not understanding Northlane - Obsidian for 10 minutes 29 seconds

[@lawtonwright4270]

I actually found this album to be quite mesmerizing on my first listen. The synths painted a more abstract soundscape that spoke to me. I can see how this ravecore sound could get repetitive for listeners, but I love this album more than I expected to.

[@kylesmith7113]

my feelings exactly

[@toxendon]

The ambience in this album is insane. Whoever did the synth production us not the average metal band member, they know some deep shit

[@SongwritingDeconstructed]

@@toxendon That'd be Jon. He's gotten into analogue synths now, I just saw some clips on youtube where he was making some really cool progressive tech-house kinda stuff

[@santadude91]

Inamorata has to be one of their best song...THAT chorus!

[@zvljoe3542]

AGREED! 💯

[@rowansherwood5339]

this album blew me the fuck away: prolly one of my favorite albums of all time. it’s not crazy in your face like alien, but the soundscape is just unreal. i actually love the repetition of the songs, bc there were so many moments that i just got lost in the music, like i literally stopped what i was doing to just close my eyes and vibe to tracks like nova or j bounce around with abomination and cypher

[@lanecorbin6572]

Nah, this album is fire. Even on my first listen I was like eh, but now being like three deep, it’s fire.

[@rubenkriel1627]

I was a bit worried on the first listen, and now i think it is legit an actual masterpiece.

[@yBazo82]

Is fire but imo Alien is still better

[@dbyng]

AHAHAHA init

[@yBazo82]

@@dbyng for sure... Like... Top 3 metal albums of all time imo

[@tnsmmu3269]

combination of edm metalcore djent trance matrix or whatever this album absolutely slaps. Really fresh sound for me.

[@SpaghettiWithMeatSauce]

Matrixcore or Bladecore. I could see this Northlane being played in Blade, most specifically in that vampire night club with the blood sprinklers lol

[@alexlh1164]

This album is an absolute masterclass but the majority of people will understand it in a few years imo

[@ryandizzyslizzy]

This

[@evangalinsky2499]

I wasn't big on it my first listen but now? It's already hitting me super hard but I also just got toasted as fuck so that's hitting me super hard too but I feel like that's when it hits best, 100% a stoned album, it's amazing.

[@TheMayeloski]

Totally!!!

[@boost219]

I remember Alien took some time to grow on me. Now its my absolute favorite album of all time. I play it front to back regularly. Obsidian is slowly making its way up right now

[@kennpuhuxa]

Xen is my favorite track!! they better make mv of this song..

[@sebastienpoli1204]

As huge fan of techno and electronic music besides metalcore, I think this album is great. But I think you have to embrace the repetitive aspect and the slow progression, like in techno music. Doesn‘t top Alien for me, but I think it‘s the right path for them. It‘s weird, but in a nice way, experimental. I think the main goal was to perfectly blend this techno / rave style of music and metal and I guess they did it right on this album. One cons for me is that the vocal melodies and placements could have been more memorable overall imo. I do think without a doubt those songs are gonna sound huge live. Edit: 5 days in, I fuckin love it.

[@connorpoulton9796]

The reference to techno is sooooo true

[@Ghostyfrost9688]

Agreed and CANNOT wait to see them live

[@adityapillai2157]

Their concerts are gonna become clubs when that middle part of Abomination hits

[@Ghostyfrost9688]

@@adityapillai2157 CANNOT WAIT

[@grantechols6621]

I make a metal and bass music hybrid and I agree with everything you just said. I thought a lot of it was "interesting" but they never did anything that hooked my mind or even emotions. Spot on with your comment about the melodies

[@chalksmiles4036]

3 words for this album. Immersive Confident Progressive

[@Alfie-xj5sc]

Alien is an untouchable album but Obsidian still blew me away. Tracks like Nova and Cypher really stood out. Definitely gonna be an album that gets better the more you listen to it.

