Northlane - Alien (2019)^{Release ID: 13876}

Well, we've come to this album that is the August 2023 Gateway feature release, one year after the band's next album Obsidian was the feature release for that clan. And I must say, I really look forward to saying what I should say about this album. It's one of the best albums I've heard to blend genres from 3 of my clans; The Gateway, The Revolution, and The Sphere. And seeing how well-deserving their earlier albums are of The Infinite, it solidifies Northlane's reign as one of the most suitable bands for me.

The band had already reached a decade since formation at that point. Continuing their quest for worldwide fame, they were able to overcome lineup/touring changes. Alien is a true definition of the new modern direction they're going for. As amazing as their previous two albums are, Alien is, in a couple words, f***ing fantastic!

The cyber-metalcore style blasts off in "Details Matter", a total in-the-face track of heaviness and screaming. There's a lot of industrial/cyber metal effect in the song, much more than in any of Northlane's past albums. "Bloodline" has absolutely awesome lyrics and production here! So atmospheric while dark and heavy. Fantastic prog-ish alt-metalcore! "4D" is a speedier track, albeit as electro-industrial-focused as Rammstein and The Prodigy. Unlike some metal bands that trade their heaviness and breakdowns for electronic synths, Northlane combines the best of both worlds, with a sound unique as f***. The addictive speed is worth good listening. Bassist Brendon Padjasek, who's only in the band for this album, also performs noticeable screamed vocals, alongside Marcus Bridge's cleans, and even a screaming duel between the two vocalists.

In "Talking Heads", Marcus has proven himself well as one vocalist ruling with 10 techniques! The sludgy nu metal part of their cyber metalcore sound has really expanded in their recent albums. "Freefall" has a brief slow introduction, then it explodes into a faster drive. The heavier side with screamed vocals and djenty riffing definitely makes this song another favorite of mine. "Jinn" is so monstrous. The band take on different sounds and styles, and crank up the power. As a result, this mind-blowing blend can beat a lot they've done in the past. "Eclipse" is one of the most upbeat and heaviest songs by Northlane. You can definitely scream along to the lyrics in live shows!

"Rift" is a soft atmospheric ballad. There's not much heavy or loud, with the power being relied on by the electronic synths. It's almost like they take some influence from Bring Me the Horizon's divisive album Amo that was released earlier that year. The fearless "Paradigm" has more of the heaviness and screaming that's definitely worth playing live. With a lot going on, hearing this song is much more of an experience than a listen. In "Vultures", Marcus Bridge is really having more influence from the band whom Northlane named one of their songs after, Architects, adding melody to his screaming. So insanely epic, continuing the writing of Mesmer while restoring their earlier riff-wrath. The final track "Sleepless" is mostly just EDM, though it's a fitting closer for this offering as different sounds appear. During the second half of the track, the band's heavy instrumentation is unleashed one last time in full emotion and melodic heights. Then it all ends in synth and piano. It's a risk that nicely paid off.

Northlane continues to rise as the album Alien expands their style into different realms. The elements can evolve while the source stays intact. This album is highly enjoyable and can be treated like a journey from the dark Hell to the bright Heaven. A true masterpiece from the masters of futuristic modern metal!

Favorites: "Bloodline", "Talking Heads", "Freefall", "Eclipse", "Paradigm", "Vultures"