It can be incredibly isolating to experience issues like anxiety, stress, depression, or panic attacks. It’s hard for people who haven’t gone through anything similar to understand. Canadian rock band Silverstein felt it was vital to capture and explore these experiences to reassure their fans that they’re not alone
The band explored the experience of anxiety and isolation with two different versions of their song Infinite.
“Infinite was born in the black hole of anxiety—unable to remember ‘normal,’ the fear of not knowing when the feeling will end, or if it will end at all.”
Silverstein’s follow-up single, It’s Over, examined that sensation in further detail.
“[It’s about] those anxiety-packed hours when you can’t feel anything but the low, steady crescendo of panic that eventually gets so intense your fingertips lose sensation. It’s hopeless to feel but pointless to endure. I didn’t learn anything from feeling that way. I just wanted it to stop.”
Paul Marc Rosseau, guitarist
The lyrics describe the experience clearly: “nothing’s making sense/I’m running out of breath/my heart is beating faster and faster/it’s happening again/the walls are closing in/I’m trying to hold on but it feels like the end.”
Although the song is pessimistic, the video shows reasons to hold on and seek help; the power of music, the excitement of the fans, and the communion of shared experiences.
Past and present
The band members have more experience than most in the power of music as they have been together for 22 years. During that time, they’ve risen from the underground to become a legendary band that inspires the next generation of musicians and fans.
A case in point is their latest collaboration with nothing, nowhere.
“Silverstein has always been one of my favourite bands. Shane’s vocals inspired me when I first started singing as a kid, so I knew I had to get on this track”
Frontman Shane Told explained why they decided to work together.
Living through an unimaginable time we all faced some of the darkest feelings of our lives. The uncertainty, the anxiety, it was crippling. Bringing in another voice was important for this song to show its universal meaning. Joe (nothing, nowhere.) is from a different country, a different upbringing, a different age group, but his voice resonates just as loud as mine”.
New Silverstein album
These deeply honest singles all feature on Silverstein’s new album, Misery Made Me, out on May 6, 2022, on UNFD.
“For the first time in our career, we truly put it all out there. We went into this with no rules and no preconceived notions of what Silverstein is or what it could be. We somehow wrote the heaviest, saddest, catchiest, and most emotional songs in 22 years of being a band … all on the same album.”
Shane Told
UK fans can catch the band live at Slamdunk Festival in June.
- 3 June, 2022 – Slam Dunk Festival, Leeds
- 4 June, 2022 – Slam Dunk Festival, Hatfield
Are you struggling?
Are you struggling? In the UK and Ireland, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie
If you need to chat by text for mental health support, text SHOUT to 85258
Other international helplines are listed at befrienders.org