Silverstein and others at The Pageant in St. Louis, Missouri on February 8, 2025.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor Sevauna Photography
Silverstein took the stage kicking off their “25 Years of Noise” tour in style. This tour celebrated the band’s incredible journey over the past quarter-century, and they perfectly curated the setlist to showcase the best songs from across their entire discography. The crowd was treated to a carefully crafted mix of newer tracks and the iconic hits that first brought them to fame. Prior to the music, a video played, showing their humble beginnings in small venues during the early 2000s, gradually growing into the crowds they now command. It set the perfect tone for the evening, reflecting on their evolution.
Silverstein kicked things off with some of their newest releases, but the crowd’s excitement really peaked when they played “Afterglow” from 2017. The song’s reference to St. Louis, the crowd’s hometown, brought an eruption of cheers and singing along “Heartbreak in a St. Louis parking lot”. Mid-set, they slowed things down with “The End” from 2009. Lead singer Shane Told stepped out with an acoustic guitar, and the crowd immediately held up their flashlights and lighters, creating an intimate glow. Told took a moment to express his gratitude, thanking fans for their years of support. He also shared memories of playing smaller venues in St. Louis such as The Ready Room and Red Flag, which resonated deeply with those who had been there since the early days. As the set neared its end, the crowd eagerly anticipated the Discovering the Waterfront era. And when “Smile in Your Sleep” started, the venue erupted. The pit was alive with energy, fans singing along word-for-word.
Silverstein left the stage, but the crowd wasn’t ready for it to end. Chants of “One more song!” filled the venue. Silverstein returned to the stage, and Told shared that this had been one of the loudest crowds of the tour. They dove into “My Heroine” with Told playing the song stripped down on acoustic guitar. The crowd easily took over many of the lyrics, singing passionately along with him.
Split Chain
On a cold February night, Split Chain kicked off the concert season in St. Louis as the first of three openers for Silverstein at The Pageant. The UK-based nu-metal band hit the stage with “Chalk”, setting a heavy tone right from the start. Though many in the crowd weren’t familiar with them, the band’s energy and raw performance slowly won them over. They had successfully captivated the audience by the time they closed with “Extract”. Fans were headbanging and fist-pumping along to their aggressive riffs and distorted hooks. Split Chain may have been the first opener, but by the end of their set, they had earned a new group of fans, perfectly setting the stage for the rest of the night.
Arm’s Length
Following Split Chain, Canadian band Arm’s Length took the stage with a burst of energy. Close friends with the headliner, Silverstein, the band kicked off their set with “In Loving Memory”, immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention. Mid-set, they slowed things down with “Overture”, a stripped-back moment featuring just guitar and vocals, highlighting lead singer Allen Steinberg’s powerful voice.
Steinberg’s infectious energy and seamless blend of guitar playing and vocals kept the audience hooked, but the real excitement came when they played “Object Permanence”, the standout track from their 2022 debut Never Before Seen, Never Again Found. The crowd erupted, showing just how much they had connected with the band’s music. Arm’s Length proved themselves as a band to watch, delivering a set full of passion and promise.
Thursday
Post-hardcore band Thursday took the stage next. The crowd erupted with excitement, clearly filled with devoted fans who had been eagerly waiting for the band. From the very first note, Thursday set the bar high, with lead singer Geoff Rickly’s infectious energy as he sprinted around the stage. His movement was relentless, keeping the crowd fully engaged.
Mid-set, Thursday took a turn with “This Song Brought to You by a Falling Bomb”. Rickly stripped down to just his vocals, and even removed the microphone for a few lines, creating an intimate moment in the middle of a high-octane set. The crowd quieted and leaned into the vulnerable performance. The energy came roaring back with “Taking Inventory of a Frozen Lake”, their latest single released on New Year’s Day. The song’s heavy riffs and Rickly’s passionate delivery had the crowd back on their feet and singing along. Thursday perfectly closed with “War All the Time”, the 2003 hit that pushed them into the mainstream and earned a spot at number 7 on the Billboard 200. The crowd sang every word, and the band’s ferocious energy built to a perfect crescendo, making it clear why the song remains one of their most iconic.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer Sevauna Photography in St. Louis, Missouri. ©2025.
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