Northlane - Node (2015)Release ID: 8083
The third album from Northlane, Node is basically a continuation of the djenty metalcore sound in their earlier albums before their more recent evolution into alt-/industrial metal territory. Here you can find the experimental structures, polymetric grooves, and down-tuned riffing that make up the djenty sound first prominent in Singularity. Though this time, the more alt-metal elements draw near...
As the Australian metal scene grows with awesome metalcore bands like Parkway Drive, The Amity Affliction, and In Hearts Wake. Standing strong in the scene as well is Northlane! Their 3rd album Node introduces their current lead vocalist Marcus Bridge after Adrian Fitipaldes left the previous year.
Kickstarting this offering is "Soma" with a slow buildup into what to expect; great riffing and lyrics ("I refuse to die here"). It's easy to find out how much greatness the band still have since Singularity. The next track is single "Obelisk" which has its own video released a month before the album's release. I enjoy that track that nicely builds up throughout before a 20-second slam-down. The title track is slow yet epic, with motivational lyrics and vocals ("You could be the change"). A true anthem for world peace!
"Ohm" is where the speed starts picking up as the band members jam along. The following track "Nameless" is an ambient instrumental with most of the work being the percussion by drummer Nic Pettersen. My favorite song here is "Rot", the first single of the album and listeners' first taste of Marcus' vocals. Each listen makes it better, and it ensures the modern heavy direction the band has in this album. Any Northlane newcomers here, start with that awesome song! There's barely any time to settle down as "Leech" storms in with a breakdown after a calm intro. OK, the REAL breakdown doesn't come on until later, and it's worth listening to as well as playing live.
"Impulse" proves that Marcus can really bring new sounds to the old, and that's why he's an awesome vocalist! "So alone in a digital world..." Massive heaviness and diversity right here! That's how much I love this band, and the breakdown rules! Structures had also tackled the topic of the truth of the digital age. It can actually fit in the Digimon video games or anime! The sound would've been what would happen if Underoath didn't have their hiatus after Disambiguation and instead took on a more progressive sound before their recent albums. As this album approaches the end, we have the slow "Weightless". Smashing through your face is the heavy "Ra". And lastly, "Animate" makes a superb combo of cleans and uncleans to end the experience as perhaps the best album closer by the band.
All of this modern greatness comes in waves of timeless talent from this Sydney-based band. This is another album that can truly get modern metalheads worldwide in love with this music. Another solid recommendation!
Favorites: "Obelisk", "Node", "Rot", "Impulse", "Animate"
