Silverstein's 25 Years of Noise Tour: A Night to Remember at House of Blues Anaheim
Silverstein marked an incredible milestone in their career with the 25 Years of Noise tour, culminating in an unforgettable night at House of Blues Anaheim in January 2025. The post-hardcore titans not only celebrated their legacy but brought along an impressive lineup of supporting acts, including Thursday, Arm’s Length, and Split Chain. The air was charged with energy, excitement, and the promise of outstanding performances that set an exhilarating tone for the year.
Split Chain
The evening kicked off with Split Chain, who traveled all the way from Bristol, UK, to ignite the stage. As their opening track, "Chalk," reverberated through the venue, a powerful blend of nu-metal, shoegaze, and grunge washed over the crowd, creating a sonic tapestry they proudly dubbed "nu-gaze." Lead vocalist Roberto Martines-Cowles commanded attention with his ethereal yet raspy voice, weaving dreamy melodies that captivated listeners from the first note. As they urged for mosh pits, the energy in the room began to swell, culminating in a thrilling start to what promised to be an epic night.
Arm’s Length
Next up was Arm’s Length, the Canadian quartet who ignited a passionate response from their dedicated fans. As they took the stage, a Canadian flag was proudly waved by an enthusiastic member of the audience, a testament to the love for the band. They launched into “In Loving Memory,” igniting an explosion of cheers as that first electrifying guitar riff sliced through the air. Vocalist Allen Steinberg poured every ounce of raw emotion into his performance, captivating fans as crowd surfers soared overhead. The connection was palpable during sing-alongs of tracks like “Funny Face” and “Formative Age.” They closed with the riveting “Overture,” undoubtedly winning over new fans—including myself.
Thursday
Then came Thursday, and the atmosphere shifted into a frenzy. Kicking off their set with “The Other Side of the Crash/Over and Out (Of Control),” the energy skyrocketed as the audience danced and roared with fervor. Geoff Rickly was a whirlwind on stage, engaging with the crowd in a non-stop exchange of energy that felt electric. This was my first time witnessing Thursday live, and I was completely awestruck. Even with some fill-in members—Wade MacNeil from Alexisonfire, Stuart Richardson, and Jeff Gensterblum—their performance was nothing short of spectacular. The crowd sang along with joyous abandonment to cherished classics like “Jet Black New Year,” “Signals Over the Air,” and “Understanding in a Car Crash,” creating a sea of voices that enveloped the room.
Silverstein
Finally, as the lights dimmed, the energy shifted to an electrifying anticipation that filled the venue. Silverstein, the headliners of the night, took the stage with commanding presence. They opened with “Skin & Bones,” showcasing Shane Todd's voice, which rang out clear and powerful as ever. The atmosphere transformed into a frenzy of mosh pits and enthusiastic crowd surfers, each moment bringing the audience closer together in shared exhilaration. Lead guitarist Paul Marc Rousseau dazzled the crowd with his fierce riffs, while rhythm guitarist Josh Bradford sported a joyful grin that radiated pure delight. Billy Hamilton held down the low end with thick, steady bass lines, while drummer Paul Koehler expertly anchored the chaos, ensuring the performance remained tight and exhilarating.
One of the night's most electric moments arrived during “The End,” when a surprise guest—Lights—took the stage to deliver a breathtaking duet with Todd. Her voice intertwined effortlessly with his, adding an emotional depth that resonated throughout the venue, creating an unforgettable highlight that felt almost surreal.
Silverstein’s setlist took us on an exhilarating journey through their illustrious 25-year career, serving up a mouthwatering mix of fan favorites from every album. From haunting early tracks like “Smile in Your Sleep” and “Your Sword Versus My Dagger” to fresh anthems like “Aquamarine” and my personal favorite, “Bad Habits,” the crowd sang along with fervor. You could feel the energy pulsating through the venue, especially during anthems like “Massachusetts” and “Vices,” where the audience screamed the lyrics with all their might. The emotional weight of “One Last Dance” hung heavily in the air, and when they stripped it down for a tender acoustic rendition of “My Heroine,” the crowd joined in perfect harmony, creating a moment of collective catharsis.
They closed the night with an explosive encore, delivering “Smashed Into Pieces” and “Bleeds No More,” leaving the crowd buzzing with exhilaration and a sense of fulfillment long after the last note faded.
Silverstein's 25th anniversary show was not just a celebration of their remarkable achievements but a powerful reminder of the profound impact they continue to have on the music scene. The night was an emotional rollercoaster, transitioning effortlessly from the heavy soundscapes of Split Chain, through Thursday’s potent anthems, and culminating in Silverstein’s legendary performance that reaffirmed why they stand tall as icons in the post-hardcore realm. If you haven’t experienced Silverstein live yet, do yourself a favor—don’t miss the chance; it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever.
