Pittsburgh’s own 156/Silence has carved out a reputation for delivering high-intensity metalcore with a fearless approach to sonic experimentation. Their latest release, People Watching, takes that foundation and expands it, weaving haunting melodies into their signature aggression. The result? A gripping, emotionally charged record that refuses to sit still.
An Atmosphere of Unease
From the first note, People Watching pulls listeners into an unsettling soundscape. The album cover—featuring a warped, sinister grin—perfectly reflects the uneasiness baked into the music itself. The ominous undercurrents are especially palpable on tracks like “Blood Loss”, which opens with eerie spoken-word sections over mechanical beats before bursting into chaotic fury. Featuring Carson Pace (The Callous Daoboys), this track leans into a dystopian sense of doom, amplified by the interplay of vocals and crushing instrumentation.
Vocals That Cut Deep
Vocalist Jack Murray delivers a tour de force performance, shifting seamlessly between guttural growls, unhinged screams, and melancholic clean passages. This versatility adds an unpredictable edge to every track. On “Better Written Villain”, his melodic vocals carve a moment of eerie calm before plunging into full-throttle aggression. Whether expressing rage, despair, or defiance, Murray’s dynamic range gives the album a deeply personal and visceral impact.
Instrumental Precision & Sonic Weight
Musically, People Watching is an intricate balance of groove, dissonance, and sheer weight. Guitarists Jimmy Howell and Ryan Wilkinson craft a constantly shifting landscape of menacing, downtuned chugs and unpredictable riffs, fusing elements of nu-metal, hardcore, and sludge. Meanwhile, Maxwell Bradshaw’s drumming is a standout, alternating between explosive blast beats and industrial-tinged rhythms that enhance the album’s haunting atmosphere. While the production is sharp and balanced, longtime fans may notice a shift from the raw, untamed ferocity of their earlier work.
Striking the Balance Between Chaos & Melody
One of the album’s greatest strengths is how it walks the line between brutal aggression and haunting melody. Tracks like “Unreasonable Doubt” embody this contrast, shifting from relentless, churning riffs to eerily catchy choruses. This dynamic approach keeps the album fresh and engaging, though some die-hard fans of the band’s heavier roots might feel the melodic elements soften the impact.
Powerful Guest Features
The album’s collaborations add even more depth to an already multi-dimensional record. In addition to Carson Pace’s seething presence on “Blood Loss”, Craig Owens (Chiodos, D.R.U.G.S.) lends his haunting vocals to “Wants I Need”, introducing a more atmospheric, almost dreamlike quality. These guest appearances help expand the sonic textures, making each track stand apart.
Final Verdict
People Watching showcases 156/Silence at their most refined yet unpredictable. It’s a dark, immersive journey that embraces dissonance, melody, and raw emotion in equal measure. While some may miss the sheer chaos of their earlier work, this evolution feels purposeful—retaining their intensity while allowing for more experimentation. With this record, 156/Silence cements themselves as one of the most forward-thinking bands in modern metalcore.
Rating: 8/10
