Northlane
Node

With their previous album titled "Singularity," the Australians Northlane gave emotional impact an importance that few bands in the core genre have managed to achieve. In my opinion, they have always had little to do with the word metalcore, seeking the straight path in the progressive vein. Today we find Northlane with "Node," an album with a rather troubled gestation (see the need to find a new frontman) but which, in its own way, greatly enhances the charisma and style of an already meticulously crafted project. The concept of the album is focused on the Earth and how man is gradually bringing it to collapse. Okay, a super used theme, but not without meaning if handled correctly. And with a singer much more inclined towards melodic tones, it was obvious that their style would change, albeit slightly. To be able to integrate a frontman like Marcus Bridge into the Northlane project, they had to streamline the compositions considerably, achieving songwriting that is rich in detail yet decidedly more "lean" and impactful. Something that in some ways we could call rock. On the other hand, in "Node," the lyrics are the backbone, and precisely for this reason, I find that the distinctive timbre of the new frontman is quite fitting, a mix of melodic and psychedelic that strikes from the first listen. Are we then facing a band that has stripped their trademark?! Absolutely not, simply as excellent musicians, they changed their skin, always exploiting the power of their breakdowns and the ability to be extremely heavy at various points, but at the same time, they have known how to go beyond, in my view, exceeding the most optimistic expectations. Accompanying them on this new mental journey is Will Putney, a producer who has followed this evolution since "Singularity" and who here seems to have found his stride perfectly, adding even more pathos to the more rock-oriented situations and heaviness when they decide to shuffle the deck. "Node" is therefore, in every respect, a very interesting album, which requires more than a few listens to be appreciated but with infinite potential.