Sydney’s metalcore monoliths Northlane have returned with a new stand-alone single ‘Vultures’, which sees the band take aim at those who’ve criticised their shift in sound over the last few years.
Northlane’s excellent 2015 release Node saw the band delve into a more melodically focused territory, showcasing a heavy focus on ambient, atmospheric elements that elevated its searing heavy production stylings and roaring riffage.
The band continued to experiment with the boundaries of metalcore on 2017’s surprise release Mesmer, where they lent from the sounds of early 00s alternative metal, taking inspiration from Deftones and Tool with groove-focused riffs and hook-laden choruses that highlighted frontman Marcus’ near-faultless clean vocal stylings.
Now, the band have returned with ‘Vultures’, a bone-crushing single – their most uncompromisingly heavy track in years. The track explodes in a feast of down-tuned chaos and frenetic drumming diving head first into breakdown-fuelled frenzy – it’s mosh-pit madness at it’s finest without compromising that signature Northlane identity.
Frontman Marcus Bridge has explained the track is about leaving behind the expectations of others, fully embracing who they currently are as a band.
“The main message is not having to live up to someone’s expectations or live within someone’s idea of what you should be, it stems from a built-up number of things over the last few years that comes with people expecting what we are supposed to sound like as a band since I’ve come on board.
A lot of that stuff that has given us this feeling to want to talk about it. It’s important to be true to yourself and not let anyone mould you in a way that isn’t the way you want to be.”
Northlane announced they’d be taking a break from the Australian touring-circuit this year, playing a farewell (for now) show in Sydney in March this year.
Listen to Northlane’s ‘Vultures’:
