Silent Planet @ La Cartonnerie in Reims

About the artist

"Silent Planet" are a Los Angeles-based metalcore band whose music embraces dynamics swinging from quiet, atmospheric contemplation to a full-on sonic assault, and whose lyrics offer a thoughtful view of the challenges of life in a destructive, chaotic world. Taking their name from a novel by C.S. Lewis, Silent Planet was formed in 2009 by Garrett Russell, who says he was inspired to use music to express his spiritual ideals while volunteering at a Haitian orphanage as part of a Christian youth mission. Lead vocalist Russell teamed up with Thomas Freckleton on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, guitarist Spencer Keene, bassist Igor Efimov, and drummer Alex Camarena, and Silent Planet began playing West Coast venues. In 2012, Silent Planet released their debut EP, Come Wind, Come Weather, the band released a second EP, Lastsleep (1944-1946), which earned rave reviews and attracted the attention of respected metal/punk label Solid State Records; they promptly signed the band, and Silent Planet's first full-length album, The Night God Slept, was released in November 2014. ~ Mark Deming