Silverstein (band)
Silverstein (/ˈsɪl.vər.stiːn/) is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 2000. Their band name is a reference to the famous children's author Shel Silverstein, who the band had admired and whose work they had read as children.[2] They have released a total of 11 studio albums, seven EPs, a compilation album and a live DVD/CD. Their lineup remained unchanged for eleven years from December 2001 to September 2012, then consisting of lead vocalist Shane Told, lead guitarist Neil Boshart, rhythm guitarist Josh Bradford, bassist Billy Hamilton, and drummer Paul Koehler. In September 2012, the band had announced that Neil Boshart had been fired and would be replaced by Paul Marc Rousseau, who also joined Billy Hamilton on backing vocals. The band achieved moderate success with their second studio album, Discovering the Waterfront, which was nominated for a Juno Award and reached No. 34 on the Billboard 200 charts, with the following two albums charting at similar positions.[3] Silverstein has sold over 1,000,000 albums worldwide.[4]
"Paul Koehler" redirects here. For the Danish diver, see Paul Köhler. For the Australian footballer, see Paul Kohler.
Silverstein
2000–present
- Josh Bradford
- Paul Koehler
- Shane Told
- Billy Hamilton
- Paul Marc Rousseau
- Richard McWalter
- Neil Boshart
The band left long-time record label Victory Records in 2010. Following a period with Hopeless Records[5][6] and another with Rise Records, they are now signed to UNFD. They released their 10th studio album, A Beautiful Place to Drown, in March 2020.[7] This was nominated for a 2021 Juno award in the “Best Rock Album” category. Misery Made Me, the band's 11th studio album, was released on May 6, 2022.
History[edit]
Early years and When Broken Is Easily Fixed (2000–2004)[edit]
Silverstein formed in February 2000.[8] They self-released their first EP, Summer's Stellar Gaze, in August that year.[9] After several lineup changes, the band acquired Billy Hamilton, a local fan who learned of the band's need for a bassist on the Internet message board "The 905 Board" (an Ontario area outreach board which used to be for local musicians). In December 2000, he joined the band after Told helped him learn the music for the songs. Following a rehearsal on Boxing Day (26 December) in 2000, he officially debuted with Silverstein. The next spring, original guitarist Richard McWalter left the band to move to Victoria, British Columbia, to study engineering. He was then replaced by Neil Boshart, childhood friend of Shane Told. The new lineup recorded a second EP, When the Shadows Beam, in preparation for their first tour in Eastern Canada.[10] The band signed to Victory Records in October 2002 with a complete lineup as Hamilton attempted to complete his secondary education one semester early.[11]
Musical style and influences[edit]
Silverstein has been described as post-hardcore,[66][67][68] emo,[69][70][71][72][1][73][67][74] screamo,[75][76][77] indie rock[70][75] and hardcore punk.[1] Their influences include Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, The Get Up Kids, Sunny Day Real Estate, Mineral, Knapsack, NOFX, Rancid, Lagwagon, and Pennywise.[78]