[@quicksam9941]

I needed a couple of listens to understand this album, but now I love obsidian so much. I remember I had a realisation when I reached "cypher" on my second full listen of this album: obsidian is an EDM album disguised as metalcore. they first off hook you in with the heavy opening track and the beloved singles, but then they confuse you with more dancier tracks. they have this ebb and flow between heavy riffs and dancey bops for a good while, and the whole time you are waiting for the next riff, or the next breakdown. then cypher starts, and it's intro, while being EDM, is also absolutely gigantic. it then does massive riffs and breakdowns for the whole album, and it has one of my favourite vocal hooks of the album. this is the song on obsidian where the EDM and metalcore sounds come together perfectly, and it was the song that I finally understood what this album was trying to do: to fuse the worlds of heavy guitar music and electronic music. metalcore has needed an album like this for a long time. it might take some longtime Northlane fans a few listens to reconfigure themselves from their prior expectations, but it's worth it.

[@mikeeymayhem]

dude. same here. i was just giving it a pretty mindless first go through when cypher hit i had to completely restart. loved it. love this album.

[@Mariooo57]

That's such an accurate description. I was torn at first because it didn't have the surprise factor of Alien. Subsequent listens made me fully appreciate it for what it is instead of endlessly comparing it to the former. I think what makes it standout from the rest of their discography is that, even though it's pretty much a continuation of Alien, this time they made the jump from guitar driven songs to electronics driven ones. Even the riffiest songs are actually solid electronic songs if you ever were to remove guitars or drums. I'd love to get my hands on the stems so much. There must be layers within layers of production on this thing.

[@KhaosKontroller]

This album is not what I expected, but I love it. It's probably gonna get better with each listen. Also, Nova is amazing. Feels like something from the 90s. Gonna be one of those tracks you listen to before bed.

[@tannersmith8415]

Yeah same! Moby - Porcelain is one of my fav songs and Nova sounds like an homage to it

[@ragingstorm79]

@@tannersmith8415 Thank you! Was doing my head in trying to figure out what it sounded like.. I was going through Massive Attack, Portishead, etc. Definitely Moby - Porcelain, so good!

[@lephobix]

That's exactly what I thought! xD Unexpected but awesome. And Nova...Holy shit...emotional impact.

[@AndreaShading]

As an electronic music enthusiast, I loved this album so much. It brings metalcore to reamls that were never touched by the genre. I think I liked it more than Alien, where the metalcore roots were still there in a much prominent way compared to this album. This time they took the big step, they did it like they ment it and it is absolutely phenomenal and most importantly it's believable. I think they are playing another game compared to the other bands in the metal scene, when everybody is trying to achieve new fans by following a wave, they are doing quite the opposite by creating their own audience. I can imagine A LOT of Northlane fans listening to them and a very few other metalcore bands. So yeah, I understand it's not for everyone, but if you are into electronic music and metalcore music this has to be the best thing you've ever heard. Or... I am just a fanboy ahah cheers from Italy bro

[@bobytubeify]

I absolutely loved it as well. Not sure if you know Burial or more ambient techno? But god this was the best combo I've heard.

[@louistremblay1218]

Personally im not all about drops and breakdowns and i like to appreciate atmosphere and just an overall vibe and this album just brings it man, does it top Alien ? Who cares ? For some of you no, for some of you yes, for me i dont compare it because they come from such different state of minds and contexts, im a huge fan of jon's work as a songwritter because i think he doesnt sound like anyone in the game rn, and to me this album is another step into his journey, same for marcus, same for nic, same for josh.

[@killsedadivd7956]

It's just my first listen but I fucking love this. I can't begin to express how much joy it brings me that they went along this transition. This journey they've taken has finally led them to this moment. This is who Northlane were destined to be.

[@falluz]

I totally understand how some wouldn’t like the repetition, and the fact that this album isn’t quite as heavy or riff-based as past albums may put it down for some, but that’s exactly what I love about Northlane: their constant evolution. Every album from them is a new journey, a new sound they are able to flesh out and get life out of. It’s what makes Northlane my favorite band, and this album is a MASTERPIECE in my eyes. May not be quite as memorable overall as alien, but I enjoy listening to it more. It really does sound like a mix of node, Mesmer, and alien.

[@Engineer_Heathen]

Bruh, my first listen I wasn't sure, but after listening to it a thousand times, this album is fucking incredible.

