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156/Silence Vocalist Jack Murray Picks Six Frontmen Who Rewrote the Heavy Vocals Rulebook

156/Silence frontman Jack Murray picks six inspirational singers he believes rewrote the rulebook when it comes to heavy vocals.

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Following up their 2020 disc Irrational Pull with a new EP, Don’t Hold Your Breath, Pittsburgh hardcore/metal crew 156/Silence channelled their feelings of isolation and darkness experienced over the last eighteen months into their music.

Having just returned to the stage recently, kicking off with a hometown show in Pittsburgh, the band is heading into 2022 with a solid reputation amongst the heavy music scene. However, wrap your ears around their new EP and it’s easy to see why their reputation is growing with frontman Jack Murray, in particular, coming in for plenty of praise for his unique vocal style.

We spoke to the man himself recently to find out which vocalists, in particular, have inspired him to push the envelope out.

1. Chris Cornell (Audioslave, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog)

“Of all the 90’s grunge bands that I grew up listening to, Chris Cornell (Audioslave, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog) was by far the most influential. I will always cherish the memories I have of listening to Audioslave and Soundgarden with my brother who showed me them when I was around 11-12. I’ll never forget the day of his passing and will forever hold him as number one. CC for life.”

Favourite Song: “Getaway Car”

2. Jonathan Davis (Korn) / Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

“I couldn’t decide on one so I’m putting them both. Without these two I wouldn’t be into heavy music. I found out about both Slipknot and Korn around 8-9 years old because of a friend’s older brother who thought he was going to scare me by showing them to me. What a fucking idiot. I’ll never forget the endless hours upon hours of sitting in my basement watching live sets of both bands on YouTube wishing I could be in that crowd.

Corey and Jonathan are pillars of metal and without them, we wouldn’t have countless bands that we’ve all grown to love. I know it’s probably already expected that these two would be on my list but it would be a bullshit lie for me not to add them.”

Favourite Songs: “Ball Tongue” / “No Life”

3. Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada)

“I’ve seen TDWP more than any band I’ve ever seen and will see them a “million times more. Mike Hranica grew up less than 20 minutes away from me and has been an enormous inspiration to me growing up listening to metalcore. TDWP will always hold a huge part of my heart and are the number one band that I would want to play a show with.”

Favourite Song: “Danger: Wildman”

4. Josh Scogin (The Chariot / Norma Jean / Luti-Kriss)

“Everything Josh has been a part of is perfect. His live energy is unmatched and his abilities seem to be endless. One thing especially that I love about Josh and all of his projects is not only his unfiltered charlie horse of a voice but the relentless use of feedback. The unexplainable rawness of ear-piercing feedback is one of nature’s finest fruits and without it, 156 wouldn’t exist. I know that has nothing to do with Josh’s vocals but I assume he gets it.”

Favourite Song: “And Shot Each Other”

5. Alexis Marshall (Daughters)

“If I were to describe Alexis it would be the product of Elvis and Jim Morrison’s honeymoon in hell’s septic tank. I don’t know if words can describe Alexis but he has without a doubt made a mark. I consider Daughters my favorite band of all time. I don’t know why. I just can’t help it. The vocals, the instrumentals. I can’t explain it. Alexis’ usage of words to me is comparable to an original Picasso. His lyrics, his delivery. Of all the heavy music and all the heavy vocalists to take the stage, his is the only one that I couldn’t look away from.”

Favourite Song: “Daughters Spelled Wrong”

Artwork for ‘Don’t Hold Your Breath’ by 156/Silence

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