Review: Northlane - Singularity

Singularity will be released in North America on November 5^th. Produced and mixed by Will Putney (Lamb Of God, Suicide Silence, Fit For An Autopsy), Singularity has already won mass acclaim for its blend of post-hardcore and modern metal upon its Australian release earlier this year.

Australia, a country that have, in recent years, spewed forth some of the biggest hitters in modern Metal. Whether it be big acts such as Parkway Drive, heavy and destructive acts such as Thy Art Is Murder and Make Them Suffer or something devastating such as Destroyer 666, it is apparent that Metal is something that seems celebrated over there. So where does Metalcore Aussie act Northlane stand amongst such tantalizing bands? Apparently rather damn high up the ladder.

'Singularity' is the second album from a band that are easily becoming the next hot property in the Metalcore scene. Whereas Capture the Crown seemingly tried to recreate Asking Alexandria's first album, Northlane decided to take their own path. Mixing heavy chugs, well-balanced keyboard work with precise drumming and some of the most ground-breaking vocal work within the current scene, Northlane prove to us all that they are more than just another Metalcore band.

Starting off their Metalcore attack is the intro opener ‘Genesis’. People could draw similarites to Asking Alexandria intros but this is by far heavier and better than any Asking Alexandria intro to date. ‘Genesis’ moves into ‘Scarab’, a heavy yet wonderful track. Making good use of vocal versatility, heavy chugs, well placed synthesizers and well-executed drumming, it is something that sets the landmark of the albums genuine feel. It has everything you expect from modern Metalcore but with a little twist added into it in order to produce that extra kick you get when listening to this album.

The album moves through its several tracks, keeping its turbo-charged assault on the senses with songs that constantly change in their tone and approach, with hard-hitters ‘Worldeater’, single ‘Quantum Flux’, ‘Masquerade’, which features Stray From the Path frontman Drew York, and title-track ‘Singularity’ standing out. The last track, entitled ‘Aspire’, is a fitting end to an album that doesn’t give up, not loosing any of its power throughout.

An album that showcases all sorts of vocal power, well-placed techno aspects, heavy chugs and melodic riffs with a fitting bassline and suitable drumming is something to be proud of and it is clear that Northlane are heading towards big things. The album is balanced out perfectly with great sound quality due to the high production quality. It is mixed extremely well and keeps its listener engaged, with all songs having their subtle differences to appear more interesting.

There isn’t much to say about this album because, in the end, you’re either going to love it or hate it. This is one of those albums you have to witness yourself before making up your mind.

So then, well produced, a great balance between heavy riffs, melodic riffs, devastating bass-lines, precise drumming, great synth grooves and versatile vocals and an all round great album. But yet this is something you need to decide for yourself. If you love Metalcore, you’ll love this album but if you’re a little skeptical then just give it a listen. You never know, you may just end up liking what you hear. This is more than a mere standard Metalcore album, it is a little gem within the Metal community.

This is something to behold and appreciate and, in terms of Metalcore albums, is something that is damn bloody excellent. By far the best Metalcore album of this year and this is one of the more surprising releases so far. Well-balanced, this is something that everyone should learn to appreciate. Northlane, you have hit gold with this gem.

9/10

- Asa

Veil of Maya Announce Fall Headline Dates

Veil of Maya have finally announced the dates for our North American headlining tour with STRUCTURES, Northlane, vildhjarta and Here Comes The Kraken! They can be seen below

More dates TBA:
11/08 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Garage
11/09 - Milwaukee, WI @ Wisconsin Metalfest
11/10 - Cleveland, OH @ Ohio Metalfest
11/15 - Houston, TX @ Walters
11/16 - Ft. Worth, TX @ Tomcats
11/17 - Austin, TX @ Red 7
11/19 - Phoenix, AZ @ Martini Ranch
11/20 - San Diego, CA @ SOMA
11/21 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
11/22 - Sacramento, CA @ Boardwalk
11/23 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
11/25 - Albuquerque, NM @ Blackwater Music
12/01 - Orlando, FL @ The Social
12/02 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade w/ Protest The Hero
12/03 - Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
12/04 - Raleigh, NC @ Southland Ballroom
12/05 - Springfield, VA @ Empire
12/06 - Allentown, PA @ Croc Rock
12/07 - New York City, NY @ Gramercy
12/08 - Danbury, CT @ The Heirloom Arts Theatre
12/10 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
12/11 - Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
12/12 - Toronto, ON @ Annex Wreckroom
12/13 - Detroit, MI @ The Shelter
12/14 - Chicago, IL @ Reggies

Vildhjarta Announce New Music, Tour, And Video!

Sweden’s VILDHJARTA will soon be announcing the dates of their upcoming North American tour with VEIL OF MAYA, STRUCTURES, NORTHLANE and HERE COMES THE KRAKEN.  In the meantime you can check out the video for “Dimman" taken from the band’s new album, THOUSANDS OF EVILS, due out this fall on Limited edition 12” (Century Media).

Veil of Maya to Headline This Year's Sumerian Tour

This year’s Sumerian Records tour will feature Veil of Maya, Structures, and Northlane. It takes place before the Protest The Hero and Architects (UK) tour will possibly feature The Kindred. Dates/venues will be announced soon.

KTM Podcast: League of Djentleman

Brad from The New Fury joins me once again as we discuss new releases, upcoming tours, Bradley Manning, Edward Snowden and more. Past episodes can be found here. If you like the podcast, write a 5-star review for it and subscribe on iTunes.