[@Phantox1101]

Alien is still my favourite, but i think that this album will grow with every listen. It was the same with Alien. At first all singles were good but now i really really dig these

[@oscartaylordrums]

The most unique metal album to exist. You will never hear an album like it again from any other band. I love it. If you like it or not, there’s no denying that the musicianship is incredible

[@creatinovic]

is it really? besides some chaotic elements and Marcus' beautiful voice, most of the songs are pretty simple songwriting wise, guitars dont contribute to the the whole experience like they did on Mesmer or Node. sure, the production is great. but it sounds like an uninspired Alien with more EDM sounds

[@louistremblay1218]

@@creatinovic its funny because obsidian probably has the most polyrhythms with guitars, i think its their most meshuggah sounding work yet

[@stephaneangenault8062]

I Let It In and It Took Everything by Loathe

[@BaalSilverwing]

Subvoid - Pareidolia Celldweller - Celldweller The Algorithm - Brute Force

[@_notofthisearth]

@@stephaneangenault8062 okay but that’s Loathe. It’s not fair to compare them, because Loathe isn’t human.

[@aaronpanesar]

This is unlike any other album I've heard ... it has elements of Node, Mesmer and Alien. Mixed with late LP and Amo. Its the culmination of Northlane V2.0 Only a couple of misses. Clarity, Xen and Cypher are excellent. Inamorata is the Gem of the releases from the album. It brought tears it was that beautiful 😍 Am not disappointed and AOTY level. Great review as always despite the disagreements x

[@schnorri2995]

For me it has a Pink Floyd vibe to it. It was the same with their album "Dark Side Of The Moon" . The first time I listened to it I did not unterstand the intention or sense behind it. But this new album of Northlane hits me just like it. It takes me on a musical tour with all the rythmic and vocal changes. Also their production amazes me but that always has been.

[@Pragy]

This album slaps. Love the new electronic direction they’re going. The scene needs this kind of experimentation. I’m tired of the same generic shit

[@rubenkriel1627]

My man you need to digest this album big time, give it time. I had to give it some time. After i figured this album out i can say without a doubt that this is one of my favorite albums of all time if not my favorite of all time (and this is coming from a guy who hates electronic music)

[@54syqe]

adored this album on the first listen, love it even more now, it’s on the same level as Alien for me, and somedays… it’s EVEN BETTER imo. Another masterpiece in the storied discography of Northlane, can’t wait to see where they go with the next album.

[@angelmoreno7535]

This album completely blew me away. As a huge fan of EDM, House and all things metalcore. At first listen I didn’t know what to make of it but it’s definitely an experience on 2 and 3rd listen. There’s tons of layers to explore with good headphones or sound system. Very pleased. 🫠👏🏼

[@mutekrabby5039]

I love this album. I LIKE the repetition and I love a lot of the tracks. It's definitely a grower of an album.

[@bvanquish777]

You know what this reminds me of - Celldweller 2003. What an album. Such legendary times playing counter strike and half life. Once that memory hit I fell in love with this album. Nothing quite like a shot of nostalgia.

[@rubendias7356]

Holy fuck I knew it reminded me of something and had this itch in my brain trying to figure it out and you just made it click.

[@mitchwijnen9975]

This really made the goosebumps come out. That's exactly the feeling I had, but couldn't give words to it! Thanks!!

[@-Jake-]

I absolutely love this album. I was hooked on the first playthrough. For me it retains enough of what made Alien a masterpiece whilst still sounding fresh and original. I think for those that don't like it right away give it some time and keep coming back to it, I think it will grow on you.

[@TheZPKiller]

Honestly, they will never top alien, not even close, they raised the bar so damn high its nearly impossible. but this album is so good on my first listen, and i'll love it even more on more listens, definitelly a grower. I feel like this is more enjoyable if you listen to it not expecting the usual "Metalcore", they pretty much are walking on their own genre now. (Matrixcore? lol) with that said, Abomination is my favorite.

[@JoHarm96]

I loved this album and think this album is a masterpiece. This will album will divide the fans because it’s so different (but not really). If you pay attention to how Northlane has developed their sound over time and how they continuously build off a previous album, you’d not be surprised at this. This album is EXACTLY what I expected after Alien. They hinted at the EDM style on Alien and I knew Obsidian would be the next step into that realm. Fucking love it.

[@lucassnapp2438]

I love this album, you have to respect the fact that they really push the boundaries and influence a lot of bands in the scene. The second half the of album to me is the best part of the album, I love the diversity of all the soundscapes. This album compliments “Alien” and I think it’ll sound amazing live.

[@danielvijil7722]

I think the genius in NL is that they managed to make a lot of GROWERS, I didn't like any of the singles at first, but gave them each 3 more listens and I was HOOKED, and I think this means that my mind is so accommodated to the usual metal songs and structures that I cannot digest this songs charged with creativity and maybe the future of metal will look like this, which would make Northlane LEGENDS, among many others who also push the boundaries of course.

[@ocke94]

Back here just to say that this album SLAMS and I love it more the more I listen to it

[@SongwritingDeconstructed]

This is an absolute banger of an album if you want to just crush it while running

[@warinbloody]

I really enjoyed this album. A little long but felt most of it and I am not in to EDM or techno at all really. The ending for me felt more powerful to me than a big breakdown would. The screaming out for help that just fizzles in to nothing hits deeper than another breakdown would. Can’t wait to listen to it again. Production is incredible

[@itzbishop5256]

Clockwork, cypher and obsidian are so hard

[@sherman614]

Northlane is one of my favorite bands, so I'm biased a little haha. Their "Alien" sound is my favorite, easily my favorite album of theirs, I know a lot of people don't like their newer sound, but I love it. This album has some of that, but not as much too me. The highs Alien had, I don't feel as many of those with Obsidian. To me, the best tracks ARE the singles, and I LOVE the singles! Every other song on this album, with the exception of the title track, all sound similar to me, and don't stand out too much. I still like that they are doing their own thing, I'm just comparing it too the masterpiece that is Alien

[@WeAreTheUniverse78]

Northlane has released a new masterpiece. I am deeply Into electronic music too and this album is the ultimate bridge Between modern metal and electronics. 10/10

[@kamronkazemi2241]

Clockwork is a masterpiece. I really wished they grabbed for that type of sound. Outside of clockwork and maybe Obsidian and plenty, it isn't as impactful like their older music, sounding like background music is a good analysis first listen. But these guys are still very talented and have more to give. If they still keep the tech sound in the future. They can better integrate it hopefully. Clockwork was perfectly integrated. I still love this band.

[@jasonlovesmusicreacting882]

Yeah man, I was hoping for more of that EDM beat like in Clockwork.

[@LornFortheForlorn]

clockworld was released as a single for rainbow six seige tournament, and was added later to the album, which is why it has a different feel than the rest

[@bigmezz5537]

Hearing you say plenty is a highlight is really crazy too me because I feel this is one of the weaker tracks, even when it came out on the album, I wasn't that big a fan... HATED EC at the first listen on single but in the album it sounds great, but plenty is just meh

[@kamronkazemi2241]

@@bigmezz5537 The guitar work on plenty reminds me of old Northlane, probably why I think its solid, plus its catchy. But to each their own.

[@bigmezz5537]

@@kamronkazemi2241 aye too each their own dude! the chorus is pretty catchy I suppose, its definitely not the weakest but I don't think its all that special

[@waytodawn4670]

I think this album will grow on people a lot, I do understand where the "background music" comment comes from tho. There's a lot of repeating sounds in some tracks and slow progression but i honestly love it overall. It's not Alien and that is perfectly fine. If we got Alien 2 people would complain about them not trying hard enough. It's different and it works, at least for me.

[@bulletxwound3559]

I love Alien as album but I honestly have mesmer as my favorite Northlane album and I used to be a huge Adrian era fan. This album blew me away, my expectations were super high and I honestly wasn't disappointed. This album just had me more hyped to see them live

[@hoodiegarcia218]

after 6 months of listening to it and seeing them perform it live i absolutely am in love with this album, the experience live is nuts because of the mix with edm and metal

[@meshuggah5292]

I really liked this album, more than the previous one, i think

[@Daltano_Bradley]

First listen was like eh... This isn't what I was hoping for. Then subsequent listens, i've clicked it with. It's a fantastic album. It's not better than Alien, but we have to understand that Alien is their Magnum Opus.

