Standing out in an over-crowded genre such as metalcore can be a huge challenge for a band. Silent Planet’s success in doing so is largely related to their powerful and thought-provoking lyrics. In fact, their lyrical style is so complex that each single is released along with a set of annotations. What makes Silent Planet stand out even further is the fact that its members are not simply musicians — they simultaneously fill the roles of storyteller and activist. Each song tells a story, creates awareness, and starts an important conversation. All of the above combined with a dynamic stage presence makes the band one of my absolute favorites to see perform live.
During their recent stop at the House Of Blues in Orlando, the group served as support for Silverstein and August Burns Red on the 10 Years Of Constellations Tour. Frontman Garrett Russell had just recently been in the emergency room and was clearly in pain, but this did not dial down any of his typical energy or passion while on stage. Throughout the performance, he stopped several times to thank the audience for taking the time to watch “their small, unknown band,” his humble attitude apparently oblivious to the fact that many in attendance shouted along to every word.
The set began with “The New Eternity” from the band’s latest LP When The End Began. Like many others in their catalogue, the track comments on human errors from history, creating lingering problems for the future. Fans responded well to this opener and chanted the lyrics along with Russell. As usual, one of the most energetic songs of the performance was “Panic Room,” which tells the story of a former soldier struggling to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As per usual, Russell made his way into the audience to share the mic and allow fans to scream “none of this is real / none of this real / but there’s a war inside my head” just before the song’s heavy breakdown. Other tracks in the set included “Native Blood,” “Afterdusk,” and “Depths II.”
All photos by Ali Brant Photography
