156/Silence - People Watching
Album Review
People Watching is the fourth full-length album from Pittsburgh metalcore band 156/Silence, released on September 13, 2024 via SharpTone Records. It feels like a big step forward for the band, mixing their heavy, aggressive foundation with more melody and a cinematic sense of atmosphere.
Overview
Artist: 156/Silence
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label: SharpTone Records
Genre: Metalcore / Alternative Metal
Tracks: 14 (approx. 46 min runtime)
Producer: Jonathan Dolese
Track List
1. Character Development (Cold Start)
2. Target Acquired
3. Sleep Spikes
4. Better Written Villain
5. Product Placement
6. Blood Loss (ft. Carson Pace)
7. Wants I Need (ft. Craig Owens)
8. Funeral Arrangements
9. Unreasonable Doubt
10. People Watching
11. Change Agent (ft. Trae Roberts)
12. Intravenous
13. Terms and Conditions
14. Healing Process (Leave of Absence)
Sound and Style
Heavy riffs and hard-hitting breakdowns grounded in metalcore and hardcore punk.
Melodic hooks and atmospheric layers that add depth without dialing back the intensity.
Cinematic, almost literary touches, with songs that feel emotionally charged and thoughtfully layered.
Review
With People Watching, 156/Silence turn in their most focused and emotionally sharp album so far. It sounds like a band that knows exactly what it does well and is finally comfortable pushing past those boundaries. Still rooted in metalcore, the record balances punishing riffs and jagged breakdowns with moments of melody and atmosphere that actually feel intentional. Right from the start, it sets a tense, almost voyeuristic tone, pulling the listener into a space that is uncomfortable, reflective, and unrelentingly heavy.
Sonically, People Watching lives in the contrast. Crushing low-end chugs give way to cleaner, more introspective sections, creating a constant push and pull that keeps things interesting throughout. The production is thick but controlled, letting the heaviness hit without burying the details. Vocally, the performances really stand out, moving smoothly between feral screams and more restrained, emotional moments. The guest features are well chosen too, adding to the songs without pulling focus away from the band.
Lyrically, the album digs into themes of observation, self-reflection, and social unease. That feeling of being watched or judged, by others and by yourself, runs through the record and ties it all together. Instead of leaning on vague angst, the lyrics feel direct and deliberate, matching the album’s darker, more thoughtful tone. This isn’t heavy just for the sake of it. It’s confrontational in a way that sticks with you.
In the end, People Watching feels like a real step forward for 156/Silence. It’s the kind of album that rewards repeat listens, with new layers revealing themselves over time. For fans of modern metalcore who want both brutality and depth, this easily stands as one of the band’s strongest and most confident releases yet.
Notable Tracks
Character Development (Cold Start) – A fierce opener that wastes no time hitting hard right out of the gate.
Better Written Villain – A sharp, aggressive track that leans into menace and groove, showing off the band’s heaviness with a lot of confidence.
Funeral Arrangements – Crushing and bleak, this one pairs suffocating riffs with a somber mood that really sticks with you.
Change Agent (ft. Trae Roberts) – A chaotic, high-energy standout where Trae Roberts brings extra bite, pushing the intensity up another notch.
Terms and Conditions – Dark and confrontational, it builds tension with heavy atmosphere and punishing riffs that leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
In short, People Watching is a strong, layered metalcore album that shows how much 156/Silence have grown, blending raw intensity with unexpected touches of melody and cinematic flair.
This is probably my favorite album of the year and my Apple Music Replay ‘25 pretty much reflects that.
