Northlane
Node


4.0
excellent

Review

by Nocturnalize USER (3 Reviews)
July 22nd, 2015 | 89 replies


Release Date: 2015 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Northlane forgetting what chugs are.

Back with a new vocalist and slightly altered direction 'Northlane' have released their most refined mature album to date. With a stronger focus on atmosphere and less on cliche metalcore elements these Aussies have crafted an album of songs that compliment each member's individual strengths, especially new frontman Marcus Bridge. His clean vocals are very powerful and far superior to previous vocalist Adrian Fitipaldes and he uses them far more frequently and confidently. Although his screaming ability is not up to par it doesn't hinder this album at all.

The guitarists seem to have taken a simpler approach looking for those notes that compliment and create atmosphere like a post-metal bad instead of going the hardcore or metalcore route and focusing on simple riffs and chugging. I know what you're thinking: wait this doesn't sound very heavy at all. This is Northlane we're talking about right? And the answer is yes and no. There are a few heavier moments on "Node", such as the track "Ra" which would sound right at home on "Singularity," but the focus is on the singing and the lush soundscapes which have always been a part of Northlane but just far more subtle in the past. Now its taken the front seat and drives the band/album.

Anybody who felt Northlane should tone down their metalcore elements in the past will be very pleased with this album. Those that came in looking for "Singularity" pt.2 aren't gonna have a good time, you're gonna have to find something else here to enjoy. I personally didn't enjoy the singles too much but after hearing them as a part of "Node" it really completes the puzzle and I'm a little surprised I'm enjoying this as much as I do but that must have been because of my low expectations coming in. This is an album for fans of progressive metalcore and one of the better ones released in recent times, fans of the genre won't be disappointed.


user ratings (506)
3.4
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
theNateman
July 22nd 2015


3809 Comments


Dude one a day

ScuroFantasma
Emeritus
July 22nd 2015


12003 Comments


Good to see you back and reviewing Noc, and a great rev too. Might give this a go, sounds quite appealing from the review.

Nocturnalize
July 22nd 2015


2463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

"Dude one a day"



The other one I put up was by accident and I asked for it to be deleted.



"Good to see you back and reviewing Noc, and a great rev too. Might give this a go, sounds quite appealing from the review."



Thanks man I tried hard on this one. Definitely check it out its a great album.



DatBeefPudding
July 23rd 2015


1952 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Review felt a bit too brief for my liking. That's not to say brief reviews are bad but I do feel this album justifies a bit longer of a review, especially giving the bands large shift in sound. I also think you should mention your opinion of the production quality and incorporate the other members in your review (or at least comment on the instrumentals), and the 3rd paragraph feels a bit tacked on.



hope to see more reviews from you in the future! i agree with everything you said, although I really do think marcus should practice his harsh vocals more than his clean vocals as they need a ton of work.



Still they fit with the music and I am pleasantly surprised by this release, defs didn't have high hopes after hearing the singles.

Gameofmetal
Emeritus
July 23rd 2015


11589 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

aye is there a stream? you're gonna need to post the stream with the review if you don't want it taken down since it's still pre release date

Jots
Emeritus
July 23rd 2015


7562 Comments


stream:

http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/stream-northlanes-new-album-node-ahead-of-its-release/

Nocturnalize
July 23rd 2015


2463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks Johnny and thank you for the constructive criticism BeefPudding

Gameofmetal
Emeritus
July 23rd 2015


11589 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

edit: fixed

Gameofmetal
Emeritus
July 23rd 2015


11589 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

edit: fixed



nice review, was planning on reviewing this and I still might but idk.

Nocturnalize
July 23rd 2015


2463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks bro where would I be without you

Gameofmetal
Emeritus
July 23rd 2015


11589 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

in hell probably idk

Insurrection
July 23rd 2015


24844 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

big improvement over their last one

dbilidb
July 23rd 2015


125 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

'Impulse' is my favorite track on this album, but the rest are not so good tbh.

DatBeefPudding
July 23rd 2015


1952 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

hey i dont pretend to be a writer but still i thought my points were valid... guess not

DatBeefPudding
July 23rd 2015


1952 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

@dbilidb



interesting, for me impulse is the weakest track on the album



my favourite tracks are easily node, ohm, and rot





Nocturnalize
July 23rd 2015


2463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

"hey i dont pretend to be a writer but still i thought my points were valid... guess not"



Nah man you helped out for sure and I agree about your favourite tracks I also really enjoy Obelisk

DatBeefPudding
July 23rd 2015


1952 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

thanks :D



nameless is a pretty effective interlude as well, so many bands have shitty interludes that feel tacked on for the sake of filler during a live show.



Nocturnalize
July 23rd 2015


2463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Animate is also fantastic too I'm honestly so happy with this album I only wish Marcus could bust out some lows like Adrian but its not like it was a must for this album

DatBeefPudding
July 23rd 2015


1952 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

i was literally saying the exact same thing to my friend. i really hope he focuses on improving them because with powerful cleans AND harshes... nothing will hold their next release back from being AOTY

Nocturnalize
July 23rd 2015


2463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Totally agree I wonder if marcus's inability with harsh vocals made the band hold back including more heavy parts?



You have to be logged in to post a comment. Login | Create a Profile





STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy