Northlane2D (EP)

2019 saw some big changes for Northlane. After experimenting with different soundscapes on Node and Mesma, the groups most recent album Alien saw Northlane abandon the metalcore roots they cut their teeth on to adopt an industrial metal sound.

MORE: HALLOWEEN HYSTERIA: The Creature Returns From The Undead // EXCLUSIVE ALBUM PREMIERE: Dr Colossus // REDHOOK: Bad Apples, Bad Decisions and Great Tunes // GOJIRA: ThePower and the Passion // VOID OF VISION: Something Old, Something New REVIEWS: REDHOOK: Bad Decisions // DROPKICK MURPHYS: Turn Up That Dial // ROYAL BLOOD: Typhoons // GOJIRA: Fortitude // CLOWNS: Does It Matter? // THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES: When God Was Great

Merging a lethal combination of their own technicality and Nine Inch Nails inspired grime, Alien was finally the sound that the Sydney based metal act had been working towards for years. Which is why it may seem odd that after gradually refining their sound, the groups next release is an acoustic EP.

Featuring reinterpretations of singles from Alien, 2D highlights a unique contrast to Northlane’s heavily prog based sound by allowing songs that may be muddled by riffs and screams (to some listeners) the chance to show their lyrics and meaning. By stripping back percussion, riffs and breakdowns and allowing the song’s lyrical content and vocals to be the driving factor, Northlane have truly showcased how diverse their songwriting abilities are.

Kicking off 2D is Bloodline; a song usually known for its frenetic energy and at times abrasive riffs. Transforming it from tense to uplifting, Marcus Bridge’s voice soars alongside the gradually more aggressively sounding acoustic guitars. Giving the song a slightly maqamat (Arabic/Middle Eastern) sound, the acoustic guitars intertwined with a hummed choir in the bridge gives the song a cinematic quality. Considering the group’s previous works have reflected an interest in Egyptian mythology, it’s hard to believe that the inclusion of these soundscapes were not intentional.

For a band over a decade in, it’s pretty damn cool to see how persistent Northlane are on trying something new.

Rift was an interesting inclusion on this EP, mainly because as a song its primary feature is Nic Petterson’s intricate drumming, which is not featured on this release. By swapping the percussion for high-intensity strumming and an incredibly emotive voice, Bridge manages to maintain the song’s power so well that you almost forget about the lack of drumming. Highlighting the level in which these songs have been transformed is 4D, a song normally known for its huge breakdowns. Taking it a step further than rerecording with a different guitar, 4D has been completely reworked to what appears on Alien. As listeners, we know that it’s a song that we already know and love, but somehow hearing it it feels like it’s a completely new song. It’s an impressive juxtaposition.

Rounding out 2D, is the powerful Sleepless, in which Bridge’s depicts his mother preventing his sister from drugs; it’s a haunting closer that will be sure to stay in your mind for quite some time. For a band over a decade in, it’s pretty damn cool to see how persistent Northlane are on trying something new. At this point, they have already managed to cover almost every rock and genre out there. It’s hard to say what direction the group will head in next but it’s almost guaranteed to be an exciting one.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Bloodline, Rift, Sleepless
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Hands Like Houses, Mayday Parade, John Floreani