EP REVIEW: Mirror’s Edge – Northlane
Mirror’s Edge saved NORTHLANE. The Australian heavy metal band saw tensions overspill between band members after the release of their sixth album, Obsidian, in 2022. After attending a writer’s retreat in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the band worked through their problems and opened a creative channel. The result is their new EP, Mirror’s Edge. Over six tracks, the band cover the entire spectrum of their musical journey so far. With a message about looking back at the past one last time before starting a new chapter, this EP is not only a great introduction for new fans, but also something that longtime fans will love as well.
The title track is a synth-infused introduction to the EP that builds up the intensity before launching into the second track Afterimage, featuring BIRDS OF TOKYO vocalist Ian Kenny, who adds some variety to the song. Musically speaking, the alternative rock track showcases a slightly softer side to the band, but the heavy synths balance it out.
Kenny isn’t the only feature on this EP. PARKWAY DRIVE frontman Winston McCall brings his distinctive voice to Miasma, an electronic-metal track that injects a lot of energy into the EP, and former NORTHLANE bass player, Brendon Padjasek, lends his screams to Kraft, which is another synth-metal track. However, the features do not take away from the fact that this is a NORTHLANE EP. The band work just as well alone as they do with guest features, showcasing how diverse they can be.
Whilst the descriptions of all the songs sound the same, this is not the case when it comes to the music itself. Each song has a distinct sound and identity. For example, whilst they are both electronic-heavy songs, Afterimage and closing song Dante are very different, as Dante is more electronic-driven, whereas Afterimage is guitar-driven. However, by sticking with two broad genres, the band can make sure that the EP flows well, which it does.
The pacing of the EP is medium-paced, as although there are six songs on it, five of them are between three to five minutes long. It is coherent and by sticking to only a few broad genres, the band can make their own spin on them.
Overall, Mirror’s Edge is a fun, listenable and brilliant EP. Longtime fans of NORTHLANE will love the callbacks to older music, whereas newer fans will find a coherent and easy-to-listen to EP. The band prove that quality over quantity on this fantastic EP that blends rock, synths, electronica and metal together. The medium-paced EP is not hindered by the different genres, and the various guest spots on three of the songs help elevate how versatile NORTHLANE are. Mirror’s Edge didn’t just save the band; it has helped to revitalise them.
Rating: 9/10
Mirror’s Edge is set for release on April 12th via self-release.
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