California progressive metalcore band Silent Planet became one of the rare Western acts to perform in Ukraine over the weekend, wrapping up their European run with a pair of emotionally charged shows in the war-torn country.
The politically-minded outfit have maintained ties to Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict. In July 2025, the band released “Wick” alongside a campaign aimed at supporting Ukrainian children affected by Russia’s invasion. When announcing their plans to perform in the country earlier this year, the band stated that they hoped to “celebrate the spirit of resistance in the face of tyranny.”
With most international artists avoiding the region due to the obvious security concerns, Silent Planet pressed ahead with two dates in Ukraine. The California band performed at Atlas Club in Kyiv on June 20, before closing out their European tour with a June 21 appearance at !FESTrepublic in Lviv.
Following their first show in Kyiv, the band shared a heartfelt message on social media reflecting on the experience and their interactions with local fans.
“Tonight we played a show in Kyiv. It was a life-changing experience to play our songs, especially ‘Wick’ among people who have lived through so much. After the show, I talked to as many folks as I could, and met a man named Михайло (Michael) who lost his leg in the war. His friends told me that he managed to get up from his wheelchair to catch some of the show (and ended up breaking his chair in the mosh pit lol).”
The band also noted the rarity of their appearance, adding that they intend to return.
“Apparently we are the first American band to come here since Russia first invaded in Feb of 2022… but I promise you, this won’t be our last time visiting. Against all odds, these people continue to live and thrive in the face of war and despair – and we will never be the same after meeting them.”
They concluded with a message of hope:
“Whether sleep or sirens finds us tonight, know that this journey has grown our hearts and deepened our thoughts. This war will end and the Lovers will be victorious against the dread machine.”
Fan-filmed footage from the Kyiv performance has since surfaced online, documenting what stands as one of the more unusual and symbolic stops by a Western heavy band since the conflict began in 2022.
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