May 2026 Featured Release - The Revolution Edition

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month's feature release for The Revolution, nominated by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)), is 2016's collaboration EP by Australian metalcore bands Northlane and In Hearts Wake, Equinox. This 2-band 10-man collaboration has resulted in a 3-track epic that includes two songs connected together by an interlude, and I would recommend this masterpiece for fans of those bands, metalcore, and collaboration releases.

https://metal.academy/releases/44332

Here's my review summary:

It has been 10 years since this collaboration EP has been released, and I've only listened to it for less than half that amount of time. Surprisingly I haven't reviewed it like I did with all the other Northlane albums, but there's no better time than now. Two Australian metalcore bands Northlane and In Hearts Wake banded together for a top-secret project that wasn't revealed until the day of its release. Those two bands would then tour together to promote this masterpiece! So if you're thinking they were just going to combine the djenty atmosphere of Northlane with the hardcore aggression of In Hearts Wake, that's somewhat true. Both sides were cranked up, causing a new different sound for those bands. This is more than just a metalcore release, it's a journey where you can transcend through the astral realms while looking down at the world's political and environmental issues. I would consider the EP an 11-minute epic with 3 tracks that's basically two songs connected with an interlude, and they're fantastic! The vocalists from both bands all shine well too. The growling vocal style shows the intense power of Jake Taylor while the latter, sung by then-bassist Kyle Erich, enhances the chorus. His clean vocals sound so commanding, which is what I like and what stablized In Hearts Wake's sound before his recent departure from the band. Then you can hear the vocal diversity of Northlane vocalist Marcus Bridge hit you in the face. With those vocalists and the rest of the crew, not often can you have 10 people work together and make a beautiful odyssey. It must've been quite a challenge, but in the end, we get to experience a journey made in a journey. Teamwork makes the dream work, baby!

5/5

Recommended tracks: All of them but especially "Hologram" and "Refuge"

For fans of: Architects, Invent Animate, Silent Planet