[@stevemuzak8526]

Music isn’t a sports competition. Something sounds good or not. And this is god damn amazing album.

[@jameshottmann6595]

Obviously would've loved the new album to be an evolution or in a similar vein as Alien. But Northlane is just so good. Clarity is probably my favorite track so far. Love that riff on Plenty. And as usual I will get into more songs the more I re listen to the album. It's definitely not a disappointment.

[@davidpwolfe]

The editing during Clockwork and Echo Chamber is killing me! 😂

[@tylercullen3986]

Hot take: This album has more replay able songs than alien did

[@IR-O-IN-I-IN]

Replay able songs for me on alien are: Details Matter, Talking Heads, Freefall, Vultures and Sleepless (obviously). Obsidian only has Clarity, Carbonized and Cypher. I'm more of an Alien fan to be honest, but obviously everyone has a different taste.

[@Mcsweeney229]

I think it's ironic that you think Obsidian is repetitive because most of metalcore (and Alien I would say, even though it's an amazing album) is repetitive. I think obsidian is such a breath of fresh air in this genre or whatever you want to call it. If you want to find intricacies in Obsidian you have to look for them, but you'll find them! The ambiance and use of subtle hooks and lead lines in the "background" honestly make this album so fun to listen to in my opinion. I think it's a record that will be the gift that keeps on giving, the more you listen intentionally the more you get out of it and appreciate Jon's approach to this sound, and then how they blend it together with heavy music. I'm absolutely loving it.

[@voidedgeSTofficial]

For me as a fan of modern metal, electronics music and Northlane fans since discoveries. This album is another masterpiece because this album is just sounds fresh and not the same experience but it's like another new unexpected experience. And I probably know why many people and some fans are just getting confused, mixed feeling with their experimental stuff maybe because it's so far unexpected but yeah it's normal. The only problem for me is Idk how to describe it but yeah I feel like they didn't push themselves so hard on this album but at least they're pulled off really well. Ngl I got some goosebumps and also same feeling as you for the whole throughout the first listen. But yeah now I fully understand and played this album on repeat for 4-5 times now lol. I hope for their new album in the future is gonna be more groundbreaking than alien. In conclusion: I give it 9/10 just like reviews on some websites and because this album is still continuously growing on me unstoppable

[@gem-cards]

I really love the uniqueness of the album. For me it is something refreshing. I guess some tracks have to grow on me too, but definitely a AOTY contender.

[@charizardmaster13]

It blew my mind the first time i heard the deep cuts from this album. Im a huge electronic music fan tho so the lack of guitars and heavy emphasis on electronics doesnt bother me. I thought xen was a masterpeice and the ambient electronic outro was so crazy to me

[@neekeetahh]

It was a really fascinating journey for me as a big fan of both metal and electronic music scene. 2 favourite sides just collided, and there's so much happening on the album. I personally LOVE Abomination and its industrial techno influences and Berliner Schule inspiration, the motive stuck in my head immediately. The album is not 5/5 for me, I absolutely didn't get Xen as a part of the album, some structures and parts were not impressing for me, but it's still like a "bolder" version of Alien pushed further into the concept. And also the great evolution for both the band and genre. Obsidian have something that I missed on Alien (which was great too), and I appreciate this a lot. I cannot(and don't really want to) decide, which album I like more. I think I like them equally, but Alien for the first impression of something new, and Obsidian for more interesting influences and the full immersion into that fresh concept.

[@raehex9092]

Idk man this album is 10/10 certified banger for me but to each their own, I’m a huge edm and industrial fan so this hits plenty of fun points for me

[@mastrebliw4179]

its a grower. i can see the repetitive aspect of it, but almost every song in this album has something more once you dig deeper on second or third listen. i love plentyyy

[@prestonhoward9122]

I’ve listened to it about 3 or 4 times since it released and my opinion has completely flipped. This album is amazing!! Love the direction they took with all the electronics and shit like that.

