ALBUM REVIEW: Obsidian – Northlane
Receiving the ARIA Music Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album in 2019’s Alien is just one of the many reasons why Aussie metalcore titans NORTHLANE should not be underestimated. Having to follow that is also an unenviable task, but their freshly released effort Obsidian is definitely going to prove the doubters wrong.
Clarity is initially very soothing as the silky tones of frontman Marcus Bridge are accompanied by vibrant synth work. Before you know it intensity gushes from every angle. Crushing drum beats hammer away over the top of jabbing riffs and fierce vocal bursts. This is one hell of an opening statement from a band who had a seemingly insurmountable task of surpassing the incredible Alien. Clockwork is littered with so many addictive hooks it should be illegal. Snappy transitions between heaviness and melody work hand in hand and whilst it contains a good portion of repetition you can’t help but be sucked in.
Echo Chamber is determined to outdo its predecessor in sheer groove and allure. The chorus line is guaranteed to be drilled into your memory for months. Bridge‘s frightening range is put to the test on this track as his impeccable falsetto sends tingles through your body. Carbonized brings additional industrial vibes to the forefront that combine seamlessly with the slick lyrical delivery. Another powerfully emotive chorus segment amplifies the mood.
Abomination continues with the fearless experimentation, layering energetic instrumentation with soaring waves of melody. Despite the elaborate construction everything feels purposeful and calculated. Plenty throws further ridiculously catchy riffing into the mix, allowing the technical flair to roam free. The narrative has you firmly fixed in its grasp, hanging off every syllable. Is This A Test? hits you with enticing bass lines and a pulsing tempo to get your body moving. It feels like the perfect choice for a game soundtrack, feeding you copious rounds of adrenaline. Xen dials up the chaotic nature that NORTHLANE have in their locker, combining the punchy rhythms with killer vocal shifts to get your blood pumping. Cypher resumes the gritty, dark industrial soundscape, bringing forth a particularly aggressive nature.
Nova allows for a moment of calm and collected contemplation with immersive, accessible tones. Whilst its placement in the overall arrangement could cause a lengthy debate it is still a welcome piece of the complete product. Inamorata ups the ante with its invigorating pacing and impactful hooks. The potent intensity produces one of the album’s real highlights. Title track Obsidian sustains that enthusiasm and vigour as sharp, thunderous drum work rattles through your ears. Savage waves of riffing also have their turn to cause some carnage. Dark Solitaire brings the inviting synth elements and the dramatic musicianship instilled throughout, sandwiching them together in powerfully poignant offering to round off this impressive release.
Obsidian is nothing short of transcendental, displaying the frightening potential NORTHLANE have at their fingertips to continuously reinvent their sound. Whilst significantly longer than their previous efforts there are no moments which feel unnecessary or expendable. Each track is formidable enough to stand on its own and keep you engaged on the euphoric journey they have created. Not like we needed any further evidence that they are a phenomenally talented collective but this release has further cemented their legacy as one of the most inventive bands in the world.
Rating: 9/10
Obsidian is out now via Believe.
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