156/Silence | From A Distance | Album Review

Artist: 156/Silence
Album: From A Distance
Label: Pure Noise Records
Release Date: September 4, 2026
Rating: 8.5/10

Words by Adam Tibbott

Pittsburgh’s 156/Silence have never been a band content with repeating themselves, and 2026’s From A Distance continues that trend in convincing fashion. Arriving as the band’s sixth full-length release and debut for Pure Noise Records, the album expands upon the foundation established by 2024’s People Watching while pushing further into atmospheric territory without sacrificing the crushing heaviness that has defined the band’s identity.

Produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, King 810, The Plot In You, Signs of the Swarm), From A Distance feels larger and more cinematic than much of the band’s previous work. The record balances dense metalcore aggression with haunting soundscapes, drawing inspiration from the unsettling moods of Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and even the surreal unease of Twin Peaks. The result is an album that feels equally suited for a darkened club stage or the soundtrack to a psychological fever dream.

From A Distance feels like the natural evolution of everything 156/Silence have been building toward over the last decade with their previous releases. The evolution that began on People Watching is evident throughout. Where earlier releases often relied on raw chaos and technical ferocity, From A Distance embraces melody and atmosphere with greater confidence. Clean vocal passages and memorable choruses, are woven seamlessly into the band’s trademark blend of mathcore, metallic hardcore, and modern metalcore. Rather than diluting their sound, these additions give the songs a stronger emotional impact and significantly expand the dynamic range of the record.

The previously released singles offer an excellent snapshot of the album’s strengths. “Proxy Idols” takes aim at modern celebrity worship through a barrage of angular riffs and pummeling rhythms. “Swept From Under (Call of the Void)” stands among the album’s most unsettling moments, pairing suffocating atmosphere with lyrical explorations of intrusive thoughts and mental struggle. Meanwhile, “No Arms” showcases the band’s growing ability to balance accessibility and aggression without compromising either.

Lyrically, vocalist Jack Murray remains one of the band’s greatest assets. His writing continues to explore personal struggles and societal observations with a sharp, unfiltered perspective. While People Watching examined human behavior up close, From A Distance widens the lens, tackling themes of social disconnection (Cannon Fodder), obsession (Secret Room), identity (Order & Entropy), and emotional isolation (After Dusk). The album’s title proves fitting, as many of its songs feel like observations from a detached vantage point, attempting to make sense of an increasingly fractured world.

The guest appearances further elevate the material. Contributions from Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada, Alex Reade of Make Them Suffer, and Tony Castrati of Crippling Alcoholism add fresh textures without overshadowing the band’s own identity and unique style. Each feature enhances the emotional weight and sonic diversity of the record while keeping the focus firmly on 156/Silence.

What makes From A Distance particularly compelling is its willingness to move between extremes. One moment the band unleashes their dissonant, mathcore-infused violence; the next, they explore ambient passages or melody-driven hooks. Lesser bands might sound disorganized attempting such a balance, but 156/Silence demonstrate a growing command of their craft that keeps the album cohesive from front to back.

The band’s growth has been equally apparent on the road. Since the release cycle surrounding People Watching in 2024, 156/Silence have spent a significant amount of time touring the Northern Hemisphere, particularly throughout the Midwest, steadily building their reputation as one of metalcore’s most intense live acts. I only began aware of the band a few months ago when I was standing outside The Admiral, making friends before a Sleep Theory concert. The band’s stop in Lincoln, Nebraska this past June, just a few days after that Sleep Theory concert, was one of the closer opportunities that I regret not experiencing. I can only imagine how their music hits differently in a live setting and in retrospect, passing on the chance feels like one of my biggest missed opportunities. After spending time with From A Distance, it’s hard not to regret skipping the trip, especially knowing how much of their atmosphere and emotional weight would likely translate to the stage.

For longtime fans, From A Distance feels like a natural progression from People Watching. For newcomers, it may be the most accessible entry point into the band’s catalog while retaining the intensity that made them stand out in the first place. More importantly, it confirms that 156/Silence remain dedicated to growth, refusing to be confined by genre expectations or past successes.

With From A Distance, 156/Silence deliver one of the strongest and most fully realized releases of their career. Heavy, atmospheric, emotionally resonant, and unapologetically ambitious, the album demonstrates a band operating with confidence and purpose while continuing to push their sound into exciting new territory. If the album is any indication of what fans have been witnessing on the road these last two years, then catching 156/Silence live should be high on every metalcore fan’s priority list.

Score: 8.5/10

For Fans Of: The Devil Wears Prada, Northlane, Silent Planet, The Plot In You, Counterparts, Norma Jean