“Music has an innate power to heal”: Hollow Bones’ powerful statement on mental health

[Photo by: Brandon Lane]

Melodic hardcore outfit Hollow Bones are premiering a music video for "Balance." The track is the first part of a two-song narrative that deals with mental illness, suicidal thoughts and the power of love in healing.

"We are big proponents of mental health awareness, and because the topic is close to us, we wanted to show what it can be like for someone who suffers from mental illness that is trying to maintain human connection amidst their inner turbulence," the band—vocalist Patrick Anthony, guitarist Andrew Formale, vocalist and guitarist Sharon Malfesi, bassist Kyle Cullen and drummer Colin Robinson—say. The five-piece explain they chose to talk about the issue in their music due to their belief on the role of empathy as a healer.

"Balance" follows the White Plains, NY band's tradition of mixing Malfesi's melodic vocals and aggressive hardcore riffs to create a sound that's one-of-a-kind.

"Music has an innate power to heal. We hope that by making music about love and suffering from mental illness the people who hear it may feel empowered to speak out and end their silent pain."

"Balance is the first song in a dual-single release that we’re doing, and thematically, the beginning of a two-part story that deals directly with love and mental illness. We are big proponents of mental health awareness, and because the topic is close to us, we wanted to show what it can be like for someone who suffers from mental illness that is trying to maintain human connection amidst their inner turbulence. Suicidal thoughts and self-harm are a very serious and difficult reality that many people with depressive mental illnesses and personality disorders live with. For a majority of the time, these people suffer in complete silence and isolation—partially because they don’t feel anyone will understand, and partially because of how taboo the whole conversation is. This is a problem because it is self-perpetuating, and as long as talking about this stuff remains taboo, these people who suffer will go without a voice. It may mean having uncomfortable conversations with loved ones, but those conversations could save the life of someone you care about. People that do not suffer from mental illness can only sympathize, but we believe that empathy—which comes from personal experience—is the true healer, and that is why we chose to talk about this in our music. 

"This is a problem because it is self-perpetuating, and as long as talking about this stuff remains taboo, these people who suffer will go without a voice."

Music has an innate power to heal. We hope that by making music about love and suffering from mental illness the people who hear it may feel empowered to speak out and end their silent pain, and form those human connections that are so important in recovery and mental health management. If you know someone who deals with mental illness please tell them they are loved, and if you yourself are having suicidal thoughts or are hurting yourself please get help immediately.

Hollow Bones would like to make themselves available to anyone who is suffering and needs somewhere to confide their thoughts and feelings. Please message us on Facebook. If you are an immediate threat to yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273- 8255."

"Music has an innate power to heal."

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there is help to be found. Please consider these online resources and talk to your regular doctor about your symptoms:

MentalHealth.gov - Get Immediate Help

ImAlive - Online Crisis Network

International Association For Suicide Prevention - Resources

The Anxiety And Depression Association Of America

The National Alliance On Mental Illness

American Psychiatric Association - Finding Help

National Institute Of Mental Health

American Psychological Association - Psychologist locator