[@MrHoffmeyer2009]

I've only been through it twice now, so I can't say for certain where it places in comparison to Alien. However, I was gripped the entire time. I felt lost in it. The sounds, Marcus's voice, and just the general experimental quality of it all. It's not what I expected, but I'm in love with it. There are certainly some messy parts, but they took some big risks and I respect the hell out of them for it. I can see this making its way into my top 10 at the end of the year easily. Also, Nova is going to be on repeat for the next month. I love it when heavy bands can pull off a chill song, and Northlane did it with Nova, imo. Almost sounds like a Moby song and I'm here for it. Either way, I enjoyed hearing your thoughts as always. I may not always agree with you, but that's not a prerequisite to respect how much consideration you put into things.

[@lordkrampus244]

love this album so much. clockwork is my favourite song but i really like nova, the contrast between the heavier songs and then nova coming in later makes it so worth listening to it. theres so many breaths of fresh air with this album as a lot of the songs drive in a way that is unpredictable and still have enough groove to keep you listening. I think abominations part where it has the insane kick drum part is so cool, absolutely innovative album with a very little generic metalcore sounds. overall i really love this album, when i found it i got introduced to clockwork and then i went down the list and theyre all so good. 10/10 for me

[@vinicius8105]

I think that the main problem with this album is the expectations around it. After what they did in Alien, it would be a very difficult task to come up with an album as impactful as Alien was. However I think that they came up with a sound that expands well into the direction they went and shows at least to me that Northlane isn't a band that is afraid of trying new things over and over again. Really loved the album.

[@calebspencer3451]

Really fresh sound. The whole album is so atmospheric and I love it.

[@The_KlaVra]

We just need a compilations of just Hardcore singing with no music and a extreme zoom on his face.

[@bogdanhxc]

I can make that happen

[@PsychoGoat13]

@@bogdanhxc i’d pay for that

[@The_KlaVra]

@@bogdanhxc that would be top tier meme material... Also, Bodysnatcher just released their new album... If you wanna punch the drywall..

[@moonkream]

I personally loved the edm and the ambience. I love the album with the first listen. Honestly a lot of the songs are quite danceable

[@justinluther2924]

Some of these tracks have big Fear Factory vibes and I'm into it

[@SeventhCircle77]

This album is definitely good and fun in its own way. It’s got everything from chill to bangers

[@TheMetalJam]

I absolutely loved it, coming from a edm fan, I had heard some aspects of techno/edm in the singles and fully expected them to explore that area.. I was not disappointed, still been on repeat since it was released

[@Krauser1226]

I loved this album on first listen and every one since, it's been better. This is really hitting all the right spots for me.

[@Thenameismalvin]

As someone who loves d&b and metalcore i adored Alien so much. Took me 2 or 3 full listens to fully appreciate Obsidian, but boy is it ever unique and amazing! The dark techno, d&b and cyberpunk vibes are an amazing combination with the metalcore/NU metal foundation. Well done Northlane, blew my mind with this album. P.S. the techno drop on Abomination is my fav part of the album! 8/10

[@TheLastDaysOfSorrow]

"Is This a Test?" is straight up Nine Inch Nails and I love it for it lol Overall I share your sentiments on the album though

[@Hankiemooody]

Nova as well. My favorites

[@f1awsy]

it took me about 3-4 listen throughs to realize this is still a fire album. Maybe not like alien, but this is nice.

[@bigmezz5537]

5 great albums in a row, this band continues to set the bar so high!

[@leegoltzer9342]

Your reactions are on point buddy!!!! As a metal head and someone who loves me some nice electronic stuff from time to time… this album is a fcking masterpiece!!!!!! Catchy as hell, heavy, beautiful electronics fantastic drums fantastic guitars amazinggggg vocals…… best northlane album by far and what has now turned me into a huge fan. I even love the softer songs just as much as the ones that rock your face off. Without a doubt, top 5 albums of the year…maybe #1. This is some beautiful music right here!! 🤘🏼

[@stevemuzak8526]

This album is a perfect combination of djent/metalcore/nu-metal and techno music. Definitely inspired by late 90s techno/rave scene. Generic Meshuggah copycat djent scene gets boring. This is something fresh. They are making metal music fun again.

