power of their earlier material.

Shane Told remains a dynamic frontman, effortlessly navigating his signature vocal style from intense screams to powerful clean singing. His passionate delivery is a key component of Silverstein’s live energy. The band behind him is exceptionally tight. Paul Marc Rousseau and Josh Bradford provide intricate and heavy guitar work, while Billy Hamilton’s basslines and Paul Koehler’s drumming lay a solid and driving foundation for their powerful sound.

Fan favorites were a central focus of the setlist. Hits like “Smile in Your Sleep,” “Call It Karma,” and “Smashed Into Pieces” predictably sparked massive singalongs and energetic mosh pits, showcasing the deep connection between the band and their fans. The acoustic performance of “My Heroine” offered a particularly moving moment, with the crowd joining in for a powerful display of shared emotion. Madison pulled through during the final chorus to beat out the intensity of the crowd from Iowa the previous night.

Ultimately, the “25 Years of Noise” tour is a triumphant moment for Silverstein. It’s a testament to their lasting impact and their ability to consistently deliver a compelling live performance. Far from just a nostalgic look back, the tour demonstrates that Silverstein is still a vital and powerful force. For fans of the band or the genre, this tour is highly recommended.