Australia’s talent is emerging thick and fast, which can be said for metal/hardcore outfit Northlane who are back with their powerfully crated second album ’Singularity.’ A perfect example of true musicianship, the record is bound to turn a lot of heads and for all of the right reasons.

From ambient opener ’Genesis’ boasting emotive percussion and vocals combined with haunting strings, Northlane set a powerful tone, leading straight into second track ’Scarab’. The technical structures throughout the album as a whole are enough to capture attention, combining the commendable abilities of each member to craft a series of consistently tasty tracks.

Single ’Quantum Flux’ directs the record down a subtly calmer route but by no means a less heavy one, with fierce breakdowns placed in perfect scenarios throughout the track, confirming that Northlane know how to work their genre without over doing it. ’Dream Awake’ is energy-fuelled in part, transitioning between rapidity and peace and reiterating the solid musicianship that the band deliver.

A real aggressive side of the band is presented in ’Masquerade’, quite possibly one of the strongest tracks on the record and confirming that Northlane are onto something special. The catchy, shouty choruses are a highlight and fierce lyrics are complimented with brutal riffs and breakdowns. Transitioning back down the slower, ambient route is title track ’Singularity’ which features an interesting sample that is guaranteed to make you think.

Northlane have confirmed at least one thing with ’Singularity’ and that’s that they know how to craft a bloody good record. Totalling at 10 tracks, there’s little to criticise here and the band are definitely playing their cards right. Their diverse sound has made ’Singularity’ a potential to be one of the best metal/hardcore records that 2013 has seen.

4/5

’Singularity’ by Northlane is out now on UNFD/Warner

Northlane links: Website|Facebook|Twitter

Words by Hannah Gillicker (@hannahgillicker )