[@jonahwatson1437]

tough for me to say. i’ve only listened through once. i love all the 4 singles. and i do agree that most of the non-singles aren’t especially exciting. but no hate towards northlane at all i just am not sure how much i’ll be revisiting it

[@jarydhodgkinson]

This album is probably the best thing to come out since 2020 (barring Sleep Token). These guys are absolute geniuses.

[@talentscoutreacts]

As someone who was an "EDM" DJ and Producer for 8 years, I can say that their traditional sound design meshes really well with a lot of the darker EDM styles like hardstyle, psy-trance, and liquid drum & bass, so I absolutely understand the decision they made to go this route. With that said, if they subtracted 2 of these "filler" tracks and added 2 of their more traditional tracks, this would be in consideration for AOTY. But we have to take it as is, and unfortunately there aren't enough solid tracks to make this a good piece overall. But the tracks that are solid...man are they solid.

[@talentscoutreacts]

@ivebeen I would say more than 2 are filler. If you replace 2 of the fillers with 2 actual tracks, then the album becomes great.

[@rayrodriguez2784]

It’s Alien pt II and it’s amazing.

[@ugo1140]

To get a full experience, it necessary to take the time to listen to it and decompose all the layers of these songs ! Nice album at first listening, and became Wonderful now.

[@angelmoreno7535]

Totally agree! The amount of layers is ridiculous

[@jacobbrandin]

Inamorata and Obsidian are surprisingly incredible, even better than some of the singles to be honest....

[@_Forza]

I feel like the singles just set the tone for something in a specific direction and then the other tracks felt out of place. They were definitely experimental tracks and I am not going to discourage that at all. I want them to keep pushing the limit at the end of the day

[@ariqfauzan4982]

i can see why this would be very divisive, its leaning a lot more towards the EDM, techno-ey sound more than the more traditional metal sounds. Personally, though not as good as alien, this is awesome. Very unique and refreshing.

[@mikeormoab]

This album was an instant 10/10 for me, and so was Alien. I really do feel like this was a good evolution of the Alien sound while still keeping *some* heavy. I do get how it may not be everyone's thing though

[@atomictoaster8013]

AOTY contender honestly. Definitely a grower, the first listen was admittedly confusing, but it’s like a more extreme version of the last sleep token record or amo - this is * not * metalcore anymore and you’ve gotta accept that to fully enjoy it. I give it a 9/10 on third listen

[@alienbeing3455]

I don’t think so, it’s good but not great

[@karewestfeltkjellgren380]

First of all this album combines the two music cultures that I embrace being Metal and dance music, second of all I’ve been listening to this album all weekend and it’s an emotional ride! Last album was the greatest album of all time so it was always going to be incredibly difficult to beat but in the end this album gives me a sense of closure I haven’t felt in a long long time!

[@twilightlyncis5154]

I like this album, as it feels more easier on the ears. if i want something heavy i can go back to Alien. but for more casual nights i can put Obsidian on. its interesting you mention that some of the tracks are "background ish" and that one of them reminded you of Need for speed, i was first checking this album out to some URL Races in Need for speed Underground 2. and while they might not stand out as much as Alien. its a vibe to have them in the back. especially to something like need for speed!

[@bendixon9659]

I absolutely love the album, hearing them go all in on the techno vibe and how they've embraced their sound and combined it with other genres is quite inspirational to me. I do agree with others that it'll get a much better reception for people once it's been listened to around 3 to 4 times over to really appreciate it. I just loved it

[@Thir0ck]

The thumbnail and video title describe my feeling about the album perfectly. Btw did someone notice how similar Echo Chamber and Is This a Test? sound?

[@b0ssl0af72]

I kind of hear it, but Is This a Test? kind of sounds like it has a classic rock, Van Halen, type of feeling to it, so I like it more.

