Originally released back in May 2022, Silverstein has reissued “Misery Made Me” in a deluxe format, while some may moan about it others will rejoice while it gives the uninitiated a chance to relish in a brilliant album for the first time.
It is a killer album that has all of Silverstein’s best attributes from the catchy hooks to the punk/hardcore grind, it’s ballsy, it’s hard, it’s melodic but most importantly it’s one of their finest efforts to date, add in alternate versions of some tracks, a couple of unreleased ones and some live versions, and you have the complete package. The album itself was a throwback to some of their earlier releases with a heavier, more intense feel to it. The backbone of the album is made around some killer tracks like “Our Song”, a balls-out opener that sets the pace for the album with its kicking rhythm, angsty vocals and power, followed by “Die Alone” with its pleading opening that the explodes into a hardcore shit kicker and “Ultraviolet” that is more metal with crunching riffs and a thumping bass and drum beat that drives the track. These tracks pave the way for some amazing songs that act as a foil to bring the album together with the likes “Cold Blood”, a big-sounding number with a soaring chorus’ and softer vocals than previous tracks and the undeniable classic “The Altar/Mary” a mashup of hardcore and atmospheric electro that will blow your mind. Sandwiched in between them is “It’s Over” a kind of post-hardcore track that has a kicking rhythm with elements of electro and some pop punk stylings that hits the spot nicely. One of the best songs on the album is “Slow Motion”, Told snarls and sneers his way through this one as a rumbling bass line, backed up by savage guitars, drives the track big time, it’s hard-hitting and in your face. “Bankrupt” keeps the heavy going with a pulsating beat and some crushing riffs, the addition of the synth gives the track a nice twist as does Told’s switching between spoken, sung and screamed vocals. “Live Like This” starts out like a Prodigy track but that quickly fades away as the guitars and drums take over, Told keeps the vocals mainly clean and the infectious rhythm that permeates the track is unreal, this is one of my favourite tracks on the album, it’s brilliant. The album originally finished with the ballad “Misery”, a track that showcases the band’s unbelievable talent and vulnerable side as they strip everything back to create an acoustic masterpiece.
The fact that this is the deluxe reissue you now get the pleasure of some unreleased music. The first of these is “Poison Pill” a track that missed the cut for the album the first time around, a bombastic bass combined with killer riffs and Told’s amazing vocals hook you right from the off, the track rises and falls but the groove is relentless and will have the head nodding and toes tapping. “Stitches” is a punchy punk track that runs away with itself all the while keeping it seriously melodic, cutting riffs and a booming bass lay the foundations for another kickass track. The orchestral version of “Mary” is so haunting and Told’s vocals are incredibly strong that it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, simply outstanding. “Don’t Wait Up” and “Poison Pill” are both given the acoustic treatment which once again brings Told’s voice to the fore with powerful performances, the stripped backed nature of the tracks gives them a completely different vibe helping them to stand out even more than in their original form. The album close with live versions of “Bankrupt” and “It’s Over”, two of the many kickass tracks on the album, what stands out is the energy from both the crowd and band really comes through the speakers giving you a feeling of being there, a very hard task to do but done superbly here.
It may only be a year since it’s original release but it still sounds as fresh as it did back then and the added extras give it just that little more.
Review: Conor
MISERY MADE ME DELUXE
IS OUT ON 7TH APRIL VIA UNFD
MISERY MADE ME DELUXE Tracklisting
1. Our Song
2. Die Alone
3. Ultraviolet
4. Cold Blood
5. It’s Over
6. The Altar/Mary
7. Slow Motion
8. Don’t Wait Up
9. Bankrupt
10. Live Like This
11. Misery
12. Poison Pill
13. Stitches
14. Mary (Orchestral)
15. Don’t Wait Up (Acoustic)
16. Poison Pill (Acoustic)
17. Bankrupt (Live in Toronto)
18. It’s Over (Live in Toronto)
Watch the music video for ‘Poison Pill’ now – HERE
Silverstein are:
Shane Told Vocals
Paul Marc Rousseau Guitar
Josh Bradford Guitar
Billy Hamilton Bass
Paul Koehler Drums
MISERY MADE ME 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR. The 29 date run kicks off on March 30th in Ottawa and features special guests Dayseeker, Seeyouspacecowboy and One Step Closer. Tickets and VIP packages are on sale now at vip.silversteinmusic.com