Silverstein and Friends Celebrate 25 Years of Post-Hardcore Brilliance in London [Photos]

It’s Saturday night in London and Canadian post-hardcore favourites Silverstein arrive in the capital for the latest date on their 25th anniversary celebration. Silverstein were joined on these dates by a mix of familiar names from across the genre in the form of Thursday, The Callous Daoboys and Bloom.

Opening up the night was Australian post-hardcore crew Bloom who wasted no time in kicking the show off with a short set that was crackling with energy. A huge sounding set of anthems filled the Kentish Town Forum as the rising stars of the post-hardcore scene made sure they hit the spot over and over again.

Next up were The Callous Daoboys who delivered everything that was expected of them. Which, essentially, was pure chaos. Leaving the crowd with no time to get to grips with the sonic onslaught, their sound is one wonderfully unpredictable concoction after another and, here onstage in London, while it could have unravelled into one big mess, The Callous Daoboys were the perfect example of “controlled chaos.”

While there was no doubt the night belonged to the headliners, the addition of post-hardcore legends Thursday to the bill was huge news. As important to the scene as the headliners, the Geoff Rickly-led band were simply unstoppable here in London. With the likes of “White Bikes” showcasing a band who not only have plenty of gas left in their creative tanks but are still at the top of their game, Thursday showed why many bands, including the headliners, hold them with such high regard.

And so to the headliners. Following three bands, each of whom offered up something different to the previous band, Silverstein were the proverbial icing on this wonderful post-hardcore cake. Powering through a mammoth set, which started with their more recent material and worked back to the beginning and a stunning climax, Silverstein made sure this 25th anniversary celebration was as important to their fans as it was to the band themselves.

Documenting their history, this wasn’t just another gig, this was a journey that took older fans right back to the start while giving new fans and insight into the roots of the band. Through the likes of “Confession”, “Bad Habits”, “One Last Dance” and a rendition of “My Heroine” which stopped the room in its tracks, Silverstein wrapped this unforgettable night up with equally unforgettable renditions of “Smashed Into Pieces” and “Bleeds No More” songs which, like the rest of their set, felt as vital now as they did twenty-five years ago.

Our photographer Lorna Leahy joined the celebration in London. You can check out her gallery and the Silverstein setlist below:

Silverstein Setlist:

1. Skin & Bones
2. Confession
3. The Altar/Mary
4. Infinite
5. Bad Habits
6. The Afterglow
7. Aquamarine
8. A Midwestern State of Emergency
9. Massachusetts
10. Toronto (Abridged)
11. One Last Dance
12. Sacrifice
13. Vices
14. The End
15. My Disaster
16. Your Sword Versus My Dagger
17. Call It Karma
18. Smile in Your Sleep
19. My Heroine
20. Smashed Into Pieces
21. Bleeds No More

Silverstein (w/ Thursday, The Callous Daoboys, Bloom) @ Kentish Town Forum (London, UK) on March 1st, 2025

50 photos