[@DarkhavenDC]

On my first listen I think that the album is good just primarily on the fact that it's my first lesson and that it may need more than one listen. I also think what could have helped is that they spread the singles throughout the album. I found myself to get kind of bored with some of the new non singles. I'm going to give the album a few more lessons because it might be like a Bad Omens case where the album is extremely experimental but turned out to be great after a few listens.

[@jasonlovesmusicreacting882]

Bad Omens got me right away but still a few mid songs.

[@VictorMontel]

Only decided to give this album a listen a year after the release, and i love it. It's just so much fun, it's super chill, all while giving us some really cool heavy parts. Not the heaviest album, but the fun factor of this album is amazing.

[@b0ssl0af72]

Nova's probably my favorite track on the album. I don't really care for metalcore anymore, and never really cared for breakdowns at all (unless done like the breakdown in LED by Tallah or something). I loved that this album leaned more on the melodic and electronic side. I liked it a bit more than Alien, since I couldn't really get into the second half of Alien for some reason (minus the final song).

[@zackthorpe1643]

Found out quite recently that what I thought where synths was actually taps on the guitar, so a lot of the album is impressive and incredibly synced guitar work, synth and drums which is just amazing

[@milzyman]

It's what i was kinda expecting, and I'm so happy with it. Every track will get more enjoyable with every listen too. This is the Northlane I love most from now on

[@Charlie-vh3xh]

I have to say that after a second listen, this album is probably their best album. In my first listen I dont really enjoy this album a lot, I was just like: "ok" but I decided to give it a second opportunity and this grow up a lot in me. For me their top 3 albums are like this: 1. Obsidian 2. Mesmer 3. Alien

[@M1XEDBAG]

I love it. I love that Northlane always evolves their sound. But I have to give it another listen without any breaks cuz my first listen I basically listens to it in 3 intervals.

[@iMattLewis]

The groove of Is this a test? has me dancing around my house like a mad man every time i listen to it. Lots of fun Love the album but I think the first half is much stronger than the 2nd half. The 3 songs after Nova just don’t hit as hard

[@matthewstevens2556]

What? The title track hits the hardest on the album IMO. The breakdown at the end got me like :()

[@iMattLewis]

@@matthewstevens2556 you’re not wrong tbh but because I’d say inamorata is the weakest song on the record, obsidian feels disjointed from the rest of the album. The synths in abomination and cypher are going to be so fucking fun live-bring on June when I see them in Sydney!!

[@matthewstevens2556]

@@iMattLewis True like I wish Inamorata was heavier so like it flows better into the title track

[@monsieurbreakdown4814]

No way duuuude the last 4 songs are litteraly masterclass.

[@Mariooo57]

I strongly recommend diving into Boom Boom Satellites' discography if you like Is This A Test? so much. They were a Japanese electronic rock band who had many songs in that exact same vein on their mid 00s albums.

[@shoto206]

seeing you enjoy this album is plenty proof that this album is a straight vibe

[@JesseMattocks71]

nothing beats listening to Is This a Test on the bike bumping those beats. LOVE this album

[@Croth4r]

I really like it, cypher is probably my favourite because of its progression. This album is great for a gym session or a long drive.

[@dylelliott9304]

Love how my guy just does his jam and doesn't give a damn! Power to you bro!! Great review - AMAZING ALBUM.... Cypher is up there as a top 3 Northlane song for me.

[@Reiner_Miller]

I recently found this band. This was my first album and I really liked it. Then I listened "Alien" and it took time for it to grow on me but now i like it too even though it's a bit heavy for my taste.

[@MrPeytonB123]

I had a similar reaction the first time I heard it completely. I enjoyed it to an extent the first time, but felt confused (like something was missing). but as I’ve listened through a few more times, I’m really starting to enjoy it. I think it’s just due to how experimental and different it feels at time.

[@core4784]

Alien still top this but i really dig this album tho I'll give it a 9/10. Alien was a perfect 10 imo

[@gSWG3R]

This album is perfect. I much prefer this mix to Alien's mix. It didn't need to compete with Alien imo, it's just a beautiful and experimental album that should be viewed within its own lane. :)

[@jaymandane1663]

Which lane? The north one?

[@gSWG3R]

@@jaymandane1663 ha, finally someone saw my pun