All the way from Ontario, Canada, Silverstein brought their 25 Years of Noise tour to The Ritz in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 17th, and it was nothing short of explosive. Celebrating twenty-five years as a band, Silverstein proved that longevity in the post-hardcore scene isn’t about survival; it’s about connection and an unwavering fanbase that continues to show up with full intensity.

The tour featured a stacked lineup of support acts, including Thursday, Free Throw, and Bloom, setting the tone early for a night steeped in nostalgia and [controlled] chaos. By the time Silverstein took the stage, the room was already charged and buzzing with anticipation.

Before a note was even played, the band rolled an emotional intro video highlighting moments from throughout their career, including clips of old tours, behind-the-scenes footage, and candid vlog-style moments that showcased the bond between band and fans. The video featured band members Shane Told (lead vocalist), Paul Koehler (drums), Paul Marc Rousseau (lead guitar), Josh Bradford (guitar), and Billy Hamilton (bass guitar).  

When the lights dropped and the intro faded, the crowd erupted. Silverstein wasted no time launching into “Negative Space” and “Drain the Blood,” both pulled from their latest album Pink Moon, released earlier this fall. The newer material fit seamlessly into the set, hitting just as hard live, and how confidently the band continues to push forward creatively.

After clearing the way for the newer tracks, vocalist Told acknowledged the crowd with a grin, joking that it was time to dive into the throwbacks everyone came for. The transition was marked by “Stress,” a moment that ignited the first wave of crowd surfers, and it didn’t stop there. Nearly every song that followed sent fans airborne, with mosh pits opening across the floor and an undeniable sense of shared excitement filling the room.

The setlist flowed effortlessly between eras, highlighting fan favorites like “Bad Habits,” “Massachusetts,” and “Smile in Your Sleep.” A standout moment came during “Worlds Apart,” which featured a powerful outro nod to My Chemical Romance’s “Helena,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. The band also slipped in a fun and unexpected Good Clean Fun cover of “You Gotta Stay Positive,” adding a twist to an otherwise emotionally charged set.

From a production standpoint, the stage setup was clean but effective. The lighting was sharp but moody, the transitions in graphics were dead on, and visuals enhanced each song without overpowering the performance. The focus stayed where it belonged, which is the music and the connection between band and crowd.

As the tour celebrates a major career milestone, this Raleigh show felt like both a reflection and a celebration. Silverstein hasn’t missed a beat in twenty-five years; if anything, they have sharpened their edge. Their performance was tight, passionate, and deeply engaging, reminding everyone in the room why they’ve remained such a vital force in the scene. Walking out of the Ritz, it was clear this wasn’t another stop on a tour for them. This was a moment between band and fans who’ve grown up alongside them. Silverstein’s 25 Years of Noise tour stop in Raleigh was a powerful reminder that some bands don’t fade… they endure.